Introduction - Just joined the group

Hello, Ann.

Welcome to Connect!

I believe you will find many people here who will share their experiences, triumphs, and struggles with you.

And you'll be able share your knowledge and expertise with them. It's by helping each other that we all benefit.

I had a stroke more than seven years ago. It left me permanently disabled. Despite that, I try to encourage others, whether they've had strokes or are just undergoing different health challenges.

Again, welcome.

Good day, Ann - I am a retired nurse. I have had brain cancer and have been treated and then cured for the last six plus years. I have had several injuries. as a car accident when I was 13 years old. Plus, many broken bones and treatment. I am sorry for your concerns, but I feel treatment by a physician will do you well.
This program at Mayo is very good. It has many suggestions - and others to talk to. I believe we all have some difficulties in life. Be well and have a nice day.

@annrn76 hello and welcome.
It sounds like you are dealing with a lot and it’s great you are making steps to connect. I have many of the same issues. Are you able to access clinicians for medication and therapy? Wishing you the best

@annrn76 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You've already garnered a few responses to your post, and that's great to read. As @scottrl said, there are many people who will share their experiences here. It is definitely "not one size fits all", and I sincerely hope you will find nuggets of golden information and motivation as you read through this conversation.

You've taken a first step by posting and indeed, that can be so scary in itself, right? "Will others respond?" "What will they think of me?" "Do I put myself out there for others to see?" "What will I read?" "How much do I say?" Big hugs to you for being brave and stepping out.

Are you seeing any professionals right now for help along the way? Remember, we like to think of this forum as a safe place to say what is important to you, and to be able to lean on others for support.
Ginger

"I have had suicide attempts and struggle to get out of bed on a daily basis."

I've been there with both. And I will tell you this from my own experience. You do get out of bed. That alone speaks to the strength you have, even if you don't recognize it. Hold that up to the light you need so badly. Every morning.

After a trip to the hospital, a bipolar 2 diagnosis, and a few more months of being on the antidepressant I had already been on, there was a medication switch that made all the difference for me. I've been fortunate enough to have this one bring things under control. Work with a psychiatrist, and don't be afraid to try medication, and to change out if things aren't working. In my case the previous medication backfired and deepened the depression. That's not necessarily the case for everyone, but from my own experience, I highly suggest flexibility while trying to find something that balances you out better.

Finding a good therapist is also a huge piece. That not only provides insight, over time it can create a trusted relationship. And it means routine social time. Since I work from home, that's been a huge benefit, even though my job does have me interacting with a lot of people.

The pandemic didn't help the need to be social, and I augured down into self-imposed isolation that I didn't initially resolve as things returned to normal. This also worsened my condition. I've managed to get myself back out, both meeting new people at 61, and reuniting with longtime friends. And I've chosen to be open with those friends about what I went through in recent years. It's helped me process the burden by talking about it, and has given me a tremendous well of support. Good people don't offer judgement. They offer love and a ready ear when you need one.

Exercise is also key. I walk three miles a day with my dog (pets are wonderful companions if you're in a living situation where you can have one). The walks give me time to contemplate what's happened in my head, and to reflect on the course of my life. Both the good and bad parts. I'm also part of a mountain biking group that provides even more exercise, as well as another routine social event. If you're physically able to involve yourself in something that gets you both moving and doing so with others, you'll start to look forward to it.

I've unplugged myself completely from social media because of the anger that vents on those sites daily. Getting clear of that was a huge mental health benefit. I socialize in person now. It's far more positive. People don't generally act as foully face to face as they do through a screen. That's another suggestion.

I'm still dealing with bipolar, but the suicidal impulses have left, my mood has been generally better than it has in years, and all of the things listed above have been part of why. It's a long haul, it isn't easy, but hopefully you'll find some tools in this post and from the words of others. You've also signed on to a good forum. It's very well moderated. Avoid the online groups where people rant. Especially on social media. I'm not saying they're bad people. Often they're desperate. But a lot of misinformation can circulate there, and the anger can snowball in yourself. You need to protect yourself first.

Hang in there. You'll find ideas and support here.

Your strength and resilience shows in your post. It is difficult to reach out, especially when on high alert, if you are like myself. People here do respond and I have had a lot of support through several of the groups on here. Hang in there.