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Best Of
Re: Is this classed as neurodivegent or no
@Lucy_21 I believe the term ND is always changing because there isn't a simple answer
Because in social care and educational settings ND and SEND are the same thing
Because in social care and educational settings ND and SEND are the same thing

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Re: 📆This Week's Schedule w/c 21.04
Hey @Invisible_me, we don't typically run chats or threads on Mondays at the moment but our boards are open if you'd like to post on hereInvisible_me wrote: »Is nothing running today time when people may need it more?,


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Re: Living with Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome
@MorgsSmiles24
Thank you for opening up, chronic illnesses are things that aren't often spoken enough about, especially when they aren't visible so can be misunderstood in a lot of cases - they can impact people differently and it sounds like yours really can impact you every day and make a lot of things trickier and more exhausting than you want them to be. I hear how frustrating or upsetting that could be for you feeling so exhausted all of the time, despite your attempts to make life easier for yourself. You're doing so well to be powering on and trying to adapt your life around this. You said you had symptoms long before you were given the official diagnosis, how did it feel to finally put an official label to what you had been going through for so long?
It sounds super positive to be so self-aware of what your body is telling you and that this can change day to day, and I speak for us all when we say we're happy you've had positive experiences here at The Mix and we are glad to continue to offer you the support and connection you might want at the moment!
Thank you for opening up, chronic illnesses are things that aren't often spoken enough about, especially when they aren't visible so can be misunderstood in a lot of cases - they can impact people differently and it sounds like yours really can impact you every day and make a lot of things trickier and more exhausting than you want them to be. I hear how frustrating or upsetting that could be for you feeling so exhausted all of the time, despite your attempts to make life easier for yourself. You're doing so well to be powering on and trying to adapt your life around this. You said you had symptoms long before you were given the official diagnosis, how did it feel to finally put an official label to what you had been going through for so long?
It sounds super positive to be so self-aware of what your body is telling you and that this can change day to day, and I speak for us all when we say we're happy you've had positive experiences here at The Mix and we are glad to continue to offer you the support and connection you might want at the moment!

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Re: Living with Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome
That sounds really tough, but you're doing amazing just by pushing through each day. It’s great that you still volunteer and look for work, even with everything going on. I’m glad the Mix community helps you're not alone in this.
Re: Recruitment agencies
Redemption wrote: »Has anyone used recruitment agencies here? I'm thinking about contacting them too see if they can help me. Cheers guys
When I had my seasonal job with Whsmith's, initially I thought I was going to be hired by Whsmith's themselves. But my details were passed onto a recruitment agency and I had to attend a teams call for my start date and things. I found when I worked with Whsmiths they didnt know anything about me being recruited by an agency at all to the point where my manager didnt even know either. So mostly I do a lot of background research into them because you do fill out a bit of paperwork in the beginning. I know though when I did start my seasonal job, the recruitment agency were helpful and made sure that everything went well in my job, despite there being a lot of confusion in the beginning.
I know for people who are searching for work they can be a great of going about it because they will help you to look for work and also make sure you are getting the right amount of training. What I will say is eventhough I worked seasonal, when you are with a recruitment agency sometimes you will have to fill out your own time sheet, so clocking down how many hours you worked on your shift which then confirms your pay basically. I found reminding myself to fill in my timesheet was hard at first because normally in some jobs that dont hire via a recruiting agency, they will automatically fill out your timesheet for you. But with an agency you do the paperwork pretty much yourself, though if you do get stuck you can contact them for support or help. I used to summit my timesheet the day after I did my shift so it was less stress sorting things out.
I mean its definitely up to you really because I know recruitment agencies can be helpful and sometimes when working in retail especially seasonal work the companies will often take on recruitment agency staff. It can be good sometimes in some interviews especially for retail to ask "will I be recruited by the company themselves, or will a recruitment agency take me on and put me on placement here?" because it can make things a bit more easier in the long run.
However, I wish you the best for your job hunting right now and I hope you are able to find something soon too


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Re: Rant about my intrusive thoughts
hey @Amy22 🙂
i know it probably wasn’t easy to write, but i am really proud of you for opening up. venting doesn’t always solve everything, but it does help lighten the weight a little and you absolutely deserve space to talk about what you’re going through!
what you’re describing makes a lot of sense, especially when you’re not in a routine or don’t have much to keep your mind occupied. intrusive thoughts and self destructive habits can get louder when we’re stuck in that in between space, and just so you know, you’re not at all silly, and these aren’t ‘silly habits’, they are signs your brain is trying to cope with something, even if it’s not in the healthiest way.
the fact that you don’t want to do those things, but still struggle with them, shows that you’re aware and trying, and that’s a powerful step. try not to be so hard on yourself, even when it feels frustrating. you are dealing with something that takes time, support, and a lot of self compassion.
we’re all so proud of you
i know it probably wasn’t easy to write, but i am really proud of you for opening up. venting doesn’t always solve everything, but it does help lighten the weight a little and you absolutely deserve space to talk about what you’re going through!
what you’re describing makes a lot of sense, especially when you’re not in a routine or don’t have much to keep your mind occupied. intrusive thoughts and self destructive habits can get louder when we’re stuck in that in between space, and just so you know, you’re not at all silly, and these aren’t ‘silly habits’, they are signs your brain is trying to cope with something, even if it’s not in the healthiest way.
the fact that you don’t want to do those things, but still struggle with them, shows that you’re aware and trying, and that’s a powerful step. try not to be so hard on yourself, even when it feels frustrating. you are dealing with something that takes time, support, and a lot of self compassion.
we’re all so proud of you

Re: CEDT assessment 😬
Hi @Lottie5433
Your showing immense strength and I hope this goes well for you. I can hear how scared yiu are feeling anoit this and how drained it's made you feel.
Remember in a way with it being virtual uoy in control, you can use fidgets to help you manage emotions and cam step away easier than face to face. Also you cannot see them.as such so that can sometimes make it easier.
Your showing immense strength and I hope this goes well for you. I can hear how scared yiu are feeling anoit this and how drained it's made you feel.
Remember in a way with it being virtual uoy in control, you can use fidgets to help you manage emotions and cam step away easier than face to face. Also you cannot see them.as such so that can sometimes make it easier.
Re: CEDT assessment 😬
hey @Lottie5433 🙂
i really am so so proud of you for even getting to this point, it takes so much strength just to show up for something like this, even when you’re bricking it. it totally makes sense that you’re feeling overwhelmed, especially with how little sleep you’ve had and all the uncertainty around the assessment. not knowing what to expect can make anxiety spiral, and you’ve been carrying a lot already!
please don’t be too hard on yourself for feeling this way. you are not at all weak for being scared, you’re actually really brave for considering going through with it even with all this going on.
is there any way you can message your gm again just to check in about using the leisure complex? and if it isn’t possible, do you have any alternative places to use?
please don’t cancel because of panic though - the assessment is there to help you, and even if it feels intense, it could be a step toward things getting a little easier down the line. you deserve support and you deserve to be heard!
you’ve got this, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now
i really am so so proud of you for even getting to this point, it takes so much strength just to show up for something like this, even when you’re bricking it. it totally makes sense that you’re feeling overwhelmed, especially with how little sleep you’ve had and all the uncertainty around the assessment. not knowing what to expect can make anxiety spiral, and you’ve been carrying a lot already!
please don’t be too hard on yourself for feeling this way. you are not at all weak for being scared, you’re actually really brave for considering going through with it even with all this going on.
is there any way you can message your gm again just to check in about using the leisure complex? and if it isn’t possible, do you have any alternative places to use?
please don’t cancel because of panic though - the assessment is there to help you, and even if it feels intense, it could be a step toward things getting a little easier down the line. you deserve support and you deserve to be heard!
you’ve got this, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now

Re: I'm so upset and I'm thinking of renouncing my faith at this point
Hey @Lucy_21
It sounds like you’re in a trick position mentally when it comes to your religion and faith and the perceptions the world has on it. I think a lot of us have seen the type of people you mention, that use religion as an excuse to be trans/homophobic when in reality it isn’t the case. Although not religious myself anymore, I was brought up Christian, went to Christian schools etc, and I think the ultimate message people should have is to love everyone, and that it isn’t up to us to judge how others live their lives.
Whilst it can be hard to ignore outside noise, I think what matters most is your personal relationship with God or your faith and beliefs. I know there can be an almost perceived image and judgement people make when saying ‘oh I’m a Christian’, but at the end of the day you don’t owe anyone an explanation or anything regarding your religion. There are so many different ways of explaining your faith, whether you say you’re Christian, simply just say ‘oh im religious’ or anything else. It’s a personal thing for you and your religion.
It is okay to feel a bit lost and confused with the situation, and for many, faith and religion is a journey that can change and develop overtime, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself to have all the answers right now. And whatever decisions you come to regarding your faith, we’re all here supporting you just like always.
We’re always here for you – and sending you a big hug
Sinead
It sounds like you’re in a trick position mentally when it comes to your religion and faith and the perceptions the world has on it. I think a lot of us have seen the type of people you mention, that use religion as an excuse to be trans/homophobic when in reality it isn’t the case. Although not religious myself anymore, I was brought up Christian, went to Christian schools etc, and I think the ultimate message people should have is to love everyone, and that it isn’t up to us to judge how others live their lives.
Whilst it can be hard to ignore outside noise, I think what matters most is your personal relationship with God or your faith and beliefs. I know there can be an almost perceived image and judgement people make when saying ‘oh I’m a Christian’, but at the end of the day you don’t owe anyone an explanation or anything regarding your religion. There are so many different ways of explaining your faith, whether you say you’re Christian, simply just say ‘oh im religious’ or anything else. It’s a personal thing for you and your religion.
It is okay to feel a bit lost and confused with the situation, and for many, faith and religion is a journey that can change and develop overtime, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself to have all the answers right now. And whatever decisions you come to regarding your faith, we’re all here supporting you just like always.
We’re always here for you – and sending you a big hug
Sinead