originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:48 PM

9. What is one thing about illness you have learnt from tonight? 

Something cool I learnt (other than info of a few illnesses i'd never heard of before) is that despite what we are each going through individually, we can all come together as a group.

 

It was awesome that we each could relate to each other tonight, even though we all have different experiences with illness or caring for someone with an illness.

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:47 PM

YAY @cat12345 one of the most important messages of all 🙂

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:34 PM

@cat12345 tumblr is the best. it was my number one "go to" back when i was going through a rough patch.

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:36 PM

some of my mates laugh when i say i use pinterest but i dont care i think its helpful and lots of motivational things are on there

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:40 PM

8. If I was caring for someone else, I'd probably hit up a site like ReachOut with it's fab factsheets to educate myself, along with seeking help from my support network!

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:43 PM

Respite is a good point @j95

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:39 PM

8. What about if you are caring for someone with an illness, where might you go for support?

There is often support groups for family and loved ones of those with a chronic illness. There can be camps for kids, weekly support groups

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:42 PM

also local health services can provide respite! so carers can get a break and the person with an illness can too.

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:44 PM

So as the metaphorical sun sets on another GR session, I just wanted to say it's been a pleasure to hear all the stories you have had to share! 

 

Final question! 

 

9. What is one thing about illness you have learnt from tonight? 

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:49 PM

I have also learnt that I should use pintrest for motivation 🙂

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:53 PM

AND WITH THAT LAST QUESTION COMING TO AN END... I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR COMING TONIGHT

 

Tonight we have spoken about dealing with illness and positive ways you can manage unexpected diagnosis. We have discussed what some negative coping mechanisms might look like such as withdrawing from friends or family, smoking, substance misuse (etc) and where you can get support such as from friends, family, doctors, peer support groups or even carer helplines!

 

There’s no doubt about the fact that dealing with a chronic illness can SUCK, but we also know now that there are some things we can do to make ourselves feel better. Self-care is SUPER important! And sometimes talking through your experiences or feelings with those around you can make you feel like some weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

 

Remember:

 

 

We really appreciate everyones involvement tonight and thank you for sharing some of your personal experiences with us.

 

We’d love everyone to share some more ideas on our new coping strategy and distraction thread! Let’s count to a million… and one! http://forums.au.reachout.com/t5/Everyday-life-stuff/1000001-COPING-STRATEGIES/m-p/142899#U142899

(woo hoo!)

 

For anyone who would like further reading on illness or chronic illness check out the below links from RO:

 

http://au.reachout.com/living-with-chronic-illness

http://au.reachout.com/what-is-coping

http://au.reachout.com/building-better-coping-skills

http://au.reachout.com/emergency-help

 

 

And remember medical information is also available at www.healthdirect.org.au  or you can seek medical information using the following phone numbers:

 

• NSW Call - 1800 022 222
• Victoria call - 1300 60 60 24
• QLD - 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:54 PM

Thanks @lanejane ! 

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:54 PM

Thanks guys!

Have a good night and stay safe.

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:55 PM

Thanks everyone!!!

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:51 PM

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:54 PM

@FootyFan26 it's a website and app for pictures basically.

 

you post photos of things you like and can pin other things you like.

 

I THINK.

 

i've only used it once and need to use it again!

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:47 PM

9. What is one thing about illness you have learnt from tonight? 

 

That illnesses are generalised and that there are many different ways to deal with having an illness yourself and supporting people with an illness.

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:35 PM

Also - sort of related to the last question...

 

8. What about if you are caring for someone with an illness, where might you go for support?

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:38 PM

8. What about if you are caring for someone with an illness, where might you go for support?

 

Same really

 

• Friends
• Fsmily
• Forums
• Teachers
• Psychologists
• Counselors
• Call a helpline
• Use support websites
• GPs to get advice

originally posted on 13-07-2015 9:42 PM

I'm pretty sure that SANE has a carer forum for people supporting someone with a mental illness.

 

http://saneforums.org/ 

 

Blueboard is also one for carers of people with depression

 

http://www.blueboard.anu.edu.au

 

Not sure if we have any people who are full time carers on the forum tonight? I'm sure they would have some more ideas. But of course friends and family are always great supports for anyone. And psychologists - sometimes carers need someone to chat to, too!