I like the idea of being in nature and animals too - that always helps me feel connected with myself!
Unfortunately its that time of the night where we have to wrap up! It has been such a wonderful night. So grateful to everyone for their openness and sharing of support, advice and strategies. A HUGE thank you to @Former-Member for sharing her knowledge and insight tonight with us all - it was so meaningful and valuable.
I did a little collection of some of the toolbox we put together tonight for you all to have here and be reminded of.
While we do close this thread/event tomorrow morning - you are welcome to continue the discussion and support in this thread here: Helping a loved one who doesn't want help
Thanks all and take care 🧡
TOOLBOX for useful things to help support ourselves and loved ones (sorry if I missed some!) :
- Not responding with a sense of urgency
- Changing the ways you do respond
- Enlisting the support of others
- Acknowledging that sometimes all you can do is listen and let them know you are there
- Before you go to bed write down 3 things that you are going to achieve the next day that are responsive to your needs.
- Turning your phone off and not being available to anyone for periods of time
- Doing things that are fun and make you laugh
- take time out for myself even for a few minutes
- go for a scenic drive
- listen to music
- exercise
- watch a movie
- read a book
- colouring in
- take a step back when it gets tough
- acknowledging that you can’t 'fix' them, only the person going through it can work on their mental health is a big one. It’s hard but important.
- sometimes asking the person what they need in a specific way helps.
- Also a constant reminder that you are their if they need anything and that they are loved.
- being there for them
- even doing our own self care in the midst of our loved ones
- having morning tea with them or just dropping in each day to say hello or ringing them up
- Breathing meditation (incorporating Mindfulness)
