rough time

[outlander]

Your welcome @Nic1963 it takes time to adjust for sure. Slow and steady really. It will be ok though.

[Sans911]

Hello and welcome @Nic1963

Its just me and my lil forum Sis having a natter. I'm in Western Australia and @outlander is in NSW. So earlish for me, late for her, but she's a bit of a night owl.

I've been in Community mh units a number of times in the last couple of years. Longest stint was about a month. It's normal to be nervous about what to expect on discharge. So lower your expectations a lot. Give yourself time to get back into the swing of your own life. You had a routine of others for the last four weeks, so it's going to be a little weird. Give yourself lots of self care time to adjust. Use your supports to help you feel safe. Go out with a friend or family for coffee. Go for a walk. Go get your hair cut. Do things that makes you feel better.

I saw you had a support worker on another thread. Are they catching up with you tomorrow or this week? Usually a nurse will phone you within 24 hours upon discharge and again at the end of a week post discharge.

Have you got pyschologist or psychiatrist appointments set up as well? And don't hesitate to use helplines like Lifeline, the SANE helplines, Suicide Call Back Service or your ATT crisis team if you feel overwhelmed or not coping. Sometimes just talking things out helps to calm you down.

I hope some of these things help. Is it possible at this time of the night to ask a nurse for some medication to help calm you or make it easier to sleep? Or get them to make you a hot cholocate?

[outlander]

@Sans911 :ok_hand: @Nic1963 hopefully Sans msg is helpful. Theres lots of good stuff in that post.

[Nic1963]

Thanks for the advice @Sans911

I have a GP appt, psychologist appt. and will book in with councillor for Friday. Yes they did let me know I will be with ACT for the week post discharge so hopefully they give me a buzz. They are organising a case manager for me just have to wait for a call or email I suppose but not sure when that will happen. That’s a good idea... I have access to my own medication so will take something. Thanks for reminding me, my mind feels like it’s all fuzz and I forget all my coping strategies etc.

I have a plan but still feel un prepared ☹️ I will talk to the staff here tomorrow morning though. Can’t hurt to be honest.
And just remember baby steps!

[outlander]

Exactly @Nic1963 baby steps
Use the staff too and express your concerns. They may be able to give some more advice too. I dont think your really ever fully prepared to reenter reality esp after a long stay.

[Sans911]

That's why you have your forum family to remind you @Nic1963😊

I'm not sure if you have any calm or sleep apps on your phone, but I would suggest resetting yourself to sleep. Take your meds, go splash your face with water, pee if you need to (I'm a nurse=no filter) and settle down with some peaceful to listen to.

You sound really sensible, so talking to the nurses sounds like a great idea. They have been through this with patients many times.

And yes, baby steps. It's something I get told a lot to do, but I'm pretty bad at it. You are going to be alright.

[outlander]

Im guessing your not to far off sleep now are you? @Sans911

[outlander]

@Snowie 💕 🌻🖑

[Snowie]

morning @outlander

[outlander]

How are you going? @Snowie