#Illness support

[al4thea]

Perhaps someday, in another life, they'll finally get the ending they deserve.

"You look beautiful today Johnny, as always."

[neuroticboyfriend]

it's never too late to start brushing your teeth again. i basically never brushed my teeth for a whole 10 years. a decade. A DECADE. i still struggle to brush my teeth once a week, but it all started with brushing my teeth once every few months. so i mean it when i say brushing your teeth once a week, a month, a year, or even a decade, is better than nothing.

and still, nothing is not shameful. it is not immoral to struggle with self care. and it is also not pointless to keep trying. anything you can do, even if its wiping plaque off with a towel, is enough. it is good to take care of yourself however you can, even if it's just trying to muster the will to. reading this post is good, too.

i believe in you and i am proud of you, even in the smallest of steps. it's okay. you can give yourself grace.

[inkskinned]

hey btw if you're in the USA at  2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4, they're testing the emergency broadcast system. your phone is probably going to make a really loud noise, even if it's on silent. there's a backup date on the 11th if they need to postpone it.

if you're not in a safe situation and have an extra phone, you should turn that phone completely off beforehand.

additionally, if you're like me, and are easily startled; i recommend treating it like a party. have a countdown or something. be surrounded by your loved ones. take the actions you personally need to take to make yourself safe.

i have already seen mockery towards any person who feels nervous about this. for the record, it completely, completely valid to have "emergency broadcast sounds" be an anxiety trigger. do not let other people make fun of you for that. emergency sounds are legitimately engineered to make us take action; those of us with high levels of anxiety and/or neurodivergence are already pre-disposed to have a Bad Time. sometimes it is best to acknowledge that the situation will be triggering for some, and to prepare for that; rather than just saying "well that's stupid, it's just a test."

"loud scary sound time" isn't like, my favorite thing, but we can at least try to prevent some additional anxiety by preparing for it. maybe get yourself a cake? noise cancelling headphones? the new hozier album? whatever helps. love u, hope you're okay. we are gonna ride it out together.

[natalia-lafourcade]

Everyone please keep Palestinians living in the Gaza strip in your thoughts. They have nowhere to go and Israeili PM Netanhayu has threatened to bombard them.

[ermwhatsup]

the ides of march starting to trend on march 1st is like the tumblr equivalent of those people who start listening to christmas music on november 1st

[1982brucespringsteen]

some good news!! the spanish state's ministry of equality has finally passed one of the most progressive trans laws on the planet, shielded free and universal access to abortion and banned conversion therapy and genital surgery for intersex babies, among a lot of other feminist policies. the minister of equality irene montero gave a speech thanking spain's lgtb and trans associations for helping her draft these legislations. couldn't be more proud!!

[potato-lord-but-not]

put the podcast guys’ boyfriends (and non corporeal besties) in a room together to trauma bond

[kiindr]

friendly reminders:

you don't have to be productive every day

you are worthy even if all you did today was get out of bed

there are people out there who care about you

your existence makes a difference

if something bothers you, then it bothers you. no one has the right to tell you otherwise

you are allowed to take up space

there is no 'right way' to grieve

you cannot put a time limit on emotions

your likes and interests are valid and they matter

it's okay to take your time in doing things. not everyone can do everything at the same pace

[brandyschillace]

Today I will list the things that cause a sudden flare up of my condition:

1. Nothing.

Like for real, it’s the butterfly effect, it’s ocean currents, it’s nothing or everything—but I can tell you what it’s not. It’s not my ‘fault’ or due to some laxity of routine. Chronic conditions gonna chronic.

Have one? You don’t have to play 20 questions with yours either. Stuff happens. ❤️

[choccy-milky]

💖🎊the end, & thank you for reading!!🎊💖

im so thankful for all the support i got on this story, and i wouldn't have finished it if not for all of you, and for the love i got for seb and clora. so thank you again for giving me the motivation to write this 600k+ monster, and to see it through to the very end. LOVE YALL💖🫶 (ao3/wattpad)

[kindnessoverperfection]

Please, if you can, take a moment to read and share this because I feel like I'm screaming underwater.

NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) stigma is rampant right now, and seems to be getting progressively worse. Everyone is using it as a buzzword in the worst ways possible, spreading misinformation and hatred against a real disorder.

I could go on a long time about how this happened, why it's factually incorrect (and what the disorder actually IS), why it's harmful, and the changes I'd like to see. But to keep this concise, I'll simply link to a few posts under the cut for further reading.

The point of this post is a plea. Please help stop the spread of stigma. Even in mental health communities, even around others with personality disorders, in neurodivergent "safe" spaces, other communities I thought people would be supportive in (e.g. trans support groups, progressive spaces in general), it keeps coming up. So I'm willing to bet that a lot of people on this site need to see this.

Because it's so hard to exist in this world.

My disorder already makes me feel as if I'm worthless and unlovable, like there's something inherently wrong and damaged about me. And it's so much harder to fight that and heal when my daily life consists of:

Laughing and spending time with my friends, doing my utmost best to connect and stay present and focused on them, trying to let my guards down and be real and believe I'm lovable- when suddenly they throw out the word "narcissist" to describe horrible people or someone they hate, or the conversation turns to how evil "people with narcissistic personality disorder" are. (Seriously, you don't know which of your friends might have NPD and feels like shit when you say those things & now knows that you'd hate them if you knew.)

Trying to look up "mental health positivity for people with npd", "mental health positivity cluster bs", only to find a) none of that, and b) more of the same old vile shit that makes me feel terrible about myself.

Having a hard time (which is constant at this point) and trying to look up resources for myself, only to again, find the same stigma. And no resources.

Not having any clue how to help myself, because even the mental health field is spitting so much vitriol at people with DISORDERS (who they're supposed to be helping!) that there's no solid research or therapy programs for people like me.

Losing close friends when they find out, despite us having had a good relationship before, and them KNOWING me and knowing that I'm not like the trending image of pwNPD. Because now they only see me through the lens of stigma and misinformation.

Hearing the same stigma come up literally wherever I go. Clubs. Meetings. Any online space. At the bus stop. At the mall. At a restaurant. At work. Buzzword of the year that everyone loooves loudly throwing around with their friends or over the phone. Feels awesome for me, makes my day so much better/s

I could go on for a long time, but I'm scared no one will read/rb this if it gets too much longer.

So please. Stop using the word "narcissist" as a synonym for "abusive".

Stop bringing up people you hate who you believe to have NPD because of a stigmatizing article full of misinformation whenever someone with actual NPD opens their mouth. (Imagine if people did that with any other disorder! "Hey, I'm autistic." "Oh... my old roommate screamed at me whenever I made noise around him, and didn't understand my needs, which seems like sensory overload and difficulty with social cues. He was definitely autistic. But as long as you're self-aware and always restraining your innate desire to be an abusive asshole, you're okay I guess, maybe." ...See how offensive and ignorant that is?)

Stop preventing healthcare for people with a disorder just because it's trendy to use us as a scapegoat.

If you got this far, thank you for reading, and please share this if you can. Further reading is under the cut.

NPD Criteria, re-written by someone who actually has NPD

Stigma in the DSM

Common perception of the DSM criteria vs how someone may actually experience them (Keep in mind that this is the way I personally experience these symptoms, and that presentation can vary a lot between individuals)

"Idk, the stigma is right though, because I've known a lot of people with NPD who are jerks, so I'm going to continue to support the blockage of treatment for this condition."

(All of these were written by me, because I didn't want to link to other folks' posts without permission, but if you want to add your own links in reblogs or replies please feel free <3)

[disabled-bug]

Reminder at all, someone with a disability/chronic illness might be capable of completely different levels of activity from day to day. You can’t hold yourself or others to the best version of the physical self every single day. That goes for able bodied people too! Energy levels fluctuate, and for people with a disability/chronic illness that difference will be even more extreme.

Be patient. Be gentle with yourself and others.

Just because the other day you did a workout, went grocery shopping, and/or washed your hair, it doesn’t mean you’re less valuable today while you’re stuck in bed.

Be kind to yourself.

[indopelita]

A Comprehensive Guide to Caring for Ill Family Members at Home: Top Tips for Success

Introduction: Navigating the Complexities of Home Care for Your Unwell Loved Ones

When a family member is unwell, navigating the complexities of providing care and support at home can be a challenging task. To ensure the comfort and well-being of your loved one, it is crucial to equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools for effective caregiving. In this in-depth guide, we will share essential tips and strategies for caring for sick loved ones at home, empowering you to become a confident and compassionate caregiver.

Crafting the Ideal Healing Environment

Creating a comfortable and safe space for your loved one is a top priority. Make sure their room is tidy, well-ventilated, and free from potential hazards. Clean bedding and additional pillows or cushions can provide added support and comfort. Keep essential items within reach, such as a water bottle, tissues, and medication, to promote independence and convenience.

Transitioning from the healing environment, let's discuss the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices.

Upholding High Standards of Cleanliness and Infection Prevention

Keeping a clean and sanitary environment is crucial for preventing the spread of infection. Encourage your loved one to practice good hand hygiene and provide hand sanitizer for added convenience. As a caregiver, frequently wash your hands and wear gloves when handling contaminated items or bodily fluids. Regularly sanitize high-touch surfaces in your loved one's living space to minimize the risk of infection.

Next, let's delve into the importance of providing nourishing meals and proper hydration.

Fostering Recovery through Balanced Nutrition and Fluid Intake

A nutritious diet and adequate fluid intake play a crucial role in the healing process. Prepare wholesome meals tailored to your loved one's dietary needs, focusing on a variety of whole foods, such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Encourage them to consume smaller, more frequent meals if their appetite is low. Additionally, ensure they stay properly hydrated, especially if they are experiencing fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Now, let's explore the vital role of managing medications and adhering to prescriptions.

Overseeing Medications and Adhering to Medical Advice

Effectively managing medications is essential for your loved one's recovery. Keep an organized record of all prescribed medications, including dosage, frequency, and possible side effects. Create a medication schedule and utilize a pill organizer to track dosages accurately. Always follow the healthcare professional's recommendations and consult with them before administering any over-the-counter medications.

Next, let's examine the significance of closely monitoring your loved one's health.

Tracking Symptoms and Overall Health Progress

Regularly assess your loved one's symptoms and overall well-being. Maintain a journal to document their temperature, pain levels, and any new or worsening symptoms. This information can prove invaluable during medical consultations or doctor's appointments. If your loved one's condition worsens or you have concerns about their health, seek medical advice promptly.

Transitioning from monitoring health, let's consider the importance of providing emotional support.

Delivering Compassionate Emotional Support and Encouragement

Offering emotional support is a vital aspect of caring for a sick loved one. Encourage open communication and actively listen to their concerns, fears, and feelings. Reassure them that they are not a burden and express your willingness to assist in any capacity. Provide companionship through shared activities like watching movies, reading, or engaging in light conversation, which can positively impact their emotional well-being and recovery.

Now, let's discuss the role of physical activity in the recuperation process.

Promoting Physical Activity within Reason and with Professional Guidance

Depending on the advice of healthcare professionals and your loved one's specific condition, gentle physical activity may aid in their recovery. Encourage them to participate in light stretching, short walks, or other low-impact activities to maintain muscle strength and improve circulation. Always consult with a medical professional before initiating any exercise routines and ensure your loved one does not overexert themselves.

Next, let's consider the role of rest and sleep in the healing process.

Facilitating Adequate Rest and Quality Sleep

Rest and sleep are crucial components of the body's healing process. Encourage your loved one to take naps during the day and create a comfortable sleep environment at night. Minimize disturbances by maintaining a quiet, dark, and comfortable room temperature. If your loved one experiences difficulty sleeping, consult with their healthcare professional for potential solutions.

Moving forward, let's discuss the importance of effective communication with healthcare professionals.

Fostering Collaboration with Healthcare Providers

Maintaining open communication and collaboration with healthcare professionals is essential for providing the best care for your loved one. Accompany them to medical appointments to stay informed about their condition, ask questions, and address any concerns. Keep a list of essential contact information for healthcare providers, such as doctors, pharmacists, and home healthcare agencies, for easy reference.

Lastly, let's address the significance of self-care for caregivers.

Recognizing the Importance of Caregiver Self-Care

As a caregiver, prioritizing your own health and well-being is essential. Ensure you maintain a balanced diet, get sufficient sleep, and engage in regular physical activity. Seek support from friends, family members, or support groups, as caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding. Remember, taking care of yourself enables you to provide the best possible care for your loved one.

Conclusion: Empowering Yourself to Confidently Care for Your Unwell Family Members at Home

Caring for a sick loved one at home can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By following these comprehensive tips and strategies, you can create a nurturing environment that fosters healing and ensures the comfort and well-being of your loved one. Remember to collaborate with healthcare professionals, provide emotional support, and prioritize your own self-care. With the right knowledge, resources, and commitment, you can confidently care for your unwell family members and contribute to their journey towards better health.

[trashpocket]

✨ not a role model, but a runway model ✨(he’s been rotting my brain) --- good news, i just opened a ko-fi!

[honeypleasejustkillme]

suicidal people deserve a space to talk about their suicidal feelings without risking hospitalization/institutionalization or being accused of being manipulative or attention seeking

[neuroticboyfriend]

get in bitches, we're surviving rock bottom no matter how much further we dig. one day we'll put down the shovel and climb out of this for good. we have to. as long as we're still alive there is hope.