Just needed to be heard for a little while

whitewing

I just finished watching a programme on bbc2 on solitary confinement (segregation) in American prisons. It was very interesting. Not least because I always imagine if I ever did go to prison, I would much prefer solitary confinement. (I am aware one doesn't get the choice). I find it fascinating that it can cause such mental health problems, and also that the prisoners connect with each other by pulling out threads from their bedsheets and using them to flick papers etc between cells under the doors. I wonder if there is anything in your agoraphobia experiences, WaS, that could help with alleviating the mental health suffering of solitary confinement. I'm not expecting you to write an essay on it or anything, but maybe post on this thread if any ideas pop into your head at any point.

The programme was excellent but there was blood/outcome of self harming so a penguin for some of you.

It was good to see people being treated with respect by the staff (at least while the cameras were there), who did seem to genuinely want to rehabilitate the men.

Waves_and_Smiles

I have smoked for 26 years so it is a tiny miracle that I am managing with e-cigs at all. I do need to find something useful to do with my hands, I am sitting here holding the e-cig just so that I can take comfort in the routine.

The last time I tried to give up I was too busy suffering from the effects of the sudden chemical change to really noticed how much I missed the physical gestures, this time I have no desire to smoke as I am still getting the nicotine which has amazed me. I am pretty surprised that it is actually working, if I knew that e-cigs stopped the chemical craving so well I would have swapped to them years ago. Believe it or not I am really glad that I can see 'smoke' (water vapour) when I use them, there is even comfort in that.

whitewing

Could you make some moon sand or roll with some playdoh when the urge strikes?

Or do some hand exercises that may help your arthritis:

http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/hand-exercises-rheumatoid-arthritis

I'm impressed that WaSp too may try them. I don't even smoke but am inspired by people who try something different.

System

Said I'd update you on the date

It went wonderfully, we've spent the whole day together and I haven't laughed and smiled so much in a very long time. There is definetly chemistry there and we do like each other but both of us agree we are going to take it slowly, he's hopefully coming down to see me soon. The only bad thing was having to say goodbye

whitewing

It isn't happening yet, but ecigarettes may be available on prescription in 2016.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/06june/pages/e-cigarettes-and-vaping.aspx

Interestingly, someone mentioned nicotine inhalers and that does seem to be available on prescription so that may be worth looking into as well, WaS, as perhaps that will help reduce your costs, although it may disrupt your meds more. (Could the GP come to your flat and see both you and WaSp together, or would that stress WaSp out too much?)

oldestgnome

I to am an ex smoker - I still miss rolling and occasionally roll for people who are smokers


Well done WaS, hope both you and WaSp manage, my sister a smoker of the best part of 20 years at 20 a day stopped a couple of months ago, she has been experimenting with e-cigs and has found that mixing your own liquid is a lot cheaper. She has found it ok so far and feels much better in herself, she has stopped coughing!

whitewing

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

Said I'd update you on the date

It went wonderfully, we've spent the whole day together and I haven't laughed and smiled so much in a very long time. There is definetly chemistry there and we do like each other but both of us agree we are going to take it slowly, he's hopefully coming down to see me soon. The only bad thing was having to say goodbye

I think this quote is from Jonathan Livingston Seagull:

"A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."

I'm glad you had a wonderful time, MU.

oldestgnome

Glad to hear you had such a lovely time MU

oldestgnome

WaS - how about a stress ball (or anything that could be used in he same way you may already have eg sponge, piece of foam, beany toy.) to keep your hands busy or a comfort object like a smooth stone, shell, textured keyring which is tactile that you can move in your hands. Something sentimental may be good (something WaSp or MiL has given you).

Pyxis

Yes! Very pleased it went well! :T
Does he live a bit nearer?