Still here battling the Black Dog

[Tonystitcher]

Hi still here but not stitching much a I am an Out patient at a mental hospital and because of my state of mind. I am not allowed needles or scissors unless supervised and as usual they are just too short staffed to spend an hour or so watching me stitch. When I get home I get anxiety attacks so that messes up evening stitching.

[karen4bells]

I'm sorry you are going thru a tough time and I do hope you are soon feeling much better. Sending loads of hugs and prayers your way

[wwdiva]

So sorry to hear of your struggles. You are a hero to me for being open about your battle with mental illness . It takes so much strength to do so and it will help to make the stigma of this type of illness hopefully go away sometime soon.
Hope you are feeling stitching well again!
Cheers

[backafteradozenyrs]

I can totally relate. I've suffered from "The Big D" for a long time. I notice it's worse whenever my stitchy bug has flown the coop...losing interest in my hobbys as well as almost everything else. I'm fortunate to have a Doc that understands & I've been stable on my Rx for years. (I have some hope of being able to come off of it in the next year or so....depending on how things are.)

Sorry to hear about the restrictions...they make sense but in an odd way, ya' know?

[Fizzbw]

So sorry, it sucks doesn't it

I hope you feel better very soon. I wish there is something we can do other than lots of positive vibes and prayers

Niki xxx

[Fljotsdale]

Sorry about your problems, Tony and it must be horrible not to be able to do the things you love doing because of your illness.

Have you thought of using your stitching time, or time in hospital, to design patterns? You can do it without a computer programme, cos I've done a tiny bit myself, but not enough to offer advice - but I know several people on here do it and I'm sure they'd be happy to advise on what you need (like graph paper!) and how to go about it.

[Oriettait]

I am sorry to hear about your struggke Tony, i am sending you and hope you will be allowed to stitch soon again

[Lulu22]

Sorry about your problems, Tony and it must be horrible not to be able to do the things you love doing because of your illness.

Have you thought of using your stitching time, or time in hospital, to design patterns? You can do it without a computer programme, cos I've done a tiny bit myself, but not enough to offer advice - but I know several people on here do it and I'm sure they'd be happy to advise on what you need (like graph paper!) and how to go about it.

I think thats an excellent idea Flots.

Sorry to hear of your illness Tony I hope you feel better soon anxiety is difficult to deal with I have bouts of it myself I did go along to a Positive Steps course which the doctor referred me to, it was quite helpful I met people with similar issue's and picked up some good self help techniques.
Wishing you the best Tony take care

[Nachstenliebe]

I think if taking some off time from stitching helps you take care of yourself it's worth it.. I'd even suggest if the the facility could start a group stitch therapy group....stitching in itself is very theraputic

[Rose]

I am sorry that your are having a bad time. I hope that you can soon be back to your stitching and other fun activities. Take care of yourself and try not to worry about the little things. Be well!!!!!!!!!

[Point Pelee]

Hello, I admire your bravado and tenacity to fight the "D," to share your pain and struggles on this forum, will also help others that stand in the same shoes,that you are dealing with. The silence and stigma needs to be battled, with your voice you are helping. Keep strong and keep fighting, you are loved and cared for.

Warm regard,
Sandra

[Stitchinkitty]

Stay strong Tony.You can beat this.

[Mystonique]

Hey there. You aren't alone! I've been where you are and there IS sunlight behind the shadow of that dog.

It helped me immensely to understand that my condition was physical - not just in my head - essentially the chemical imbalance is a reaction to stress/illness/grieving that causes depression but it also kills off brain cells ... making it harder to function and thus making you feel worse. BUT - and here's the awesome bit - just like any illness if you take care of yourself you WILL get better 8}

I'm about half way there. I still have really bad days but they are just days now, not seemingly endless times. I have blue weeks but I know that if I just sit still they too pass. And sometimes, not often but sometimes, I even smile 8}.

The panic attacks are less severe and less often, the anxiety is still there but knowing it will go away helps enormously in living through it.

As for no stitching - try word puzzles. I do crosswords, find a words, sudoku etc - if you aren't allowed a pen you can use crayon or get a DSI and use your finger (I've really been here).

[Serinde]

Wish I could come down and sit with you and we could both stitch.

I don't suppose you are in a position to ask about this, but I wonder if the OT (there must be one!) can get in touch with volunteer groups like the WRVS or even the local Embroiderer's Guild to see if there is anyone suitably qualified who might volunteer to come and supervise?

If it would aid your recovery, it seems such a small thing to organise.

[Mrsadm]

Hi Tony, I wish I were there to give you a big hug!

Whenever I am unable to stitch, I can still enjoy reading the many needlework blogs and being so inspired. By them, to try new designs and new stitches. I also enjoy educational needlework videos on you tube. I hope you can find some enjoyment in stitching "vicariously!", and learn some new things as well!

[Amanda G]

So sorry to hear of your trouble with the Black Dog but it shows your strength that you are open about it and able to share it. Sending you for a brighter future.

[tiffstitch]

Sending you a big and hope you continue to fight against it. Hope my package arrives soon too.