Things to help with recovery

[Fred!]

Hi :)

I am doing pretty well at the moment so I'm looking for suggestions of things I can begin to do that will help me to get back on track and into real life. I'm in the UK and I have been to uni (although only managed 2 years). I have got A-levels, etc. I'm 25 now so lots of avenues of help are closing.

I'm not ready to work yet (I haven't worked for over 3 years). I've been looking into things like volunteering and stuff like that.

So I was wondering if any of you lovely people might be able to help with some ideas of things I can be doing to continue to get better.

I have Avoidant, Dependent and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorders, Depression and Anxiety.

I struggle with commitment.

I'm just about to start working with a group that help young adults 'with barriers to work' get into work or whatever.

(I'm in Norfolk, and live rurally but have a car so I can get to things, but just that things cost a lot of money to get to).

[The Worst Witch]

Things I can think of off the top of my head are:
• Finishing uni (if this is something you want to do)
• Volunteering
• Start doing things you enjoy that are going to help keep you stable, hobbies etc.
• One of my old counsellors told me its helpful to do something that gibes you a sense of achievement, something that relaxes you and something social each day. I have seen this in various recovery websites and it helps me!

Will come back to this and let you know if theres anything else I can think of :)

[Fred!]

Thanks :) I've thought of finishing uni and it's still definitely too much for me and I can't really afford it either :(
I do a little volunteering already and am looking into other options or increasing the amount I do the volunteering that I already do. (At the moment I'm just helping out at a youth thing every few weeks).

I go to the gym which is really good at the moment. So I'm continuing to do that. I actually find it good to unwind at the gym because I'm concentrating on the exercise not the thoughts. I'm moving gym with is anxiety provoking but it's ok for now.

I like the achievement, relaxing and social thing :) I will have a look into that. Thanks :)

[yoyogirl]

To me doing the complete opposite helps me a lot, having 3-4 days with the phone off, facebook account/social media turned off is pure bliss for me.
A cup of tea, netflix and phone is paradise to me wish it could be everyday.

[sherlock holmes]

Have you considered The Open University? You study at half of the intensity and you do it all from your own home. I was someone who did about 1.5 years of uni in London and couldn't cope at all with it. Then I changed to the OU and I've been with them three years now and I'm halfway through my degree. It's a lot easier to manage, you can study as and when you want to. You do get support and there is about 1 tutorial a month you can go to if you wish. You can get your fees covered by Student Finance England too! It's a part time loan, and as it's different from the full time loan you would have had before then you would still be eligible.

Maybe go on meetup.com and see what groups are in your area? A book club or walking group would be a good idea!

[Fred!]

Hey Sherlock. I just checked out meetup but there's nothing near me without going into the nearby city :( I might start a new group if I can... not sure.

I know there are walking groups and things like that near me so might look into that :)