My Place

[Snuggles]

@Till23 

I sometimes wonder if trauma plays a role in cancer from the start. Dealing with the trifecta of cancer, trauma, and total isolation feels almost unbearable at times. Maybe that's what drew me to Hopeandlove in the first place.

Right now, I'm taking a break from the forums because I'm feeling overwhelmed.  However, it's been so nice to be part of a small group of compassionate people.  Thank you.

With everything happening in the world, I have a feeling we’ll see many new contributors who will need some reassurance and compassion.

Sending hugs,
Snuggles 🥰

[Oaktree]

@Snuggles 

Well I hope trauma has nothing to do with cancer because I have a history of trauma. Decided with my psychologist today that now isn’t a good time to do the trauma therapy because it’s impacting me so much and I am trying to study at the same time. I hope you don’t stay away from the forums for too long. Look me up when you get back online. Love and hugs going with you x

[Till23]

Actually @Snuggles there is now quite a lot of evidence that people who have suffered trauma go on to have chronic diseases especially inflammatory diseases and other diseases including cancer.

 I am also trying to limit my time on forums currently.

 I absolutely agree that current world and Australian issues are likely to cause an increase in people seeking support.

 I hope your break from the forums is helpful and allows your batteries to recharge

Take care

[Till23]

@Oaktree despite the fact that there is evidence linking trauma to a range of diseases including cancer, not everyone with trauma will get these diseases.

Cancer has many known causes or contributing factors (smoking is an example) but also many currently unknown factors. So I wouldn’t worry about it, you can’t change the past, so you’re better off targeting the protective factors like good nutrition, low intake of processed and esp ultra processed foods, exercise, sleep, low alcohol intake, not smoking. These are factors you can control, at least to some degree.

Are you happy to share what you are studying?

It’s a juggling act trying to manage MH issues, treatments, work, study and other responsibilities. So be gentle with yourself.

[Snuggles]

Heya @Till23 @Oaktree 

Till and I are both in our 60s, and back then, we didn’t have support groups like the SANE forums. Instead, we repressed our traumas, and it seems we both ended up choosing to stay alone and childless. Perhaps, being younger and having these forums to turn to will help you not only mentally but physically as well. It’s an interesting thought. Being on your own without support becomes even more daunting as you age, frailty sets in, and the fear of developing dementia is not uncommon.

I’ve decided to take a little break because I’m experiencing old emotions I thought were under control, like hypersensitivity, OCD, and paranoia. What happened to Hopeandlove, and especially that final letter about ‘cruel words’ and having no support, has deeply affected me. I can only imagine how frightened Hopeandlove must have been.

Once my emotions settle, and they will, I’ll pop back in to see how things are going.

Hugs to you both,

Snuggles 🥰 

[Till23]

Oh @Snuggles I am sorry to hear you are feeling a bit unwell. Please be gentle with yourself and take as long as you like/need.

 I think that HopeandLove got quite a bit out of our little support group, so although she didn’t always have support, in the end she did, even if it was virtual.

 I do worry about ageing without support as well. I am trying to eat well and increase exercise so that I can live in my own place and be self-sufficient as long as possible. I am also trying to join groups so I can make connections with others, even if they are not as deep as I would like at least there’s someone if I need help with something small, that I feel ok asking for help. So I can empathise with some of your concerns 

Look forward to chatting @Snuggles when you feel up to it

[Oaktree]

Hey @Till23 @Snuggles 

I am 54 years old and am studying a cert 4 in mental health peer work. It’s week 5 and things are starting to be due. It’s a little bit stressful 

[Snuggles]

Hi @Oaktree 

Thanks, a chat when I'm feeling more myself would be really nice.  Good luck with your studies, I think you'll make a terrific peer support worker.

Take care.

Snuggles 🥰 

[ArraDreaming]

Hi @Oaktree

[Dimity]

Good luck with the assessment tasks @Oaktree . Just pace yourself, you should do well.

Hello @Snuggles @Till23 I've missed a lot of the discussion but suspect we have a lot in common.