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joiebrooks913
1 220 M Embraced 2
PathStep 18 Compassion hearts24 Forum posts10 Forum upvotes16 Current upvotes16 Age GroupAdult Last activeJanuary, 2026 Member sinceOctober 28, 2015
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Organization
Hobby Zone / by joiebrooks913
Last post
 January 15th
...See more My craft space is a mess. I have cut down on the type of crafts I do, because I used to be a bit all over the place. But now I need to reorganize my sewing space, and it is a big project. I am hoping to find something simple to do, something fun to do once the space is ready.
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One day
Relationship Stress / by joiebrooks913
Last post
 January 10th
...See more One day my partner will need a caretaker. One day he will forget entire sentences instead of a word here or there. One day I will have to guide him through each activity of each day. And I am terrified because I am not sure I can do it. I'm not sure I can handle it. I'm going to fail him because I may not be strong enough to manage our lives without his support. Today he was at work. I mentioned my inhaler was ready to be picked up, since it's on his way home. He responded with a question mark and that was all I heard for three hours. I texted, I called and it went straight to voicemail. And I started to worry that something had happened at work. That maybe he had a panic attack or maybe spaced while driving from work. And I it spiraled me, badly.
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We both have mental health diagnosis
Relationship Stress / by joiebrooks913
Last post
 January 9th
...See more My partner is dealing with a recent trauma that developed into PTSD. It is affecting his memory and vocabulary. He is the breadwinner, as I haven't been able to work on the last few years. Our connection has suffered badly the last few years. A lack of communication, a lack of intimacy, and general daily wear and tear emotionally contribute to this. I'm struggling to find a way back to him.
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I keep trying.
Motivation & Accountability / by joiebrooks913
Last post
 January 8th
...See more I try every method to help with motivation. I try apps, and timers, and simple checklists,and tracker. Nothing really works. I might get a few weeks, but then something happens and I lose a few days or a week to schedule changes beyond my control. And suddenly I have to claw my way back to getting a routine. I hate cleaning, but I'm the house spouse so it's my job. And I'm trying to see it as a job I can be proud of. My partner and I have worked out a paycheck type system to help reinforce the idea of it being a job, to help change how I see being home all day. I just can't seem to find a tool or coping mechanism to help with routine and consistency.
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I just need space to breathe
Family & Caregivers / by joiebrooks913
Last post
 July 17th, 2021
...See more I live with my spouse and what had been our partner. I ended my romantic relationship with this partner, but my spouse continues theirs. That is not my issue, as I am much happier find things easier for myself now. However these 2 others I live with are dealing with depression. The partner, S, is seeking disability due to their brain health. The spouse, D, works 60 hours a week in a place that is toxic, to support us. I am looking for work and being supportive and helpful. But I am drowning under the weight of their depression. Almost no housework happens unless I do it or negotiate action into drips and drabs. Their brains are swirling masses of fear and pain and I *know* that. But I also have my own sick brain. And I have to be a spot of light or else they can't make it through the day. I get no reprieve, no space for myself because I am too worn out in doing what I need to do for them. I can't do anything... I am drowning in their pain... and I have no one here to ask for help.
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A virtual buddy to handle working in a tough place
Healthy Living / by joiebrooks913
Last post
 July 10th, 2021
...See more Hello! I have made the decision to go to work in a factory/warehouse setting, due to needing the income and wanting a job that doesn't require so much of my social or mental energy. I am starting my own small business on the side and until that can replace this paycheck, I need to get through the day at this place. I know people who also work there, and they often complain about the environment. What I am looking for is someone to help me stay focused and positive. I want to have someone I can talk about why this is good for me and my family, the things the money will make possible in my long term goals, and to stay out of the bog of depression over a hard but necessary job.
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