[detfan4life]

My grandfather is dying and I'm staying at my parents' house, which feels warm and welcoming but at the same time I'm away from the structure and independence I'm used to. I may need to cancel some therapy appointments depending on how things happen here. I'm so afraid of another episode that I'm spending hours ruminating about it which obviously doesn't help. This is a really terrible week for me.

[Mountainbard]

I'm sorry you're having such a bad week. I know the feeling. Losing a family member is always difficult, and when it causes you the further stress of being away from your usual structure and maybe having to cancel therapy appointments it's even worse. I also understand the ruminating. I've found that it helps a little to break the pattern-- spend just five minutes doing/thinking about something different, and it will help to slow down the ruminating. I hope things get better for you soon. I'm sending you some good energy.

[gayleggg]

I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. And I know how stressful it can be to be out of your regular routine. Take care.

[Pikku Myy]

Thinking of you

Grief is the worst thing for those of us with mental illness. It dictates our depression, reinforces our anxieties and causes us to question our own self worth. A loss of hope can send us spiralling down.

I think what we need to do is not forget ourselves in the midst of all this. There are things you can do to stay involved but stay positive. Maybe take a package of juice or sandwiches to the hospital for family that is visiting there. Maybe offer to help out around the home you are staying in (make dinner). Things like this ought to keep your self worth up high and prevent that spiral into depression