Made it through Chritmas.

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Sat, December 27, 2008

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First, hello to all. I'm new to the connection.

Christmas was extra tough this year. Holidays and occasions are always difficult for me. The social aspect is the worst. I am expected to attend family get togethers and it's just hard. I can handle one or two people for socializing, but in a large group I get stressed and confused. It's like senory overload. All the sounds, voices in conversation, clanging plates, etc. I have been know to just get up in the middle of a dinner and disappear.

I wish that I came from a healthy and supportive family, but as I've learned that's not the case for most with my Dx. Everyone has their own issues, I understand that. I would just like some understanding. There are actually members of my family who think that I have it good!! I don't work (disability) so they seem to think I'm just living the good life, or lazy. What foolishness. I was so much more content...even happy...before I became ill. I worked, went to school, had a life. It was always a struggle, but I did 'do' things.

I made it to one of three get togethers this year. I won't say I enjoyed it, but I survived. I batted over 300 for the week. I'll take that.

btw: anybody short on shirts? I got six this year. Time for a trip to Goodwill.

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David Robbins

12/27/08 2:48pm

Welcome OceanBlue to the SZ Connection. This site and the members are remarkable.

My family wasn't and isn't supportive of me.... my biological family.

I have two families, my birth family and my "chosen family." My chosen family consists of people I communicate with here. I've gotten more support and caring than my birth family.

Feel free to post here. You will not be judged. We are all here for one another.

Again Welcome,

Dave

Christina Bruni

12/29/08 11:06am

Hello OceanBlue and welcome to the Connection!

Yes, it is sad that people don't understand.

Every day that you get up and deal with things is another victory in and of itself.

Fight the good fight. Solider on.

In solidarity,

Christina

Donna-1

12/30/08 12:17pm

OceanBlue -- what a pretty nic!

Your post describes my situation exactly...up until about a year ago. All my life I had felt bombarded by sounds and colors and voices and hated social situations. It made life very difficult because I was always trying to avoid people and parties. My mother encouraged me to go, so I would go to church or parties and find a place to hide till it was time to go back home.

Then about a year ago, suddenly I had no social anxiety. I became calm in the midst of the storm and no longer feel paranoid about walking through a crowd or places like restaurants. No longer does it feel that everyone is watching and talking about me. What was my "cure?" I have made an effort to take my antipsychotic, Zyprexa, as prescribed. Not skipping doses as often. I think this gave me a chance to move deeper into recovery rather than teetering on the brink of psychosis.

So I offer this message of hope. It is possible for these feelings to change. Part of my problem may have been that I waited so long to get help in the first place, that I had a long uphill climb and have gradually reached a point of stability and peace. I don't work, either, and my sister and brother think I ought to. I live with my mom. I enjoy life now.

Carolyn

Made it through Chritmas.

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