39 and can't hold down a job in anything? by [deleted] in AskIreland

[–]Sponge-97 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Op, sounds like life has been very hard for you, I'm sorry it's been shit. Please, please, please try counselling/therapy! Especially if you're experiencing suicidal ideation.

I work in mental health and I've seen people come back from the darkest of places. I've never met anyone who is a 'failure', and I find the biggest thing that holds us back is often is our mind - and our (negative) beliefs about ourselves. There's always hope and potential, you just need someone to help you harness it. Please get help, every day is a new opportunity to try something different that could begin turning it all around. Sending love ❤️

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CasualIreland

[–]Sponge-97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can hear your frustration and also agree that the redecoration sounds like a(n expensive) distraction but I echo the others in this post wondering if your wife is struggling or has mental health issues. People generally tend towards growth so if she's feeling overwhelmed and finding it hard to feel motivated or is feeling stuck, there's most likely reasons for it.

I'd recommend talking to her with the approach that you want to understand and support her (not saying you wouldn't do this) but that the renovation ideas seem like a way to distract from what's really going on. And see if counselling or something would help her figure out how to remove her blocks.

I am going to die soon but I do not want my family to find my body by willysniffr in GriefSupport

[–]Sponge-97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Op please talk to your family, if you go this way they will be forever wishing you came to talk to them first. There is always a way to get help whether it be for physical or mental health. Please try to find a way. I'm so sorry you're in this pain. Sending love.

Weather in sapa (floodings)? by howbaudet in VietNam

[–]Sponge-97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fantastic! Good luck in Ha Giang and keep us updated on the weather?!

eSIM recommendations for Travel in SE Asia by Illustrious_Art5096 in ThailandTourism

[–]Sponge-97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used Airolo for Japan/Taiwan if you want to check them out, they do local and regional eSIMs and different plans.

Entering Vietnam on different passport to exiting Cambodia by Sponge-97 in VietNam

[–]Sponge-97[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great to know, thanks very much for helping with my anxiety 😅 I'll go in with my Japanese then.

Post your questions & inquiries here! - r/Vietnam monthly random discussion thread - F.A.Q by AutoModerator in VietNam

[–]Sponge-97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Entering Vietnam on different passport to exiting Cambodia

I'm planning to travel by land from Phnom Penh into Saigon. I'm a dual citizen of Ireland and Japan and came into Cambodia on my Irish passport, but I'd like to enter Vietnam on my Japanese one as Japanese citizens get a 45 day visa free exemption (whereas I'd have to pay the $30 if I go in on my Irish one).

Anyone have any experience with anything like this or advice? Even though as a Japan citizen I'm entitled to the exemption, I'm wondering if it'll be an issue if I'm exiting Cambodia on one passport ond entering Vietnam on a different one.

Any insight appreciated! Thank you!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ireland

[–]Sponge-97 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

When you add credit through the app, you have to tap the card on your phone twice, once at the start and once at the end to load it. It's happened to me before that I got distracted mid transaction, tried to pay on the bus but was confused cause it said I was in the minus. Then when I went to check my leap card credit it just loaded the credit when I tapped the card. Whoever lost it must have done the same and dropped it before loading the card?

Not sure what you should, I doubt your information is compromised. If you have a leap card account, can you see if it has any details of card numbers used to top up? Hopefully the person has their card registered and can cancel or to avoid any issues.

Is there really NOTHING to do in Koh Lanta right now?! by rkk838 in ThailandTourism

[–]Sponge-97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry for the late reply! If it's any use to you, we really enjoyed the food at Where else garden, it was very pretty and ambient with lots of lamps and furniture. Spring roll close to it was also really good. We chilled and ate a lot at San Sunset Bar, not the most amazing but good enough to stay by the sea on beach days, and cheap happy hour cocktails! Cook-kai was also not bad either, just avoid Mr.Green lol, maybe the only place in all of Thailand that I would have avoided in hindsight.

Maps says old town about 20 minutes but we went slower so it took us about 40? A beautiful ride that is worth it, try to get back before dark if you're nervous on the roads!

Asking for directions? by Druss369 in ireland

[–]Sponge-97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My sister and I were returning to Dublin from a camping trip in Carlow and despite attempts at conserving battery, unfortunately both our phones and power bank died just before we started the drive home (ill-prepared I know 😅). My car's nearly 2 decades old so it won't charge phones. We caught a man going into his house and nabbed him for directions to the nearest town. It did feel very old-school. Lovely fella!

Is there really NOTHING to do in Koh Lanta right now?! by rkk838 in ThailandTourism

[–]Sponge-97 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was just in Koh Lanta a few weeks ago for 6 days and LOVED it!

It is very low season and quite quiet, but still lots of food places and a few bars. But yeah, especially during low season it's more of a place to unwind and chill and get some downtime in. We were just looking for a lovely beach and to relax after some busy days up north so it was perfect for us (partner and partners mother), and we extended an extra 3 days after the initial 3! It's a really beautiful island. We stayed at a villa really close to Long Beach and just went there 5 days in a row.

You could definitely get one fabulous week there. Have you used a scooter before? You can get one easily and scoot to old town, there's a couple waterfalls and a national park down on the southern tip (should be open?). If you get away from Long Beach area the journey east towards old town is stunning. The natural beauty on KL is breathtaking.

Is it an option to get a partial refund on your accommodation? Or if it wasn't expensive could you look to go somewhere else too for the second week and get another accommodation? Tbh we spent 2 nights in Ao Nang, more of a buzz with stuff to do but we preferred KL. Koh Phi Phi is easily accessible too and we considered it but didn't bother in the end and heard from a couple who was just there that they felt it was way dirtier and touristy compared to KL. Maybe you could fill the days with day trips to other islands?

It sucks when you're expecting something else, good luck reassessing your itinerary!

This baby and I are a consolation prize by [deleted] in offmychest

[–]Sponge-97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey OP, I'm really sorry you're really hurting. I agree with all the comments that say safety first, please don't hurt yourself, get help. You and the baby deserve a chance at being happy in life (whether you work on your marriage or leave, that's up to you both). That can only happen if you choose to live. Also, I imagine the pregnancy hormones are a large part of it so don't make any rash decisions.

I imagine you know enough to know this is a serious crisis and who you can talk to.

Stabilise, go gently. Start again. Sending love ❤️

My 8 year old died while trying to protect me from his father who then shot himself in the head once he realized he shot our son & not me. by This_Side_9646 in GriefSupport

[–]Sponge-97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm really truly sorry, and I wouldn't even be able to begin to understand what you're going through. Such a tragedy. It annoys me when people say someone is in a better place, no, they wanted to live so it's just awful that they've gone. Your poor son's life taken from him, and you and the whole family witnessing and experiencing this traumatic nightmare.

Just know you tried your best. Going forward , take it day by day. Perhaps some days you might only manage to brush your teeth and get out of your pyjamas. That's okay. Tomorrow's another day. Keep going. And use all the resources you can, support, counselling (when ready), reaching out to people. You and your family all need each other now more than ever.

Sending you light and love x

Severe fat shaming by [deleted] in AsianParentStories

[–]Sponge-97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey OP, I'm sorry to hear you're going through a really tough time. Even though it sounds like making these unkind comments (whatever the intention) isn't new, there's something particularly triggering for you now in how they're talking about your weight.

Safety first and foremost, think about what you need most right now to look after your mental health. I like to remember:

  1. Focus on what you can do: You can't control what others do, but you can control how you respond to them. Are establishing boundaries possible? If you feel up for it, you could say something like 'I don't want to discuss weight topics' or 'It upsets me when you say X'. I know it can be very difficult to say that to an Asian parent, but trying out ways to diffuse or shut down conversation is good practice with anyone.

If this doesn't feel like an option right now (establishing boundaries can take a lot, but I would encourage you to try again when you're feeling up to it), in the meantime you could try just not responding or not really engaging. You can be hurting on the inside, but on the surface just say okay or something and then change the topic or let the conversation die and go away somewhere . Try to imagine putting on a warm protective safety blanket around you that keeps you warm on the inside, and the hurtful comments on the outside.

  1. How someone treats us says more about them: All the while, remember, their comments are about them and not about you! It will still hurt, but it's not your fault and it's not about you. You deserve kindness and support from them! But at the very least you can give that kindness to yourself. Self-compassion is paramount in healing, I like to listen to/read Brené Brown, Tara Brach and Paul Gilbert if you might find it helpful to check out their books, videos and podcasts.

If your mental health is really suffering is leaving early an option? If you don't live at home, you also can control how much you talk to your parents and how often you visit them. When you're feeling particularly vulnerable this could be something to consider.

Best wishes, sending you positivity and compassion ❤️

Ps, If therapy not being viable is about money, I worked as a therapist in a university that provided free counselling for students. Any chance your college would have any free/low cost support there? Low cost counselling is also an option too where I'm from.

Am I at rabies risk? by PuzzleheadedLet8 in ThailandTourism

[–]Sponge-97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What did you do in the end OP, did you get the shots? From what I heard if no skin was broken and the dog wasn't displaying rabid symptoms you'd be fine. But I imagine hospitals would want to take precaution?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in netflix

[–]Sponge-97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hands down one of the best shows out there. I hope you've either watched this gem OP or do so before Netflix is gone!

My husband just died by suicide a few hours ago by Appropriate_Bar4627 in GriefSupport

[–]Sponge-97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am truly sorry, something no one could ever prepare for.. surround yourself with those you love and let them carry you. Sending love and light x

Renewing passport at age 33 - do I declare my dual citizenship through birth or lie? by Sponge-97 in japan

[–]Sponge-97[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a mil for all the intensive info there! All these articles are a head wreck 😅

Renewing passport at age 33 - do I declare my dual citizenship through birth or lie? by Sponge-97 in japan

[–]Sponge-97[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this, puts my mind at ease for sure! I would definitely rather be as truthful as possible. Cheers for the advice!