If you're interested in harm reduction for opiate abusers, the People's Harm Reduction Alliance offers free Narcan--nasal and injectable varieties. I got some of the nasal variety from them (the injectable is IV only) and now carry it in my purse wherever I go. I live in Seattle, and there are many people in this city who have opiate use disorders. I think addicts have just as much right to live as I do, so I want to be ready if I see someone OD'd. https://phra.org/
Also, holy shit, Robin, I'm sorry you've been so sick with pneumonia and that you live with suicidal ideation. I remember once when I was hospitalized, the psychiatrist asked me if I was still having suicidal thoughts. I said, "Doc, once you've had suicidal thoughts, it's always an option. Is it an option I feel like taking right now? No."
I love this, thank you for sharing! Learning how to use Narcan has been on my to-do list for a while. I'll add this to my personal list of harm reduction resources.
And thank you for the kind words, JaneA. It's been hot garbage. This is my first day in over a week that I've been able to write or do anything else. And what you said about the thoughts is so true for me too. At times it's close, other times it's in the distance - but it's always there.
'People are afraid to talk about it because that…makes it real?'
I think many people still are uncomfortable talking about it because it's unfortunately been a taboo subject in society for a long time. The reaction to ignore or push away this subject has become rooted in our psyche.
Story time (because that's how my autistic ass knows how to show I relate):
Not sure I told you about this, but for about 10+ years I lived in suicidal ideation, too. (It's actually a damn long story that I won't detail much, but it involved being isolated from peers, because, y'know, undiagnosed neurodiversity, and also being poor - who woulda thought that this is about money, huh?) I'm doing much better now, but at certain points, when shit really hits the fan, or my brain just cannot handle a moderately big problem that it perceives as the end of the world, I still fall back to that state. Guess what helped me getting better? Finding my husband (and his family is cool enough, and there are also some real friends now), and money.
As shitty as my life was during those years, it was still much, much easier than yours, based on what you've shared about yourself. And my life was still hell and I cannot even imagine what you've been going through. Again, I wish I could bring you here.
Thank you for sharing that. 💜 It always amazes how money (or lack of it) can have such a major impact on our mental health. I hope to find a partner and friends one day too but the one thing I *really* need right now is financial stability - that would change my life. And if I could transport my little family overseas to be near you, we'd be there in a heartbeat. Sending you love as always.
You are the only other person I've ever known to use "mayhaps"! I bet we say it using the same tone.
I tested out Meal Train and shared on my Facebook page. I don't have a big network there, but there are a few people who I think might be inclined to donate, so we'll see. :)
I want you to feel better! Rest, take all your meds. Get yourself some good comfort food.
Pneumonia is a bitch! And yes, racism makes people sick. It's constant stress, which tears down your immune system. Makes me want to punch racists in the nuts.
Ha, I love that you use it too! And we probably do say it in the same tone lol.
Thank you for the care and sharing the Meal Train! Yeah, this knocked me out. It was bound to happen. My system has been worn out for while from all of the above. I know leaving OH won't fix the BS of racism but it'll be a damn fine start. And same - I too want to punch racists in the nuts because c'mon, man! I can't believe this is the world we live in.
If you're interested in harm reduction for opiate abusers, the People's Harm Reduction Alliance offers free Narcan--nasal and injectable varieties. I got some of the nasal variety from them (the injectable is IV only) and now carry it in my purse wherever I go. I live in Seattle, and there are many people in this city who have opiate use disorders. I think addicts have just as much right to live as I do, so I want to be ready if I see someone OD'd. https://phra.org/
Also, holy shit, Robin, I'm sorry you've been so sick with pneumonia and that you live with suicidal ideation. I remember once when I was hospitalized, the psychiatrist asked me if I was still having suicidal thoughts. I said, "Doc, once you've had suicidal thoughts, it's always an option. Is it an option I feel like taking right now? No."
I love this, thank you for sharing! Learning how to use Narcan has been on my to-do list for a while. I'll add this to my personal list of harm reduction resources.
And thank you for the kind words, JaneA. It's been hot garbage. This is my first day in over a week that I've been able to write or do anything else. And what you said about the thoughts is so true for me too. At times it's close, other times it's in the distance - but it's always there.
Your response to the psychiatrist is so true. I never thought about it like this, but yeah, it's always an option.
Useful information. Thanks, Robin. I'll share all over the place.
Thank you for sharing the info, Diana!
You're welcome, Robin.
'People are afraid to talk about it because that…makes it real?'
I think many people still are uncomfortable talking about it because it's unfortunately been a taboo subject in society for a long time. The reaction to ignore or push away this subject has become rooted in our psyche.
Story time (because that's how my autistic ass knows how to show I relate):
Not sure I told you about this, but for about 10+ years I lived in suicidal ideation, too. (It's actually a damn long story that I won't detail much, but it involved being isolated from peers, because, y'know, undiagnosed neurodiversity, and also being poor - who woulda thought that this is about money, huh?) I'm doing much better now, but at certain points, when shit really hits the fan, or my brain just cannot handle a moderately big problem that it perceives as the end of the world, I still fall back to that state. Guess what helped me getting better? Finding my husband (and his family is cool enough, and there are also some real friends now), and money.
As shitty as my life was during those years, it was still much, much easier than yours, based on what you've shared about yourself. And my life was still hell and I cannot even imagine what you've been going through. Again, I wish I could bring you here.
Thank you for sharing that. 💜 It always amazes how money (or lack of it) can have such a major impact on our mental health. I hope to find a partner and friends one day too but the one thing I *really* need right now is financial stability - that would change my life. And if I could transport my little family overseas to be near you, we'd be there in a heartbeat. Sending you love as always.
You are the only other person I've ever known to use "mayhaps"! I bet we say it using the same tone.
I tested out Meal Train and shared on my Facebook page. I don't have a big network there, but there are a few people who I think might be inclined to donate, so we'll see. :)
I want you to feel better! Rest, take all your meds. Get yourself some good comfort food.
Pneumonia is a bitch! And yes, racism makes people sick. It's constant stress, which tears down your immune system. Makes me want to punch racists in the nuts.
Ha, I love that you use it too! And we probably do say it in the same tone lol.
Thank you for the care and sharing the Meal Train! Yeah, this knocked me out. It was bound to happen. My system has been worn out for while from all of the above. I know leaving OH won't fix the BS of racism but it'll be a damn fine start. And same - I too want to punch racists in the nuts because c'mon, man! I can't believe this is the world we live in.
Blech. I’m sorry you’ve been sick, and that this load is so heavy.
It's been rough and so, so heavy. Thank you for the kind words, Mary.