Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[NikNik]

Hi everyone,

Over the Christmas & New Year period, our loved ones formal supports (Drs, case workers etc) often go on leave or at the very least, closed for public holidays.

Often we can get through these periods, but when loved ones become unwell, it can be hard to know where to seek help. 

So how do you get through this period with your loved one?

Do you & your loved one use your own strategies to manage? 

Do you know of any helpful organisations or places to get support that are available?

For those who have a Plan B for the holiday period, we would love to hear them. For those who don't have a Plan B, here is the place you can ask questions and get yours sorted, so you can have peace of mind over the holiday period.

Nik

[Lunar]

Hi Nik!

Such a great idea I have put together some helpline numbers that are available over the christmas break to start with:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Line 1800 659 467

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

WIRE womens helpline 1300 134 130 (closed between christmas and new years)

Mensline 1300 78 99 78

KidsHelpline 1800 55 1800

1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732

Lunar 🙂

[NikNik]

Hi @Shaz51

Do you have any support plans for your husband in place just in case?

Nik

[Shaz51]

Hello @NikNik, @Lunar, @Shimmer

Do you have any support plans for your husband in place just in case? -- no not really @NikNik

love to hear some ideas , we mostly use what he finds that is relaxing , even thnking of taking sleeping tablets tonight

what about you @MadameMeow, @Former-Member, @Appleblossom, @PeppiPatty

[MadameMeow]

Hi all! I'm really new to this role of supporting my husband so am eager to hear others ideas. My plan is to try and get him out doing things he loves so long as he's up for it. We are taking a mini holiday at a family holiday home so I'm hoping that will be a healing for him. I think trying to make sure he eats well and exercises is also my plan. Keen to hear other ideas? Xx

[Shimmer]

Hi @MadameMeow,

Those are great ideas! Good on you for joining the Forums to explore even more!

I hope you find connecting with the wonderful people here helpful 

I look forward to 'seeing' more of you around!

Take care,

Shimmer

[Shaz51]

Hello @MadameMeow xx

how is things going now my friend ??

how long is your holiday xx

we are taking 2 weeks holidays trying to get my hubby to do some of the things he likes

[MadameMeow]

Hi @Shaz51,
How are you both going?
Things were going better until the last few days when my husband encountered some really tough times at work. I literally had to pick him off the shower floor last night and put him to bed. I slept on the couch with my baby so we wouldn't wake him during feeds.

Our holiday is only a few days but I'm hoping it will be enough to lift his spirits. He's on a low dose of antidepressants now so I'm hoping to see some improvements with them too. It's been two weeks since he started those.

[Shaz51]

Hello @MadameMeow xx

I see you that He's on a low dose of antidepressants now so I'm hoping to see some improvements with them too. It's been two weeks since he started those.

 antidepressants usual takes up to 6 weeks to start working , it takes time and then things will change , if there are working you will notice a difference

there will still be ups and downs but will improve my friend xx

My hubby was on just antidepressants but they never seem to work until he ws put on anti anxiety meds as well

[Shaz51]

Hello @NikNik, @MadameMeow, @Shimmer, @Lunar

my Hubby is using  his own strategies to manage? 

I am using my  own strategies to manage? ,

1) trying to make this week as stress free for hubby so he can cope

2) to be ready for something to happen on the day  and having to ring up and say we are not coming