Lived Experience Forum

[casba]

Hi,

I'm struggling and I don't know what to do or who to reach out to. I have therapy, but won't be able to talk to them until next week. I had a horrific flashback / episode yesterday and I'm shaken. People around me know I have mental illness but they don't know I'm struggling with my gender identity. I don't have anyone to talk to and I'm scared to reach out to a helpline because I'm scared that they don't understand. I guess they would have some kind of training but most won't understand and I don't want that to trigger me even more. I'm just tired of it all.

[Peregrinefalcon]

Hey @casba  Welcome to the Forums!
I can see things are feeling really tough and it is great that you are reaching out. 

It can be a scary thing wanting to get support but feeling afraid others won't understand. 

I wonder if you would feel more comfortable speaking with helplines/services who specialise in gender diversity and LGBTQIA+ communities?

If so, here are some links that might be helpful for you:

- https://au.reachout.com/articles/lgbtqi-support-services

- Better Pride Helpline: 1800 531 919

You deserve support - you are going through a lot

I hope the Forums can be a source of comfort for you, too.

Take good care of yourself 

Kind regards

Peregrinefalcon

[Appleblossom]

Hello @casba 

Sometimes when we are extremely vulnerable and triggered the best thing can be wrapping ourselves in a cocoon until we can reach effective help. There are folk over on a Saturday Soiree thread if you feel up for that.   There is a lot of acceptance on the forum, and different ways of relating from deep and meaningful to lighter but heartfelt social threads.  There are members who also identify with gender issues and if you search the forum you may come up with individual stories that make you feel less alone.  In the meantime Stay Safe.

[wellwellwellnez]

Hi @casba . Pleased to meet you. I think I can understand the source of your pause. You've got very different things going on there and you wouldn't want yourself or others to get 'em mixed up or having weird diagonal triggers (all those sorts of things).

I think it all be done and you're being pretty conscientious having a quick look at the complexities of mixed disclosure dynamics. If you can recognise the difference between a recovery thing and an authenticity thing, that'll go a long way in making the communication easier. It always helps.

To delibaretely misquote, The Matrix, "Know yourself and the world knows you."

[Jynx]

Hiya @casba 
I'm one of the other moderators and I wanted to pop in and welcome you! 

I am nonbinary myself, and also asexual, and I totally feel you when it comes to the experience of isolation and feeling like even if others DO accept you, they often don't understand. It definitely helps to find others who share your experiences! You'll find there are quite a few forumites who are also part of the LGBTQAI+ umbrella. We have a social space over at this thread - feel free to jump in and say hello, and if you want you can also ask the fine folks over there for some support. Whatever feels most comfortable for you! 

Your hesitations about helplines are understandable - you may end up receiving acceptance, but not necessarily that understanding (although you may also be surprised!) but I reckon you could always give it a go. Try the lovely folks at the SANE Help Centre, or you can give the folks over at Rainbow Door a try - they have a helpline, and you can also get support via text or email.

You're not alone!! We're here for ya 

[flash-ferret]

There should be phone lines like GLWA? still around - it's hard though, I did the Lifeline counsellor course and I know a number of them are there to help you through "right now" or "through the night/day" and provide contacts. It's places like this where people can share experiences and advice and perspective that can give you something more substantial likewise with social groups. I hope the episode has eased and you've been able to find a point where you might be able to contact therapist and ask if you can bring appointment forward or some means of help when you've needed it more than usual.

[frog]

Just wanted to say hi @casba @flash-ferret 

[flash-ferret]

thankyou @frog