Posted by Margi (161.184.81.207) on May 09, 2001 at 12:44:06:
In Reply to: Nuther update posted by katrina on May 09, 2001 at 11:49:23:
Boy, your post touched me. I'm a supporter too. I intimately understand your frustration and your light socket analogy made me smile. Been there, done that, even submitted a design for the O.U.C.H. T-shirt a million years ago!
How do we supporters keep our sanity, you ask? ARE we sane? Is that a pre-requisite for being a supporter? If it is, I'm in the wrong lineup. Seriously, Katrina, what I have found to be very important for me is to make time for myself. Even if it's just going out for a walk by myself, or to the gym for a workout, anything physical. It really helps to relieve the stress you go through. I feel so utterly helpless and frustrated that I can't stop Mike's pain, and I end up making myself physically sick because I keep it all inside. It's got to go somewhere. When I can see that Mike is ok, or between attacks, I will take that time to myself. He feels so guilty that we go through this, and I feel guilty that he feels guilty, and so on and so on. Cluster guilt is contagious, for sure. You have to find an outlet for your frustrations, Katrina. it's truly your best defense.
Of course, hanging here with these folks helps a lot too and we all have email if you would rather chat off the board.
I'm at moxie_miss@hotmail.com if you need anything, ok? Please feel free.
Hugs
Margi