cath04

Open Self-Injury

I used to self harm by cutting etc. I haven't done that for quite some time now, however I feel myself slipping back, getting the urge to do it. I am still self-harming to an extent, by over eating, binge eating.

Open Adoption
Type: Open Adoption

I was adopted at 6 weeks of age, when I was 4 my parents adopted another child. He became very ill and a lot of their time was spent with him. He survived but always to me seemed the blue eye boy. I didn't attach to my adoptive mother and always had issues with her.

Open Obesity

To be honest, i've never really been thin, was always overweight as a kid and nothing much changed as i got older. Also have depression and binge eat, turn to food as a comforter in bad times.

Treatments

Weight Watchers Working / Worked

to an extent, but always felt hungry and can't cope with being hungry

Open Autism / Autism Spectrum

Hi, I don't have autism, but i work with it. I currently work in a residential school for children who have severe autism. The children are aged from 6 - 19. I'm in the UK so our way of things may be different from those of you in the USA or other countries. However anyone got any questions/concerns feel free to ask. Can't promise i'll be able to answer them all though.

Treatments

Avoid Certain Foods / Chemicals Working / Worked

works with some of the kids.

Brushing Therapy Working / Worked

using it to reduce anxiety in some of the students and seems to work

Concerta Working / Worked

works brilliantly for some of the students.

Independent Living Skills Working / Worked

work on these daily to help them have some independence

Occupational Therapy Working / Worked

use this on a daily basis with the chidlren. works well

Patience Working / Worked

this is the main thing, you really have got to have patience.

Picture / Word Schedules Working / Worked

use Pictorial Exchange Communication System with all the children. It's brilliant helps reduce their anxiety

Play Therapy Working / Worked

use intensive interactions with the kids.

Risperdal Working / Worked

at least half the kids i work with are on this. My partner also on it for BPD and it works great to reduce anxiety.

Sign Language Working / Worked

use Sign-a-long and Makaton with some of the kids.

Open Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

I get this most months, the few day run up to my period watch out, i'm evil, teasy and feeling down right crap.

Treatments

Evening Primrose Oil Somewhat Helpful

helped a little, but nothing major

Open Coming Out

I always fancied the female teachers at school, just didn't know about being gay at that point. I then met someone through another depression website, met her and immediately felt more than friendship. One night at my lowest told another friend and she banged our cyber heads together and it turned out she felt the same about me!! we've been together 5 years now, and civil partnered for 6 months

Open Pet Bereavement

Lost my first pet when i was about 9 (a cat) since lost some hamster, guinea pigs etc. Recently lost one of my cats and nearly lost another at the same time. Still got 4 cats, dreading loosing the old man of the bunch as he has been my saviour on many occasions

Open Bereavement
Type: Loss of a Relative

Lost my Gran day before I took my CSE exams (age 16) that was 21 years ago and i still miss her every day. 23rd Nov 2007 - my great auntie olive has just passed away this morning. Just in shock at present

Treatments

Crying Working / Worked

Pets Working / Worked

my eldest cat and all the others to be honest keep me going

Poetry Somewhat Helpful

Prayer Not Working

Don't believe there can be a God out there.

Support from Friends & Family Working / Worked

Support from my lovely wife.

Open Asthma
Type: Adult Asthma

I used to have asthma as a child and then grew out of it, got re diagnosed with it 14 years ago. Don't need regular inhalers, just when i'm exposed to a trigger (pollen) or have a cold

Treatments

Inhaler Working / Worked

Use Beclomethasone and Salbutamol.

Open Personality Disorders
Type: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

My Wife has a diagnosis of BPD and is on here. Last time I saw a psych they murmered something about BPD for me, have not seen them since as they discharged me and my GP is now managing my depression.

Open Bipolar Disorder

My partner has a diagnosis of BPD but I think she may have Bipolar (probably as well as BPD)

Treatments

Risperdal Working / Worked

Controls some of the anxiety

Open Tuberous Sclerosis (TSC)

I am a Brownie Guider and a new brownie will be joining us next week who has TSC

Open Diets & Weight Maintenance

Currently loosing weight following the Slimming World Plan

Treatments

Slimming World Working / Worked

Open Food Allergies
Type of allergy: Peanuts

I have a mild nut allergy and my partner is intolerant of Aspartame

Treatments

Avoid Certain Foods / Chemicals Working / Worked

I avoid anything containing nuts, and my partner avoids Aspartame like the plague

Open Insomnia

I used to have problems with staying asleep 8 years ago, new anti-depressants sorted it out, but I'm now coming off these, and it's rearing its ugly head again

Treatments

Lavender Not Working

Doesn't work, and irritates my asthma

Music Somewhat Helpful

helps me to get to sleep, but not stay asleep

Trazodone Working / Worked

Worked: Having to downdose though and come off it as hoping to get pregnant

Lunesta Working / Worked

Was on this before Trazadone but cant go back on it as not safe in pregnancy