Now the festive season is over.....

[chloe40]

1. How did you get through it ?

2. How are you really feeling ?

3. Have you any plans to help yourself?

Chloe

[kenster1 Moderator]

Hi Chloe I`m waiting on CBT again as my PTSD support was put on hold not sure when CBT is starting though. The festive period was my worst in a few years although it was quiet and I needed that big time. Mentally been stuck in a rut for many months finding it difficult to shift this period.

[chloe40 Administrator in reply to kenster1]

HI kenster1 Kenny,

Do you have face2face CBT or online?

Shame your PTSD is on hold, it doesn't help does it.

Sorry you've had a rough holiday period, I can understand that it can be very stressful especially when all you want to do is get back to normal.

I really hope you pick up this year, hopefully your health will be better and perhaps continue with your volunteering too.

Take care x

[CountrieSweetie]

Hey!

I hope you have had a great holiday season and you got everything you asked for.

1. I have been carrying around this immensive and merciless empty hole inside of me caused by my lil brothers death 2 years ago. I hate the holidays, from the time October hits, which is when his birthday is, till the year is over I am in so much pain. Trying to pretend to be ok so that my dad doesn't see me breaking into a million pieces. I have to remain for them. So, How did I get throught it? I didnt have any other choice, did you?

2. I think i answered this in 1, haha

3. What kind of plans could a person make that would be healthy and helpful to help me deal with this. Any Suggestions?

[chloe40 Administrator]

Hi CountrieSweetie

Welcome to Above & Beyond.

I'm so very sorry to read about your younger brothers death, you and the family must have been and still are devastated.

We all have different relationships with our loved ones and so it can be hard to grieve if you are supporting your Mum or Dad and don't want to show how upset you are.

It's a horrible time to lose someone as you can associate the run up to the holidays to your brothers loss, but here are some suggestions that I hope help.

Try and arrange to do something your brother loved during that time, maybe it was cinema, diner, or cook his favourite meal for you all to celebrate his life. Maybe he had a special place he liked to visit, or dancing perhaps.

You'll know what his hobbies were, so think about these and see if you can come up with something from these.

Make a memory box, decorate it and fill it with photos, maybe birthday cards he sent you or little gifts, reminders for you to treasure. Decorate the memory box and Keep it close to you, (I keep mine under the bed) and take it out whenever I need to be close to my loved on.

Finally, let me say I have a Bereavement forum on HU so you will find lots of support from our very friendly members.

healthunlocked.com/bereavem...

Take care and check in with us soon x

Chloe

[iwillflourish]

I got through it by practicing DBT skills and not forcing myself to spend time with people I didn't want to.

I'm feeling relaxed and taken care of.

I'm staying active in my support groups.