u/No-Philosophy6800

How do you guys stay positive on bad days? Talking specifically those really bad and hard emotional days. I'm trying my best to keep a positive attitude, but it's really challenging at times, but I don't want to just give up either.

Diagnosed a few months ago, but have been having symptoms + on the decline since July 2024, following several stressful events + back to back infections. I feel like I'm finally stabilizing?

For reference, prior to getting ill, I used to be able to do the following:

• Shower daily, do my hair daily (brushing)
• Cooking my own meals multiple times a day
• Staying awake most of the day
• Exercise multiple times a month (dancing, stretching, and walking)
• Work part time

Was able to do full time + a few hours a week at a side hustle as well.

Currently can only:

• Shower once every few days (try to minimize to brushing my hair every two weeks)
• Have had to moved to microwave and pre made meals; will cook myself something hot and cold but it takes a lot of energy
• Sleeping pretty much most of the day + trouble staying awake
• 0 exercise as of right now; can occasionally go out with my rollator for 3 to 4 hours max maybe once a week
• Cannot work at all

I feel like I've definitely seen some improvement because at my worst (a few months ago) I had days where I was spending hours in bed with hunger pangs and would go months without a proper shower because I didn't have the energy. Going from that to no longer dealing with hunger pain episodes + being able to shower multiple times a week definitely feels like an improvement. I've also been able to brush my teeth at least once a day, most days.

However, I have noticed other tasks are getting harder to complete. Like taking my meds when scheduled to and it's hard to keep up with medical appointments. I seem to be limited to a number of tasks a week before other parts start to suffer. I do feel like I am still in rolling PEM at times. So between feeling like i'm in rolling PEM and being able to do a different variety of things compared to a few months ago, I'm unsure of how to assess myself.

Would love some advice and any insights people have. Recovery matters a lot to me.

Question for my people out here who don't "pass" or have experience with that - how do/did y'all navigate trying to date queer men during that period? I had to stop T and well, even when I was on it, I barely passed (low dose, so I know why). This is my first pride exploring myself as a queer man, since I spent most of my life thinking I liked women. However, I am feeling insecure and unsure since I don't pass. I'm also fem presenting, which definitely adds to it. I know there are plenty of trans guys who also dress fem and do pass, I just ain't one of them. I was wondering if anyone has any advice for me on this. Passing tips, but also how to socially navigate male centered spaces when I know I'm not read as male.