Lived Experience Forum

[Lauz]

Good work on accessing some coping skills while those feelings come up @Former-Member ! Remember if you need to take a break, there is no pressure but we are also here to support each other through the discussion ✨

[Former-Member]

Good point @Shaz, planning well and communicating that to everyone involved helps relieve anxiety. And as Lauz said, we need to have a sense of being in control I guess.
I've got writer's cramp and run myself in circles planning and attempting to address or avoid 'worse case scenarios' Kinda wish I didn't have so much responsiblity.

[Jm3]

@Lauz I definitely hate the unknown. I think I like the comfort of my options. If one thing doesn’t work for me at home I have another to calm me. You can only pack so many of those options until it becomes impractical.

That plus caring for someone else who already needs extra support and packing is making me stress about a holiday that is supposed to be really great for both of us.

@greenspace I worry about my fur babies too. My last weekend away got cut short because my pup hurt himself in a minor way and my mother, Aunty and grandmother all called me completely panicked and crying. 

[Snowie]

@Lauz 

I make sure I have things out of my coping box to take on the trip. I also make sure I have recordings on my phone I can listen too.

[Lauz]

@Ginny1 are you able to reach out to your GP to get the letter? We will be sharing some resources towards the end of this event on international supports for those going overseas so sit tight, they may be helpful to have for you 😀 Meanwhile feel free to get involved in our questions along the way tonight

[Jm3]

@Snowie  A coping box sounds fantastic. What sort of items do you usually fill it with?

[Former-Member]

The bathroom or toot cubicle is usually a redilly available place to retreat to when crowds or circumstances become overwhelming. Sit alone a while, wash face...
I miss my bed for this when I'm away

[Talin]

I usually use my onesie and soft toys as a coping strategy

[greenspace]

I think it's a combination of feeling less in control/fear of uncertainty, plus negotiating with others/explaining if I need to use self-soothing strategies while I'm staying with people, or meeting someone at a cafe. 

I take my own pillowcase when I go away overnight, for familiarity and so I don't get hayfever from scented laundry detergent. And I take my plush toy dragon that I hug at night -- that's really comforting. 

[Jm3]

@Lauz Well I like to overpack as a coping thing. Which is fine if driving or train or similar. Airplane weight limits tend to make this idea harder for overseas trips.