Hi, I'm Cranberry - I'm in my 50s, Sandwich Generation, autistic / ADHD, and lots of other labels.

I'm used to being the one giving help and support, not receiving it, but I'm going to make an effort here at 7 Cups to ask for and receive support when I need it.

Also, because I don't have access to these resources in offline life (can't afford the copays and tests), and often I just need a safe space to express what I'm feeling or thinking about, so I can get it all out and move on.

I keep losing people I care about - been happening since late teens / early twenties - and many years later, still happening. Lost friends, family, others just drifted away. Grew up with alcoholic family -- trust is a major issue for me.

But I've also learned that it can be much easier to share yourself with an anonymous stranger, than it is to talk to your own family or friends who know you very well.

Anonymous strangers don't know your history, and won't say "Yes, but remember the time when you ______, and also when you said _______? What about that, and why the about-face now?". Friends and family do that - strangers do not.

Anyway, I will try to make more use of this platform -- as I am the supporter of others in my life, but have no one that I can turn to for supports. (Even online therapists end up dominating my sessions with their stories of their families and who wronged them. I say therapists need their own therapists to keep them from dumping their grudges on their patients.)

Ciao / Slainte

Cranberry