FabSwingers.com forum: Mental Health

By *etsplay90 OP Man
38 weeks ago

Leicester

Just wondering how people look after their mental health.

I've recently been diagnosed Complex PTSD (Military Related and child sexual abuse)

Adult ADHD.

Depression.

Anxiety

Borderline Bi-polar.

I am on medication but wondering how other cope day to day

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By *inceIlkestonMan
38 weeks ago

Ilkeston

"Just wondering how people look after their mental health.

I've recently been diagnosed Complex PTSD (Military Related and child sexual abuse)

Adult ADHD.

Depression.

Anxiety

Borderline Bi-polar.

I am on medication but wondering how other cope day to day"

Back in 2010 when I had stress related depression I got referred to Rethink started eating and exercising daily, did art therapy. Within months I was facilitating the art group. Organising activities and art exhibitions, writing marketing material and had 4 exhibitions. Soon i got back into work, got a gf etc.

Try and get referred to mind or rethink it's amazing what they can do if you make the effort too.

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By *upanovaMan
38 weeks ago

Sheffield

"Just wondering how people look after their mental health.

I've recently been diagnosed Complex PTSD (Military Related and child sexual abuse)

Adult ADHD.

Depression.

Anxiety

Borderline Bi-polar.

I am on medication but wondering how other cope day to day

Try and get referred to mind or rethink it's amazing what they can do if you make the effort too."

I agree with what you say. Mind have been great with me and currently in therapy with them

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By *elaninMaverickWoman
36 weeks ago

near Putney Heath

"Just wondering how people look after their mental health.

I've recently been diagnosed Complex PTSD (Military Related and child sexual abuse)

Adult ADHD.

Depression.

Anxiety

Borderline Bi-polar.

I am on medication but wondering how other cope day to day"

Therapy, therapy and more therapy..yeah...currently not working because....now battling perimenopause too.

Really need to work from home.

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By *orny PTMan
36 weeks ago

Peterborough

Poor gut health has now been shown to cause insomnia. Add this to symptoms like IBS, bloating and GERD it's a single domino that causes several others to fall down nd cause what looks like a selection of unconnected symptoms.

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By *orny PTMan
36 weeks ago

Peterborough

Does the military teach you how to be a civilian after serving as leaving a walled garden can be daunting, seeing how disjointed civvy street is?

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By *amantha_NiteTV/TS
36 weeks ago

The Lake District

[Removed by poster at 27/08/25 22:23:26]

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By *amantha_NiteTV/TS
36 weeks ago

The Lake District

"[Removed by poster at 27/08/25 22:23:26]"

By Samantha_Nite TV/TS

just this minute!

The Lake District

"Poor gut health has now been shown to cause insomnia. Add this to symptoms like IBS, bloating and GERD it's a single domino that causes several others to fall down nd cause what looks like a selection of unconnected symptoms."

I can defo agree on the gut/brain axis

Had diarrhea for 3 months now multiple blood tests,stool and FIT samples,ecg,2 chest xrays,CT Scan last week as ive lost 10kg in 3months

Plus was diagnosed with Polymyalgia rheumatica in May and seems the inflammation from that is now in stomach,gut,intestines

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By *elaninMaverickWoman
36 weeks ago

near Putney Heath

Every week I drink a 750ml to a litre of Kefir, coconut water, green raw smoothie, kombucha and tonic water. Lol!

Every day I drink matcha or tumeric and redbush tea. No sweetener.

Reminds me that I have some Kimchi sitting in the fridge.

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By (user no longer on site)
36 weeks ago

Do things that you look forward to on your days off, for example I like to go out on my motorbike grab a coffee I enjoy doing that then you look forward to it each week

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By (user no longer on site)
36 weeks ago

Seconding caring for your gut health, the state of our biome has strong links to how regulated we feel mentally - especially for neurodivergents. A well-balanced gut biome won't "cure" anything but it does make everything a lot easier to handle.

For CPTSD, DBT can be super helpful, you can access it through the NHS or private therapy and you can also do it online yourself - dbtselfhelp.com is a truly fantastic resource.

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By *etsplay90 OP Man
36 weeks ago

Leicester

Lots of interesting points.

Ref looking forward to things,

At present I dont have anything to look forward to.

I sold my motorbike as incase taking too many risks.

I go home from.work and lie on my bed, that's it

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By *og and MuseCouple
36 weeks ago

Dubai & Nottingham

I do somatic exercises to align the mind and body.

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By *ave99300Man
36 weeks ago

shildon

I have suffered with PTSD due to my army service I’ve had help from the army and many many friends. Been open and honest is a start stay off the drink it’s not easy. Talking helps me

Mate PM me and we can talk

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By *WB85Man
36 weeks ago

Staffordshire

Stress of running a business put me on my arse 2 years ago now.

Honestly its the worst chapter of my life, that I didnt see coming.

Im medicated for it now.....im not as strong as I used to be, far from it infact.

I find things that trigger my anxiety, and try and avoid them.

The gym is really good for your mental health, I find that helps.

Swinging.....its a trigger for me which sounds ridiculous. So I dissappear from here every once in a while.

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By *uffnmuffCouple
36 weeks ago

London

exercising camping and hiking x

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By *elfguy0404Man
36 weeks ago

Telford

I have complex PTSD from my childhood I went 25 year without help until about 6 years ago when it got to much and I pushed everyone away, was angry, hated myself, self harming and even took an overdose. It cost me everything my wife, most of my friends my home and job. I got help and had 2 years of going to therapy twice a week. Learning how to control my triggers and most importantly learnt that what happened to me wasn’t my fault. I had a relapse a year after therapy and locked myself away not leaving the house didn’t speak or see anyone took myself of all social media for almost 12 months. Had shopping delivered to the door which I would get in once the person had left. The only thing I wanted for company and trusted was my dog. I went back to therapy. It took lots of work and now I always make sure I remember I’ve have PTSD and im in control of it not it in control of me. I have bad days but they are rare and much more easy to cope with.

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By *oung GunnerMan
36 weeks ago

Cleckheaton

Andys Man Club really works .

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By (user no longer on site)
36 weeks ago

"Andys Man Club really works . "

This is really good to hear, I've seen it advertised and loved that it exists but haven't spoken to anyone who's participated.

Men being open and gentle and authentic with each other, especially when struggling, is deeply needed!

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By *oung GunnerMan
36 weeks ago

Cleckheaton

"Andys Man Club really works .

This is really good to hear, I've seen it advertised and loved that it exists but haven't spoken to anyone who's participated.

Men being open and gentle and authentic with each other, especially when struggling, is deeply needed! "
, I attend every monday & I also volunteer at mental health awareness events .

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By (user no longer on site)
36 weeks ago

I go on long walks regularly and hill walking helps too... just being out in the open by myself and it's all peaceful.

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By (user no longer on site)
36 weeks ago

"I attend every monday & I also volunteer at mental health awareness events . "

Sounds very fulfilling! I also do some community work here and there, it's important

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By *oung GunnerMan
36 weeks ago

Cleckheaton

"I attend every monday & I also volunteer at mental health awareness events .

Sounds very fulfilling! I also do some community work here and there, it's important "

Mental health is .

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By *oftandgentleMan
36 weeks ago

South London

I recently became a mental health first aiders.

It opened my eyes to the fact we all have mental health, good and bad. The first step to improve bad mental health is to talk.

It's not always easy to recognise when people are struggling, because we are trained to hide it.

I'm so glad I did the course and feel I can help some people, even ifnit just to signpost where they may be able to get help.

Like I said, talk about. You'll be surprised how many others suffer similarly. X

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By *eessidemale2024Man
35 weeks ago

Middlesbrough

I struggle with depression and anxiety. I wish it would just go away. I always feel stressed and on edge. Get myself in states over small things. I have low mood quite a lot and lonely. Hard to make new friends. I wish I could just hit a switch and feel great

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By *adpolefreeMan
35 weeks ago

Warminster

I wish you all the best. Being a sufferer I understand the difficulties it’s brings. But remember you are an ordinary person that has experienced an extraordinary event. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

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By *ecretly hornyMan
35 weeks ago

Basingstoke

+44 7783 098897 WhatsApp

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By (user no longer on site)
35 weeks ago

"+44 7783 098897 WhatsApp "

You expect someone to WhatsAp you about mental health?

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By *hickDick1017Man
34 weeks ago

cheshire

Mindfulness, long walks in nature, meditation, yoga, the beach is a big one for me seems to ease my mind.

Councilling to help me understand triggers and ways of getting round them.

Mental health doesn't go away it'll always be a part of you but looking after yourself in some of the ways I've mentioned above helps.

Anyone with bad mental health always remember its okay to talk, my inbox is always open, im not just here for fun.

But genuine friendly connections.

Anyone struggling ignore the stigma and reach out. Much love.

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By *hickDick1017Man
34 weeks ago

cheshire

Exactly remember the things you've accomplished not the things that bring you down.

Easier said than done I know but you will get there.

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By *hickDick1017Man
34 weeks ago

cheshire

"I struggle with depression and anxiety. I wish it would just go away. I always feel stressed and on edge. Get myself in states over small things. I have low mood quite a lot and lonely. Hard to make new friends. I wish I could just hit a switch and feel great "

Same here mate your not alone, remember that.

When I get a negative thought i breath deeply remember my Values and what people like about me, my strengths.

Also mindful of my weaknesses.

Take it easy amd dont be too hard on yourself you'll get there.

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By *hickDick1017Man
34 weeks ago

cheshire

"Andys Man Club really works .

This is really good to hear, I've seen it advertised and loved that it exists but haven't spoken to anyone who's participated.

Men being open and gentle and authentic with each other, especially when struggling, is deeply needed! "

I agree, to much of a stigma these days that men need to be strong all the time.

Heard Andys man club does help but I've not taken the plunge yet.

To all men remember you're not alone, dont focus to much on healing every aspect of yourself just take it step by step.

If you down feel like going out, dont but look after yourself good food, films, Xbox if that's what your into.

When you do go out put your earphones in if you're a bit socially anxious nothing wrong with blocking out whats around you if it helps.

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By *hickDick1017Man
34 weeks ago

cheshire

"I have complex PTSD from my childhood I went 25 year without help until about 6 years ago when it got to much and I pushed everyone away, was angry, hated myself, self harming and even took an overdose. It cost me everything my wife, most of my friends my home and job. I got help and had 2 years of going to therapy twice a week. Learning how to control my triggers and most importantly learnt that what happened to me wasn’t my fault. I had a relapse a year after therapy and locked myself away not leaving the house didn’t speak or see anyone took myself of all social media for almost 12 months. Had shopping delivered to the door which I would get in once the person had left. The only thing I wanted for company and trusted was my dog. I went back to therapy. It took lots of work and now I always make sure I remember I’ve have PTSD and im in control of it not it in control of me. I have bad days but they are rare and much more easy to cope with. "

Well Done big respect for anyone who can dig theirselves out of it, it does take alot of hard work im going to councilling for past trauma when I was 17 was jumped by all my mates I thought were close or real mates when in reality they were all dole heads and users.

Lost alot of trust in people because of it but im getting there.

Hence why when I go to a club I dont approach people but the way I see it is I turn up and if I do approach just know you must find something about you real attractive haha

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By *hickDick1017Man
34 weeks ago

cheshire

Mental health doesn't define who you are.

You walk in the rain, You feel the rain but you're not the rain.

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By *hickDick1017Man
34 weeks ago

cheshire

"exercising camping and hiking x"

Couldn't agree more, getting out in nature has so many benefits.

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By *arlo56Man
34 weeks ago

Newcastle

I throw myself even more into the gym when things are getting on top of me.

It's very good for my body and mind.

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By *ornyStallion2023Man
34 weeks ago

Leicester

you sure help people with mental health, you are smoking hot

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By *smith87Man
34 weeks ago

totton

I'm similar. I was diagnosed with depression a few years back but recently after lots of research and discussions with my GP turns out it's ADHD and autism. Awaiting assessment. I use the gym as my therapy

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By *ottsladredMan
34 weeks ago

Mansfield

I suffer with chronic anxiety, depression along with other mental health issues, I find that I have really bad days and don't want to get out of bed, speak to anyone and just be left alone. I class myself as quite lucky though as I have a strong character and I can block it out, on my bad days what I find helps is thinking of good memories of my past, the ppl I love and music too. It's such a help for me to put songs on that remind me of happy times and that helps lift my mood

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By *oung GunnerMan
33 weeks ago

Cleckheaton

"Just wondering how people look after their mental health.

I've recently been diagnosed Complex PTSD (Military Related and child sexual abuse)

Adult ADHD.

Depression.

Anxiety

Borderline Bi-polar.

I am on medication but wondering how other cope day to day"

If you go onto 1965 PTSD AWARENESS facebook page & you can message them , Ben Pearson from Police Interceptors attends Cops & Cars event at The Motorist

Lennerton Lane

Leeds

On a yearly basis, there is also Andys Man Club , if you go onto the main Andys Man Club website & there is a find your nearest group .

I hope this helps & I would like to pass on my best wishes to you.

Kind Regards

Michael C .

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By (user no longer on site)
33 weeks ago

"Just wondering how people look after their mental health.

I've recently been diagnosed Complex PTSD (Military Related and child sexual abuse)

Adult ADHD.

Depression.

Anxiety

Borderline Bi-polar.

I am on medication but wondering how other cope day to day"

I suffer with complex PTSD too ( childhood trauma. ) and that comes handy in hand with the rest.

I don't have bi polar though.

I ended up coming off the anti anxiety and antidepressants because it just made me feel worse. Like I had no joy. I never laughed or smiled. My mood flat lined and I just felt really numb. I also couldn't orgasm. In the end I asked my doctor if a life without sex and laughter was really worth living?

So I researched natural ways to lift my serotonin and dopamine, so that I could get off my meds.

I ended up exercising 4 times a week and microdosing mushrooms. Like mother nature's natural ssri.

Only without the terrible side effects.

It's worth speaking to your doctor if you feel the same and discussing some options.

Main thing I would say is just exercise. It really does keep the black dog away.

Make sure you have good supportive mates and if you don't then make sure you go to groups like Andy mans club. Socialising and talking to mike minded folk is imperative.

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By *elaxed CoupleCouple
33 weeks ago

Cheshire

It's great that you got diagnosed. Some of us are never going to get a diagnosis. Wallow in it.

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By *iking_on_a_bikeMan
33 weeks ago

marlborough

"Just wondering how people look after their mental health.

I've recently been diagnosed Complex PTSD (Military Related and child sexual abuse)

Adult ADHD.

Depression.

Anxiety

Borderline Bi-polar.

I am on medication but wondering how other cope day to day"

I hear you. That’s pretty tough going. I hope you are getting the help you need but also being empowered to help yourself.

I see meds as a life vest keeping my head above water but acknowledge that I have to do all the hard work to swim back to shore.

I’m sure you are aware that it can be exhausting, painful, frustrating and and down right horrific, but you aren’t alone in this battle and you can always reach out.

I’ve been fighting my own battle for the last 4 years after my first crisis with no previous mental health issues. It’s torn my world apart but I’m still hear and still fighting. I have good days and horrific day but somehow manage to keep going.

I hope this message finds you well and that today will give you everything you need to get through unscathed.

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By *rowley616Man
33 weeks ago

Scarborough

Cope? There is a thought, I wouldn't say cope but there are still small things that keep me from completing deleting. But I have no safety or security and everything I have can be taken by those who have more power over my life than I.

We don't have a mental health crisis. We have a crisis of society and culture. Those with the power are tightening their grip and we are feeling it round our throats. How many of you have PTSD because of the military? And how many feel like you are taken care of now.

The monsters in charge do nothing but take. Take our time. Take our money. Take our resources. Take our very minds. Hoard it for themselves and tell us there is nothing left.

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By *inceIlkestonMan
33 weeks ago

Ilkeston

"[Removed by poster at 27/08/25 22:23:26]

By Samantha_Nite TV/TS

just this minute!

The Lake District

I can defo agree on the gut/brain axis

Had diarrhea for 3 months now multiple blood tests,stool and FIT samples,ecg,2 chest xrays,CT Scan last week as ive lost 10kg in 3months

Plus was diagnosed with Polymyalgia rheumatica in May and seems the inflammation from that is now in stomach,gut,intestines

Coeliac disease is similar too

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By *ad NannaWoman
33 weeks ago

East London

I knew years ago my stomach was an issue with my depression, panic attacks, insomnia etc.

25 years later and I've now got IBS and my anxiety is high again.

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By *aulupforitMan
33 weeks ago

Corbridge

When I had my counselling 1-1 I was told to plan things every month with something to aim for and look forward to it.It has actually helped me but might not be for everyone.Good Luck and reach out if you need help.You are not alone.

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By *actile 64Man
33 weeks ago

Leeds

"Just wondering how people look after their mental health.

I've recently been diagnosed Complex PTSD (Military Related and child sexual abuse)

Adult ADHD.

Depression.

Anxiety

So sorry for what your going through. I've suffered with depression and accute anxiety for far to many years. Therapy has helped and getting a recent adhd diagnosis has been my key

Keep talking buddy, be nice to yourself. It's OK not to be ok.

The next few months are hard for me hoping to keep busy socially

Good luck big hug x

Borderline Bi-polar.

I am on medication but wondering how other cope day to day"

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By *eardedandbeautifulMan
32 weeks ago

live Tranent/ work Edinburgh

That's a lot. I found a book that helped called the body keeps score.

The havening technique will help with the ptsd see videos on you tube, you can do it yourself.

Also writing down your thoughts.

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By *elaninMaverickWoman
32 weeks ago

near Putney Heath

"I knew years ago my stomach was an issue with my depression, panic attacks, insomnia etc.

25 years later and I've now got IBS and my anxiety is high again.

hugs

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By *elaninMaverickWoman
32 weeks ago

near Putney Heath

"When I had my counselling 1-1 I was told to plan things every month with something to aim for and look forward to it.It has actually helped me but might not be for everyone.Good Luck and reach out if you need help.You are not alone.

I do this with a swingers social and a kink/fetish/BDSM event.

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By *elaninMaverickWoman
32 weeks ago

near Putney Heath

"That's a lot. I found a book that helped called the body keeps score.

The havening technique will help with the ptsd see videos on you tube, you can do it yourself.

Also writing down your thoughts."

I have this book.

The author is doing a free online workshop this week on Wednesday.

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