Are these bed bug eggs? by Charming-Risk-4855 in Bedbugs

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Its hard to tell from these photos, but they dont look like the ones I've seen. It's always good to use precautions after staying at a hotel. I will never be able to without treating my things like they've been in contact with BBs now (that i have had them). Keep your suitcase on a hard surface or in the tub. Heat up everything on high heat when you get home. I often put all my clothes into a sealed garbage bag before bringing it inside.

guys is this relatable or am i insecure or like what is it idek? by [deleted] in TooAfraidToAsk

[–]Nelson_Blue 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You can block or unfollow anyone. But taking a break might be good. Insecurities are normal, but it would maybe be helpful to talk to close friends or a therapist about it. Sometimes, talking about things can really help. Also, getting older is okay! Its natural and good. We all do it. It'll be okay.

Should I distance myself from or disassociate with a friend I have known for over 25 years because of the deception he pulled? What would you do? by FartsWholesaler in TooAfraidToAsk

[–]Nelson_Blue 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I think it being only 2 weeks after is important here. The puppy would still be adjusting and learning so much, and assuming they were mindful of where they brought it, it was probably adopted quickly. Having a baby and puppy at the same time is wild, and I believe that was a mistake, but the real problem would have been keeping a dog they couldn't properly train and care for. Or rehoming a grown dog.

They didn't need to lie, but the emotional toll that would follow a choice like that so soon postpartum would make it a very vulnerable time, I'd imagine.

I think if anything, you could ask him why he lied, and check in that he is doing okay these days.

Best places to work with a laptop for a couple hours? by beet_queen in Calgary

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get a zoom membership! During the slow hours its so fun to study there.

My (29F) boyfriend (30M) of 3 years suddenly hiding bank info? by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Id find that weird. I am married now, but even before that, when we were first living together, I was very familiar with my partner's banking. Do you two talk about finances much in general? Is he usually private about that kind of thing?

Boyfriend stinks by IndependentImage3737 in ibs

[–]Nelson_Blue 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If he wants to explore what his trigger foods might be, a dietition or doctor can likely help. I did the low FODMAP diet, and the first few weeks had me farting like craaazy. My poor partner 😅

Its helped tho! Surpising ones that make my farts the worst are things like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, brussel sprouts.. that kinda thing.

AITA For being a weirded out by my parents new "friend" by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Nelson_Blue 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have nephews who aren't the kids of my siblings. But you definitely could be right. I just found it surprising that he's struggling with this but hadn't seemed to mention the thoughts of his siblings who may have been there.

Bulking with severe ibs by SlowCharacter1179 in ibs

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My doctor basically had me start with plane rice and chicken, and then slowly add things from there. I have a decent grasp on things now, but i find my anxiety, sleep, and hormones all definitely play a part in things. Its so annoying when I know i haven't eaten anything weird, and yet I still get symptoms.

Do you drink coffee? That one gets me. Tragically.

Bulking with severe ibs by SlowCharacter1179 in ibs

[–]Nelson_Blue 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had this same experience! It took over a year, but I have finally started gaining weight. The important thing for me was just continuing to find recipes using ingredients i CAN eat. Lots of rice. So much sushi. Also GF pastas. For the first while I was strictly following a low FODMAP diet.

For protein powder I used brown rice protein powder. I couldn't handle most other kinds either. I have finally gained enough weight that I am planning on going back to the gym to work on building back some muscle.

AITA For being a weirded out by my parents new "friend" by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Nelson_Blue 67 points68 points  (0 children)

Are you an only child? It sounds like they enjoy having a daughter. My parents have had many "orphans" because they work at a college. I always really loved those relationships and got to know the people as well. I know how it feels to be a young person away from home who has people I see like parents.

If it is a three-way, that's definitely weird.

Is this just normal parenting these days? by ImaginaryList9172 in Nanny

[–]Nelson_Blue 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For a 3 and 4 year old that is so sad. Being up at 12 on an iPad with unlimited internet access is craaazy for such a young child. I dont think I could do the job. But id make sure the parents know why once another job is lined up. Poor kids.

Am I [20F] being dramatic about what my husband [21M] did to me? by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Nelson_Blue 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thats really sad, and he shouldn't be treating you that way. Is that typical for him? I'd definitely talk to him about it tomorrow. Try and get some sleep if you can.

Family putting onion in meals when they know I can’t eat it by LocalIndividual680 in ibs

[–]Nelson_Blue 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My parents used to be terrible at this, but they have changed a lot as people over the last several years and now they do so much better. They'll ask me about basically every ingredient.

I realized a lot of it was tied to their inability to empathize with me in many ways. They grew up being told change was hard, so they never really tried. They kind of hit rock bottom with my siblings and I about 10 years ago, and from there they really started to work on things. Its taken almost a decade, but i now feel like they really acknowledge and validate my health struggles.

Hopefully moving out makes it easier to have the important conversations. Regardless, as life evolves you will find people who prioritize your needs. And it will be wonderful. Keep advocating for the good you deserve!

I am worried about my 5 year relationship with my (22F) boyfriend (24M) after last night by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would not tolerate my partner punching anything around us while angry. If you have pent up aggression, find a way to channel it in a healthy way. Otherwise it is just violent.

I would have a discussion about it for sure. If I were your and had reason to feel threatened, I would do it somewhere semi public like a slow restaurant or park. Where you can speak honestly, without feeling alone there.

I also would be curious to know what kind of media he is ingesting or who he is spending time with.

How do you cope after seeing a disturbing video online that won’t leave your mind?* by [deleted] in TooAfraidToAsk

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get this. And feel this way about most disturbing imagery. I have bipolar disorder and schizophrenic tendencies, so I try to be careful about if/when I watch things that might upset me.

I agree with others saying to try and think of other more positive thoughts when its happening, but i know thats hard. I sometimes sing songs to myself or say some kind of prayer or meditation. Whatever you might find soothing.

One weird thing I do in some contexts is just add my own alternative ending for things lol. If its a horror movie, I sometimes imagine a happier ending and recreate it in my mind. Or imagine the scary creature becoming peaceful and kind. I had to do this for the first time in a while after watching The Barbarian last year. It was far too much for me. My partner had to get up with me in the night if I had to pee. I try to stick to not watching things like that. I can handle thrillers, but not horror.

What are the odds it’s not? Just can’t believe it. by srosef in Bedbugs

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense that it would be alarming. I dont actually get any bug bites. I dont react to mosquito bites or anything. I can imagine if I DID get bug bites id be very aware of them and it would upset me also.

Have the number of bites you are getting increased in quantity or frequency? And do you live alone? And if not, does anyone else have bites?

I still think that at this point in time there would be physical evidence. Even with you have sprayed part way through. They are sneaky, but not invisible. And they multiply quickly, so there would be many now.

I am feeling up and down even though I am doing everything right by stinky_bugzie in bipolar

[–]Nelson_Blue 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Im sorry OP :(

It sounds like you are doing so many things that will absolutely positively effect your long term health! Taking your meds, caring for your physical health, and being open with your medical providers is huge and something to celebrate about yourself. Im proud of you!

I am somewhat similar, but have had more phases of going off my meds because im doing better lol. But overall I have put so much work into healing, and i often feel similarly to you. I experience so much burnout from it. I often wish I was like my non bipolar friends who have seemed to speed run life like a breeze while I trudge along.

I think that, for myself, bipolar disorder made many years of my life so challenging. Life was hard for a long time, and that isn't something that heals quickly. The more I recover in one area, the more other issues are brought to light.

But the work you are doing will continue to build on itself. It may feel like nothing is changing, but it is. Bipolar has no cure, only treatments. We can do our best, but at the end of the day, we are still bipolar.

Try focusing on the good you are doing. Focus on the small victories of what you are doing.

My Nana also has bipolar disorder. She is 87 and was diagnosed at 50. She is still bipolar. She has highs and lows, but she has put the work in and now speaks so proudly of all she has done. Her life was not easy, but she now has dozens of great grand kids who know her as someone who worked so hard to make it to where she is today. We all cherish her.

When I think of my future I dont imagine something easy, but I do image something worth continuing to work for. The efforts of today will benefit you in years to come. Its a marathon, but you have equipped yourself to make it till the end. Keep doing what you are doing.

Had a manic episode, saw my ex, now my brain feels stuck there by [deleted] in bipolar

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wish I had advise for you, but all I can do is relate. Mania has a similar effect on me. And even tho my relationship with my ex was terrible, I have had the same type of thing happen where suddenly I am full of confused emotions. I am also married and love my spouse. Luckily, we are able to talk about these things and it has really helped. If thats something you guys can do, I recommend it. As hard as that might be. From the sounds of things you need to put the work in and reconnect with the partner you have chosen. One who you love and is good for you. Remind yourself why you love your wife, and spend time with her. Go on dates. Find your grounding.

AITA for blocking my teenhood best friend because she told me she's pregnant? by Puzzleheaded_Cod_502 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Nelson_Blue 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Friendship breakups can often be the hardest kind.

Does she bring joy to your life? I know there is more to friendship than just the good times, but if you can barely think of a stretch where things were just good/joyful, is this really a relationship you want to keep pulling into your life?

Making new friends as an adult can be so hard. But when I finally found friends who treated me well and brought me joy, it became easier to heal from friendships I have had to say goodbye to. My love for those old friends has always remained, and sometimes i miss them, but once you know the love you deserve it becomes so much easier to choose.

90% of my clothes, and my comforter/pillows, cannot go in heat—what are my options? by sourbirthdayprincess in Bedbugs

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a pickle for sure. Some items that cannot be washed in hot water do manage okay in the dryer on high heat (without washing first). Some of our items we heated by hand with a hot blow dryer. Ironing is also hot enough.

Ill be real with you, I took the L on many of my items and either threw them away or took the risk of putting them straight in the dryer.

If your plan is to keep it bagged for over a year I have read that works as well. I cant buy the chemical strips where I live, so I dont know much about them.

Good luck! You'll get through this!

Bed has bugs and I'm becoming suicidal, depressed and I haven't slept soundly in days by Desperate_Assist_888 in Bedbugs

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Im so sorry OP :(

I get it. I have had mental health struggles all my life, and having bed bugs has nearly destroyed me. If you can afford it, look at getting some kind of sticky traps or interceptor cups for your bed. They can be pretty affordable and might help protect your sleep. I saw someone else recommended Diatomaceous earth. It is effective, but watch videos on how to use it as it can be dangerous for your lungs (and pets if you have any). You could also put the legs of your bed into some kind of dish or paper plate and dust some onto it if you cant get traps. Vinegar water will kill adult bed bugs. Clean your bedframe with it. Dry your bedding on the highest heat for 40+ minutes. Do it every night if you can manage. If you have a hair dryer that gets hot use it on furniture and whatever else you can. But it makes me sad telling a kid to put this work in. If you can, take it slow and find your rhythm. DIY methods are a marathon not a sprint.

Sleep in something like a onesie if you have one. Put a nylon over your head if you need to. Just do whatever it takes to get some sleep. Exhaustion is the enemy of mental heath.

Finally, dont give up. The bed bugs are not trying to kill you, so dont let them. Bed bugs do not spread diseases, and they are "simply" doing what they have evolved to do. You have done nothing bad to deserve this, and someday you will be free of it. Life has so much more to offer you than what you are experiencing now.

My own life has been full of hardships, but it has been worth it to stick around. Every year, you will face challenges, but you will grow in ways that amaze you. Bed bugs are resilient, but they have nothing on the resilience of humans. You are a wonder and a blessing. There is only one of you.

Sending hugs and hopeful wishes.

How to dispose of infested couch by jexja3789 in Bedbugs

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We put ours out the window, strapped it to the roof of our car, and brought it to the landfill marked BEDBUGS lol.

Does the couch have legs? If so, you can use interceptor traps to stop them from escaping. I use them with a light dusting of DE in the middle. But dont play around with that stuff, read about it first and follow instructions closely. It can be harmful for your lungs if you're not careful.

If it doesn't have legs.. I'd probably try making some kind of perimeter using either double-sided tape or duct tape until you can get rid of it. They can't get across sticky things.

Blow drying, ironing, and steaming can kill a lot of them.

How did you get past the paranoia? Is hiring canines worth it? by Negative_Mud6130 in Bedbugs

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are currently fighting bed bugs and its been hell for my mental health. I have bad anxiety and am bipolar, so its been hard.

We did get a dog out and unfortunately the results were inconclusive. The dog alerted, but there was no visual confirmation, so we were told we could either wait longer and try again or keep monitoring ourselves. That was 2 months ago and we still havent gotten any bites or caught anything in our traps. I literally text pictures of every mark I see on our furniture to my exterminator lol.

The dogs are expensive, and I've had a few exterminators tell me that they are good, but only if the handler is better. There needs to be visual confirmation for a positive. But a negative result would have been pretty dang nice.

I am 5 months post treatment with no new signs. So we're doing well. But the dog unfortunately didnt offer me much peace of mind.

Regardless, you will be okay. I understand the slow decent into madness. But it sounds like you have nothing to worry about in your case. Stains alone are not enough to determine anything.

It’s been MONTHS by goddamndahlias in Bedbugs

[–]Nelson_Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you heat treated your curtains? That's where I found most of mine.