[Gretchen]

I need a mental illness sponsor like when I had a sponsor in AA I'm a hot mess and all over the place. Like when I look at the Mental Health Support section I've got issues in 10 stinking categories. I don't know where to start first.

Welcome to PC Gretchen. Sounds like an interesting concept. One thing about this place is that there are bound to be a few, at least, with something in common to your own experience. Usually someone will respond to statements/questions/rants etc. and on pretty well any topic too. Everyone here has gone thru some tough stuff. To varying degrees for sure but the main thing is that we are all familiar with the common denominator. That being, this shite sucks. And it can at times. PC can be a good support for this. It's pretty laid back and open for the most part. Start where-ever, however you want...!

Is it ok maybe to ask what led you here?

[sugahorse1]

Pls explain the concept of sponsor?
Welcome to the boards btw!

[Gretchen]

Originally Posted by quizzickle

Is it ok maybe to ask what led you here?

A recent dx and a new therapist. Thanks for the welcome too

[Gretchen]

Originally Posted by sugahorse1

Pls explain the concept of sponsor?
Welcome to the boards btw!

A sponsor is someone who takes you under their wing so to speak and guides you through the process, having traveled that road before they are prepared to help you through the rough spots. Your sponsor is the person you call when you have a question or need support, etc. In the case of Alcoholics Anonymous, the sponsor encourages you to attend the meetings, gives you pep talks, etc.

And thanks for the welcome

'morning Gretchen...cheers...just because. Was going to speak a little more but damned sleeping pill is winning the vertical vs horizontal issue that seems to be suddenly very important...silly grin to you cheers and goodnight until later perhaps. Have a great Saturday..

Hi Gretchen,

Welcome.

If I were to announce that I would be glad to be your sponsor, you would actually be able to hear a rolling wave of laughter rounding the earth as the news arrived in each country.

I'm a hot mess, too.

So, it would not be advisable for me to act as a sponsor to you, but I am around if you are ever having an really "sucking the bat" kind of night, and on a rare occasion, a broken bead of wisdom might drop out of my pocket, that may be useful.

I guess I'm trying to say, I get you girl, sucks I don't have the skills your looking for, but in a time of total crisis...

I got your back,

-Fleeing Bellocq

[costello]

Doesn't DBT have something similar? Coaches or something? It's a bit different because they aren't peers, they're mental health professionals, but in theory you're supposed to be able to reach someone to talk you through rough spots while you're in them - rather than waiting until your next appointment or meeting to do an autopsy.

[Gretchen]

I see my therapist once a week (6th one in 20 years) but I have alot of issues just with therapy in general much less what I need to work on. I have to makes notes during the week because I clam up when I sit in the chair ....and I feel a little empowered each time I leave but by the next day, therapy itself has now thrown me in a tail spin and I left to my own devices until same time next week

Hah, I think my therapist should have to live with me and experience me full on, not just one hour a week!

[sugahorse1]

That sounds like a great idea.
You'll soon build up some relationships on here, and the idea of 'sponsor' kind of just falls into place