Feeling down in the dumps...

[savingjane]

Maybe it's the time of year....it is getting cold indoors...I struggle with fatigue, but the way I've been feeling recently is next level, like even little things like putting on socks feels exhausting. I want to stay in my bed wrapped in a blanket but I have to walk my dog. I'm anxious about having to re-apply for PIP (it was awarded two tears ago due to head injury/brain bleed) after an appeal. I try to manage on disability benefit, but am way behind with electricity payments. I just feel really useless.

To outsiders I look 'normal', but I am also neuro-divergent, so very good at masking. I take a daily dose of Prozac and try really hard not to touch alcohol.

Sorry to sound so down in the dumps, but I hoped writing on here might help a little bit.

[Rosebud66]

you.re not the only one. Two hours in the garden and I was in bed the rest of the day. Friends have given up, so this is a lonely path. Just know you’re not alone. Couldn’t make the headway gathered tonight. Just too tired. It goes on and no, so I really get it. Keep walking!

[WonderingWanda]

it’s good that you have a dog. A focus away from it all and one that forces you out. Exercise is so important and small talk with strangers can even be a lift.

I think we all struggle with the end of summer and the darker days. It takes more effort to function.

It sounds like you do have some low mood that is adding to the fatigue. Depression is such a drain and such a demotivating factor

But this too shall pass. Take one day at a time. Don’t spiral around thinking of all the negative things that are brewing around you. It’s not helpful nor productive to ping pong about all the stuff that’s wrong in our lives.

Try to find one thing, just one thing a day to feel grateful for and let it be your main focus at the end of the day.

Be kind to yourself. This is hard. It’s ok to feel fed up. But it will pass.

[Painting-girl]

This is where we say the stuff we can't always say anywhere else, so don't be sorry about being 'down in the dumps'. I find it hard to cope with the darker, colder evenings too, but I think even neuro normal people do.

I used to keep a journal of sorts where I just wrote down anything good that had happened - someone smiling or saying hello when I was out, or some food I particularly liked. Small stuff. It was good to read back after a few weeks too,

One thing to try when things feel bad which might be useful, is a multisensory exercise - it feels artificial at first, but is worth working through. First find something pleasing for you to touch ( I've got a velvety cushion) then something good to smell - like perfume or essential oils for example, then play some music you like, then look at something that gives you pleasure like flowers or a particular photo, then taste something you enjoy. (You can even set up an 'emergency kit' with all those elements in it ready to go through when you need).

I'm sorry that things are so difficult for you - PIP must be weighing on your mind.

I am worried about your electricity situation - some fuel companies have a contact number or email if you are struggling. Also please try and get in touch with your local CAP UK team who can help you manage your finances (they give a totally free service to anyone) capuk.org/get-help

Take care - you know you can always vent here x

[Graceissufficient]

How are you feeling now, jane?

My injury is minor compared to most here, but it is requiring patience of an extraordinary kind.

The slowness in regaining strength is extraordinary.

[Thundersmom]

I regret you feel so lonely and alone. I decided I wasn’t going to hide for the sake of others anymore.! I have found some women ( I am fortunate) who seem to live my “ different” they know about my brain injury. I attend a Woman’s group that helps but I would like to connect with more TBI folks. I hope you feel better soon.