Despair *potential trigger: abuse*

[NikNik]

Hi @hiddenite

I'm so sorry to hear about the day you've had - it sounds like a few big things have happened today and are all stacking up and has caused an enormous amount of overwhelm for you.

I would agree with Jacques... you have done some very brave things today - including going to the GP. Did you let him/her know that you have stopped your medication?

It's really important that you consider your safety plan for today and tonight and perhaps a plan for the next couple of days? Will you work on this with us?

For today and tonight, it's really important that you contact a crisis service.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or their online counselling

Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467 or their online counselling

Will you agree to contact one of those services?

If things have de-escalated, it might be worth at looking at some distractions for the rest of the day/night.

Some ideas that come to mind include:

- Reading back over some of the supportive responses members have provided you. Even a few posts above, I can see that Suzanne and Lisajane have posted some advice and encouragement - I'm not sure if you've seen it yet or not

- Checking out the Coping Box which is a thread people have contributed ideas on what they do when they are distressed and looking for distractions. Read more here

- Practice mindfulness. Check out this thread that Kristin started about mindfulness and how it can help reduce distress. Read more here

- Crafty stuff - I know you're currently working hard on creating those costumes for your daughter and her class

I'm also about to email you with more information.

We really care you about Karen, and are concerned for your wellbeing.

Will you take up one / some of those options above Karen?

[hiddenite]

Hi Nik
I did tell the gp I had stopped my medication.
I have rung lifeline for support.
and I will take up some of the options.
thanks
karen

[NikNik]

Thanks for the response @hiddenite

Myself and I'm sure many others are sitting around the fire with you tonight. If you want more ideas on discussions you can visit or things you can do on the Forums, let us know - I'm sure others may have some tips

[hiddenite]

Stay grounded and in the present by using my senses.
break my night down into smaller more manageable pieces.

Challenge the negative thoughts.
They are just thoughts I am not my thoughts and I do not have to act on them.

I have a sensory box with essential oil and pictures of the girls and my favorite things.

My girls will keep me grounded as we have been making blankets together.

tomorrow I will ring my psychiatrist

[Jacques]

Hi @hiddenite my angel & @NikNik,

oooooh that fire looks nice, especially since it is 10 degrees here today, i nearly froze to death in the shed.

Good girl Karen, i am proud of you making it to the school, you should be proud of yourself for that.  and i am glad you are reaching out.

how are the blankets going? how are my flowers going?

Well i have some good/bad news for you Karen, the pond i was telling you about, the 1.5 X 1.5 pond? well i am not putting it in anymore, mum has decided we are putting in a 5m X 9M pond in the back yard!!!!!!  oh crap i have to make it now, she wants me to make a pegola sitting over the water and have a bridge running to it!!!!!!!  oh no looks like it is going to be a big job, it is going to take up 1/3 of the yard.  oh well, hey Karen i want some input from you, i am thinking of putting in some "rainbow roses", what do you think?

[hiddenite]

Wow j

thats sure going to take some heavy work I'd live to help. Maybe when you're finished I could sit with you by the pond. Those frogs are going to be in heaven.
I love the picture. Roses are my favorite. How did you know.

[hiddenite]

Thanks for the fire Nik im still cold from spending the day in the car.
I am going to do some Mandalas with the girls.
They enjoy coloring in.

[Jacques]

Well @hiddenite My angel,

not so much work as i lead on, we have an old pool, so i am removing the pool and the pond is going in the hole that is left, their is still a lot of work, lining, building the pegola,etc... will post some pics when i eventually get it done.  i would love nothing more than to have you enjoy it with me.

With the roses, i am glad roses are your favourite, what do you think of the rainbow rose?  should i plant some?  i can't believe they make multicolour roses like that, i am in awe.

Well you are sounding a little better tonight, i am glad you are doing things with the girls, i feel a little ashamed asking this, what is mandalas? i have never heard of them. 

you are so lucky with having girls to do these things with.  do they enjoy it? it is good to give you girls some bonding time, just the three of you.

i hope all goes well with the mandalas, and you manage to settle a little, oh what essential oils do you have? where do you get it, i am wanting sto make some oils for my diffuser.   i like the rose one and the lavender, and orange.  what are your favourites?

ok Karen i will stop asking questions, i don;t want to take away quality time with the kids.

Take care my angel, hope to speak to you tonight but if not see you in the morning.

Jacques

[hiddenite]

J mandalas are pictures that are supposed to evoke more relaxing responses often used for concentration meditation and calming. You color them in. If you google it you can find them on the internet. The private hospital gets you to do them. I enjoy it and do the girls.

the rainbow rose looks beautiful the king parrots at our old house would love to eat them. I love roses that smell nice the old fashioned sort.

my favorite essential oil is called sanctuary it is a combination of lavender, ylang ylang , orange , patchouli, and geranium. I put some on everyday and have some in the car if I need it.
I get it from the health food shop. Lasts a long time too.

thankyo Jacques for your help and susupport todayI would be truly lost without you.

Karen

[Jacques]

Oh @hiddenite, they look awsome, i am definatly going to get some to do.  they look good for taking your mind off of things.

i hope the girls and yourself do plenty of them, make a montage of them.

Oh yes, the old fashioned roses, i have a peach one and a deep red on planted in the back yard, the smell is amazing, (even though it triggers my hayfeaver) but the sneezing is worth it. here is a picture of them from last year.

i am waiting for them to get strong in the pot before i plant them.

oh wow the essential oil you said sounds nice, strong, but nice.  will check out a store when i next get to town.

Karen you are so worth it,  you are my friend, when you feel pain and hurt, i do to.  i only want the best for you, you know that.  enjoy your mandalas, try not to go outside the lines

Keep warm, big hugs

Jacques