Reborn dolls...I just think they're sad...

[Poohlove]

I'm confused on how that's a lecture. But okay.

Also, I didn't realize at the time that this was a Disney board. I very much would like to go though. Will have to save my money and continue to work on my anxiety.

I read that post you were replying to and I could see where it would strike a nerve. I feel like it was very insensitive and way over the top, I actually said Wow out loud. I have found the best way to handle these types of posts is to just move on and not give them too much consideration. If nothing else than maybe that person is having a bad day so it spills out here because generally there aren't face to face repercussions. Maybe the thread at hand deals with a situation they have at home and they are saying here what they would like to say to their family or friends. In a way this is their Reborn doll as their coping mechanism.

 

[Hikergirl]

That video, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

 

[moon]

I wonder why they don't get a dog or a cat. Then they would get all the love they give back multiplied by a million. Adoring eyes, wet kisses, purring. It can be wonderful!

 

[L&Lfan]

Lots of folks in nursing homes carry baby dolls with them in their wheel chairs. But I've never seen anyone who was actually lucid and not in a nursing home do it.

 

[Planogirl]

I'm in a nursing home/rehab and the vast majority of people here are quite elderly. I haven't seen anyone carrying a doll.

 

[reader_girl]

I read that post you were replying to and I could see where it would strike a nerve. I feel like it was very insensitive and way over the top, I actually said Wow out loud. I have found the best way to handle these types of posts is to just move on and not give them too much consideration. If nothing else than maybe that person is having a bad day so it spills out here because generally there aren't face to face repercussions. Maybe the thread at hand deals with a situation they have at home and they are saying here what they would like to say to their family or friends. In a way this is their Reborn doll as their coping mechanism.

True, Poohlove. And I apologize if I came across as nasty. Part of it comes from a nasty family member who criticized my doll. And some of the things said here reminded me of her.

 

[Poohlove]

True, Poohlove. And I apologize if I came across as nasty. Part of it comes from a nasty family member who criticized my doll. And some of the things said here reminded me of her.

It's difficult for someone who doesn't have anxiety to understand what those who do have bouts of it go through. Having had some issues with anxiety myself I say whatever works for you and gets you through your day is fine. No one else has to like or agree with it as long as it isn't harming others. DSIL clings to her phone, used to be her Nintendo DS, during social gatherings. Once she got to know everyone better she relaxed and didn't rely on get devices as heavily.

 

[Planogirl]

One side effect for me is anxiety. I take drugs when it overwhelms me but otherwise I have no way of knowing what I'll need when I finally go home.

 

[Poohlove]

One side effect for me is anxiety. I take drugs when it overwhelms me but otherwise I have no way of knowing what I'll need when I finally go home.

I'm sorry to hear that, I hope all works out for you! Not sure what limitations you have but yoga, even the most gentle positions, helps me. The focused breathing/meditation is very centering.

 

[ronandannette]

I'm in a nursing home/rehab and the vast majority of people here are quite elderly. I haven't seen anyone carrying a doll.

My DMother (who passed away 3 months ago at 99) was in a locked-down dementia care ward for a couple of years. They gave her (and a number of other patients) one but it actually caused more problems than it solved. The dolls were an object of comfort for some but for others they oddly became a focus for their aggressive spells. More than once we saw my beloved DM frantic and weeping because somebody had done something to "her baby". It was incredibly painful to watch and like a PP upthread, it just seemed so very undignified.

 

[BigAlsGal]

I find judging people helps me with my anxiety.

 

[Poohlove]

My DMother (who passed away 3 months ago at 99) was in a locked-down dementia care ward for a couple of years. They gave her (and a number of other patients) one but it actually caused more problems than it solved. The dolls were an object of comfort for some but for others they oddly became a focus for their aggressive spells. More than once we saw my beloved DM frantic and weeping because somebody had done something to "her baby". It was incredibly painful to watch and like a PP upthread, it just seemed so very undignified.

My grandmother has dementia and I gave her a doll which she loved. She would hold it in her lap and rub it's leg or pat the bottom of its feet like she used to do with real babies. It was a soothing thing for her which was great because not much would bring her that kind of peace. Maybe it isn't dignified but there isn't much dignity in wearing adult diapers and rattling her bed rails yelling get me out of here. Over the last few weeks she has not been doing much more than sleeping. The doll is on the end of her bed and she smiles at it and tells it that it's cute so as long as it's bringing her some joy we are good with it.

 

[Poohlove]

I find judging people helps me with my anxiety.

That's cute

 

[ronandannette]

My grandmother has dementia and I gave her a doll which she loved. She would hold it in her lap and rub it's leg or pat the bottom of its feet like she used to do with real babies. It was a soothing thing for her which was great because not much would bring her that kind of peace. Maybe it isn't dignified but there isn't much dignity in wearing adult diapers and rattling her bed rails yelling get me out of here. Over the last few weeks she has not been doing much more than sleeping. The doll is on the end of her bed and she smiles at it and tells it that it's cute so as long as it's bringing her some joy we are good with it.

The patients in my DMom's facility were mostly all still mobile and they weren't confined to their beds or rooms in any way and they all couldn't be supervised every minute. They often interfered with each other's things. All in all, my DMom's inability to "protect her baby" was a great source of distress to her and I wish she'd never had it. She eventually forgot it, like everything else.

 

[Hrhpd]

I would never judge someone who uses a physical prop to address an anxiety or other mental disorder. Although I would hope the person is not "self diagnosing" and is working closely with a therapist to hopefully move towards not needing the prop any longer. A doll is no different than someone who truly needs a therapy dog (not talking about those that abuse the true definition of therapy dog.)

 

[Poohlove]

The patients in my DMom's facility were mostly all still mobile and they weren't confined to their beds or rooms in any way and they all couldn't be supervised every minute. They often interfered with each other's things. All in all, my DMom's inability to "protect her baby" was a great source of distress to her and I wish she'd never had it. She eventually forgot it, like everything else.

That's sad, I'm sorry your mom had that stress. My grandmom is at home and has around the clock care from my dad and aunt with hospice coming daily. Up until a few weeks ago she was pretty mobile and had a healthy appetite but I think she is getting tired, she has been grappling with advanced dementia for about 4 years now.

 

[Kitty 34]

I find judging people helps me with my anxiety.

That and my Zanax!!

 

[ronandannette]

That's sad, I'm sorry your mom had that stress. My grandmom is at home and has around the clock care from my dad and aunt with hospice coming daily. Up until a few weeks ago she was pretty mobile and had a healthy appetite but I think she is getting tired, she has been grappling with advanced dementia for about 4 years now.

It's a tough road for everybody involved, no matter what direction it takes. Grace and peace to you all.

 

[BigAlsGal]

That's cute

 

[reader_girl]

I would never judge someone who uses a physical prop to address an anxiety or other mental disorder. Although I would hope the person is not "self diagnosing" and is working closely with a therapist to hopefully move towards not needing the prop any longer. A doll is no different than someone who truly needs a therapy dog (not talking about those that abuse the true definition of therapy dog.)

Agreed. My therapist did not give me the doll but he agrees that it is a helpful thing for me to have. I am also improving with the combination of therapy, meds and my tools (doll, music and even textured items I carry with me.) A month ago, I still needed my parents to order for me at a restaurant. Now, if we are here in town, I can order for myself. Doll or no doll.