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Belongs to: Therapist reacts to Let You Down by NF
I’m not saying much as right now it just hurts. I’m un-medicated and have been for the past few weeks waiting on PA’s to go through as I move from Trintellix back to Viibryd since Trintellix caused too much nausea. My depression and SI/HI has gotten worse overall, which sucks because I’m also between therapist since mine moved out of state and then the hurricane came through so they were out of work the past week.
I lost my dad due to suicide at the age of 8 (I’m 29 now but it’s still not a bit easier). My mom and I’s relationship is extremely distanced because she and my stepfather kicked my wife and I out of their spare trailer we lived in…that hurt a lot. I’m thankfully loved and accepted FULLY by my wife’s family and live with her paternal grandparents, and her mom is willing and happy to be a mother role for me since I’m lacking that.
I’m wanting to volunteer but with everything I have going on mentally and neurologically with my Epilepsy, I’m worried I won’t be able to be much help to others. I’m definitely open to suggestions, though!
I hear you, friend. Thanks so much for posting. Sending some love your way, as it doesn’t sound like you’ve had it easy.
It’s awesome that your wife and family are there for you. Also, it’s great that you want to volunteer.
Just tonight, I got this advice that might be helpful: Don’t wait until you think you’re ready to try it. You are more than enough right now. On heartsupport there is a lot great training and team workshops to help us help others. Basically everyone is working on themselves as we work together to help others. Even your post here is helpful! No one person has all the answers. Different perspectives and experiences really help us all “push back the darkness” as a family.
Thanks again,
Satty
@HeartSupport You know, that quote holds a lot of truth. My biggest hurdles currently are managing my Epilepsy, mental health through therapy, and obtaining my certification and then degree in computer science to become a cybersecurity analyst.
I would love to volunteer, are you flexible, and try to work with schedules with all the above having been mentioned?
I’m so glad you have a team of people to love and support you–and it sounds like you want to be part of a team to serve other people, too. That’s generous! Are you wondering about what kind of volunteer opportunities would be good fits for you? I wonder about making a list of things you love to do, things you feel safe doing, places you enjoy being, etc. and seeing if any viable volunteering opportunities pop out at you. Getting ideas out of my head and onto paper always helps me!
I once knew a lady who had a stroke and was paralyzed down half her body. She volunteered by making phone calls. There’s always something you can help with, even if it seems small. Every little thing needs to be done to make the big things work.
Hi friend! My name is Marie-Anne, I work at Heartsupport and manage our volunteer programs. Currently we have two ways for you to volunteer:
Our year-long peer support program, where you can offer peer support to someone who would be matched with you for a year. You can apply here: BTS Mentorship Program | HeartSupport
Our Support Teams program, which consists of signing up to write 100 replies to people who reach out through our content (just like we are interacting here!). Time commitment can vary depending on how you approach it of course. You can apply here: S.W.A.T. - Support Wall Action Teams | HeartSupport
If your schedule requires flexibility, I would definitely recommend you the latest. You’ll see in the application that you can either:
join a team that meets every week on Discord - so you sign up to attend those meetings - during which volunteers write replies together, until reaching 100 replies. Being in a team is usually a more neat experience as you connect live with other community members and grow in your practice with others.
not join a team and choose to write weekly replies depending on your own schedule. We just opened this position to fit the needs of people who want to help but might not commit to weekly meetings and/or can’t find a team meetings they could attend.
As we just created the second one, please bear in mind that we are currently designing this to make it a positive experience and ensure that you don’t feel isolated either! Either way you’ll be invited to complete a training after your application, then after completion you’ll be invited to join our Discord server where our staff and all other volunteers are.
if you have any specific question, feel free to reach out to me by email at [email protected]! <3
@HeartSupport@Micro: Hi! Thanks for all of that information, it really helps a lot! The last option seems like the best for me in my current situation. I understand it’s still in its development phase, but I have little doubt that I’d feel too isolated. Plus, you’ll be developing further as we go.
I’m definitely open to suggestions, though!
