Dealing with several diagnoses

[Ellu]

I last posted on a SANE forum several years ago, but something prompted me to write again today. I am in a bit of a mess. For a start I have had bipolar disorder for 50 years (yes, 50! I am 71 now.) Recently that has been well controlled with medication and regular visits to my psychiatrist. I have also had, all my adult life, a  secret eating disorder. I have managed to cope with this reasonably well, although I do still panic if my weight goes over my "ideal" weight. Then two months ago, after several mysterious health symptoms, I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. This is a progressive disorder, with no effective teatment or cure, so I have to accept that my life span will be limited.

This morning I woke up feeling that I was not part of this world any more. I just gave up on myself and

buried myself under the doona, feeling that there was no point in engaging with people or things any more. Eventually I did get up, but my mood is low and I am afraid that I will fall apart with all these things going on.

Does anybody have any ideas or advice that would help me pull myself together in order to cope with

all these diagnoses? What has helped you in bad times? Has anyone else have experience of coping with a physical as well as a mental diagnosis?

[tyme]

For me, self-talk goes a long way, but sometimes, you need someone to encourage you to engage in self-talk that is helpful and effective @Ellu .

Would you be interested in SANE's other services (if not already)?

To access our services, clients can self-refer/sign-up to any of the following:

SANE’s Guided Recovery – this is a 1:1 program that runs for approximately 16 weeks. Clients can work with a Counsellor or Peer Worker.

SANE’s Recovery Club – these groups are held via Zoom and focus on a range of recovery topics.

These services are all free of charge. It may be helpful to talk to someone about what you are going through and work on some specific goals in the 1:1 Guided Recovery?

[SmilingGecko]

Hello @Ellu you poor love. So sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis of MND. It must have come as a crushing blow plus a sense of further burdens for you to shoulder. Its certainly hard managing illness as you get older.

I've had my share of illnesses and many times felt like I was losing hope. I have had to learn radical self compassion and patience with my process.

I know what it feels like when we don't want to talk to others and shut people out because we simply have had enough. I think theres nothing wrong going into retreat to manage our emotional wellbeing. Cocooning can be a safe choice when everything gets a bit much.

I also think flexibility and being mindful of inner self talk is the key that has kept me emotionally resilient. The berating inner critic really needs to be silenced to allow your vital life force energy to do its thing. The mind can be the slayer of health

I don't set rigid unrealizable standards for myself either in terms things that need to be done around the house. If I have not been up to doing certain things I won't chastise myself over it. If my house is messy let it be. If I can't cook something I intended to I will accomodate my physical and emotional state by keeping things manageable.

As we get older we need a sanctuary of our own to live in so I have learned to manage that aspect of my life for my utmost benefit. This should not be denied to people as they age. Having a space that is conducive to rest and recuperation with enjoyable activities that soothe and replenish the soul.

Also some measure of passive gentle movement that you are able to easily accomodate stops energy stagnation so the mind is clearer. Meditation so there is heart coherence and any other easy to do  practices you can incorporate to instill a sense of wholeness.

I did read in a book by a doctor once dietary changes for older folk should be of a more mushy consistency to allow for digestibility as digestion is weak in older people. If you can't digest you won't assimilate things.

I wish I could give more key suggestions but I follow qualified influencers in the health and wellbeing industry who offer amazing content to engage fully with your mind and body which is not allowed on the forums. There has been so much free content - it has not been cost prohibitive to me. 

Sending you my best wishes. I hope other people can come up with good suggestions for you here today ❤️

[Alisse]

Hi @Ellu 

Welcome back to the forums. I’m really glad you reached out again, and I hope being here helps you feel supported.

I’m so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis of MND. That’s such a huge thing to deal with, and it’s no wonder that some days feel overwhelming.  Wanting to stay under the doona and withdraw makes complete sense. I get that.

What you’ve described, questioning the point of connecting, and doing things, sounds like a natural response to a serious diagnosis. Often there’s a feeling of shock, denial, sadness, and helplessness that can come with such news. But you don’t have to navigate that alone. 

There are services and supports that exist to help people and families living with MND, and connecting with them could bring both practical guidance and emotional understanding.

I’m in NSW, but each state offers support services.

https://www.mndnsw.org.au/

https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/find-services/state-mnd-associations 

Connecting with others who truly understand can sometimes ease that heavy sense of isolation.

On a personal note, I live with bipolar and disordered eating, and I also manage chronic early onset osteoarthritis, which brings its own physical and mental health challenges. For me, counselling and body-based (somatic) therapies have been important in staying connected to both my mind and body. While it’s not the same as what you’re facing, I can deeply relate to how hard it is when physical and mental health struggles collide.

I also saw the impact of a life-changing diagnosis on my son. It really affected his mental health, but when he joined a support group and met others who understood what he was going through, it gave him back a sense of connection and hope. Sometimes those peer connections can make the biggest difference.

I want to acknowledge the incredible strength it took for you to share so openly here. Please be gentle with yourself as you process this huge and unexpected change. Keep reaching out, both here and in other supportive spaces, you deserve to feel held and not alone in this.

Sending you care and wishing you comfort as you find your way through.

Kindly Alisse