📣 Discussion Topic: How can others best support you? (with your symptoms, mental health, treatments, etc.)

[Skye_MC]

Hi, everyone! 👋 This month is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss how we can support each other through the ups and downs of pancreatitis.

Living with pancreatitis brings its fair share of challenges, both physically and mentally. So, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the best ways others can lend a helping hand. Whether it's understanding your symptoms, providing a listening ear for your struggles, or offering support during treatments, feel free to share the kind of support that makes a real difference for you. 💙

[Rgee]

Hi, Id really like to know if theres anyone on here that had a relapse with alcohol after being diagnosed. I was in denial/stressed out which led to the relapse. I know that will be the first and last time because I was pain free until i messed up so now the guilt and regret im feeling right now has taken over every minute of life. I dont see how i can ever get over this feeling...

[Skye_MC Administrator in reply to Rgee]

Hi Rgee 👋 I'm sorry you're feeling so defeated right now. I can only speak from personal experience as someone who's seen my parents struggle with alcohol – it happens. Many people relapse at some point in their journey with sobriety. What matters most is what you do afterward. And living with pancreatitis, that means prioritizing your health and well-being. It sounds like you've already decided to do this, with it being your "first and last time." Be proud of yourself for that!

I would recommend focusing on your mental health now, too. Forgive yourself – we're all human, and we all make mistakes. Is there someone in your life you can talk to about this and seek support from?

I would also recommend looking into support groups for sobriety, if you feel it may be helpful. Here are a couple of resources you may want to look into:

Alcoholics Anonymous: aa.org/

Smart Recovery: smartrecovery.org/

[Rgee in reply to Skye_MC]

Thank you so much for the kind words, I do have my wife to talk to from time to time. Its my daughter that is on my mind all the time. Thats whats hard to cope with. Thanks again for responding, ive felt alone for so long until this group ❤

[madonbrew Pioneer in reply to Rgee]

Hi Rgee, I haven't generally ever really drank because I got diagnosed aged 19 and my consultant gave me strict instructions not to drink back then, however I have struggled with an eating disorder my whole adult life...now 44. So I understand the guilt and the difficulty of trying to live without it...it's totally different but kind of similar. And it doesn't help me with the pancreatitis, but more so now, the diabetes I have because of the pancreatitis.

Its a tricky one and one I've not quite figured yet, but just wanted to say, hang in there! And don't be afraid or embarrassed or ashamed to get help. I really think most of us start these things to help us through life...that unfortunately doesn't really help us in the long run. But you are worth more than a painful life of pancreatitis and are worth taking care of...taking care of you! Sorry if that sounds a bit 😬 😅 but you can do it!...I'm talking to myself equally here!!!

[Rgee in reply to madonbrew]

Hi madonbrew, I cant thank you enough for going out of your way to try and relate your story to mine. It just so happens that Ive been having a really rough day when I came across your reply. For what its worth I feel a little bit better today just because of your thoughtful insight and its greatly appreciated. I find the best therapy for our condition is to feel less and less alone so I thank you for that.