Strong enough to be weak

[Eriq70]

Hey there. I'm a 48yr old gay man...HIV+ and bipolar with a severe anxiety disorder..sexy huh? Anyhow..its been a lousy few weeks and I'm looking for resources. Housing, treatment, advocacy, support, or just good ideas or advice. I'm more than happy to help out myself..if there's anyway I can be of service just say the word! Cheers!😃

[sealiphone]

To find assistance or to explore where your experience may be helpful to others a good starting point is your local Community Voluntary Service (CVS).

They will have a database of local agencies and groups in the voluntary sector. These charitable organisations can supplement the help you should receive from your Neuro-rehab service.

A well funded CAB should be able to help with all the issues you mention and often there will be other agencies specialising in a particular issue.

[Eriq70 in reply to sealiphone]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful advice I really appreciate it. 😊

[steve55]

not gay myself but your a goodlooking chap. what have they given you for your bi polar?

steve

[Eriq70 in reply to steve55]

Oh geez...I've literally tried everything. I've got it fairly well managed..not manic or suicidal so that's a good day. Being self aware is the key for me..and thanks for the compliment!! That's good medicine right there!

[steve55 in reply to Eriq70]

give meditation a go, its brilliant. just sit with your eyes closed, breath in and very slowly breath out, concentrating on your feet on the floor, then change to your back, with practice it will feel as if you are levitating. very relaxing.

[LindaHannah]

Hello, the mention of CAB is a good one. If you are getting support with any of your conditions they may be able to do letters of support for some of what you need. Depending on what your housing situation is you may be able to apply for housing benefit and seek private rent possibly. But try CAB and your support network.

I am guessing you get medications to manage HIV. For anxiety your GP could refer you for counselling or to for primary mental health input for anxiety management. Some areas are better than others for help, but see how you go x

[Eriq70 in reply to LindaHannah]

Many thanks for your response..it truly makes my day knowing someone is listening so cheers..hope you have a good day yourself!!😀😀

[LindaHannah in reply to Eriq70]

You mentioned a time delay, so I guess you are outside the UK. Is you plan to stay where you are area-wise or move elsewhere? It sounds like you are in a time of changes

[Eriq70 in reply to LindaHannah]

I think ill need to stay put for awhile..I've been all over the world and I sure miss travelling. not keen on this town either.

[Eriq70]

No no...sorry. I suppose it's the time difference...I'm in the USA. also...I didn't realize this was brain injury...I'm not actually qualified to speak to that at all as I'm not. although I'm very empathetic..

[sealiphone in reply to Eriq70]

Sorry Eriq70 I presumed you were in the UK, so all my knowledge about the charitable sector in the UK was probably of no use.

However some of the best information I've come across has come from U.S. organisations.

A good start is the Brain Injury Association of America (although do you have a brain injury?):

biausa.org/

I hope you still find us helpful after consulting this great resource, good luck

[keeley24]

I would say if possible try to find a support group for people in similar position as you. As with anything people don’t understand what people are going through unless they have been through it or known someone who has.

[LindaHannah]

👍🤗