Stickman Communications

The Pocket Book of Pacing | Stickman Comms Within “The Pocket Book of Pacing”, the stickmen, with their usual combination of humour, charm, and honesty, fill this book with all the info and practical tips that the author, Hannah Ensor, wishes…

reassurance that I'm on the right track. #Hypermobility #PoTS #Neurodivergence #Fatigue
from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...

The pocket book of pacing open on page 5 "Pacing is a way of planning activities so you get the most from the energy you have. It is commonly used for conditions which cause persistent pain or fatigue. It involves recognising what makes things worse and what helps, instead of trying to push through/ignore symptoms which causes them to get worse. Then using that knowledge of what helps/hinders to create a lifestyle that works for you. Sometimes pacing can lead to long term improvements, other times it simply helps you cope with your symptoms. But either way, life with good pacing is MUCH more fun that book and bust!" (in the background are stacks of small, lilac books titled 'The pocket book of pacing').

This pocket book of pacing contains the practical notes and advice that I wish I'd been given right at the start of my pacing journey. All in little bite-sized sections for easy processing. And now, over 15 years since the first edition, I still dip into it for reminders and -

Spoken information card | Stickman Comms This spoken information card says "I sometimes find it hard to follow spoken information. Please: slow down. Give me time to process each point before starting the next. I may need to ask questions…

for understanding, and enables us to be much more involved, effective, and competent.

These cards are from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...

Card with plain border and a stickman pointing to a board that says: 1 (tick) 2. ...processing..., 3. (not yet). The card says "I sometimes find it hard to follow spoken information. Please: slow down, give me time to process each point before starting on the next. I may also need to ask questions or take notes."

In the busy-ness of life, it's easy to think that slowing down means wasting time - and asking people to slow their explanation/instructions down is being a burden. In reality, when we ask for information to be given slower, it's usually an excellent investment - it creates opportunities -

I’m sitting by my open door (out of the wind, but in the fresh air) listening to the birds. And while yes, there are many things I need to do, right here, right now, this is most needed. And taking these breaks will help me stay on track in the longer term. #Pacing #Fatigue #PoTS #Hypermobility

Shaped wooden jigsaw puzzle of a butterfly, stylised in blues and greens with a bit of a galaxy feel to the decoration on the wings.

zoomed in close to part of the wing of a shaped wooden butterfly jigsaw in blues/turquoise. There is a piece shaped like a flower with 8 petals, and it's been put in rotated 90 degrees clockwise. It fits, but the picture does match.

I loved doing this little jigsaw last night.
Although slightly annoyed that the last piece to go in was wrong/wonky - and I was too tired to get it out and replace it the right way round! So it was still like it this morning. Imperfect, but still beautiful, and still appreciated!

FND | Stickman Comms Cards explaining different aspects of functional neurological disorder (FND) and many symptoms that it causes.

(Ok, so I'm not that with-it today, I hope that made sense!)

www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/fnd-function...

card with striped border, reading “I have functional neurological disorder. It can cause many movement or sensory symptoms. These can vary over time and may include seizures, tremors, tics, paralysis, weakness, and problems with balance, speech, vision, understanding, bladder, bowels and more. Symptoms are due to a problem with how my nervous system works. They can be as debilitating as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. Living with this is my normal.”

FND is one of the conditions we have an explanation card for - because the condition itself can affect peoples ability to think - and explain - clearly, and it can affect speech. Plus other people often find it really hard to understand so having a ready-made explanation can make life a lot easier.

Can't think card | Stickman Comms This laminated version of this card (which will not be reprinted) says "I'm sorry. I have no idea what you just said and my ability to think coherently has left the building. Please try later." The…

I'm really thankful we don't have any new contractors starting until after my jab, and I've had to tell my brother that important conversations have to wait til after Monday.
This card is from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...

massively increase the seven days before its due. So I'm extra emotional, can't make decisions, exhausted, tachycardic whenever I move, can't coordinate (inc swallowing being much harder than usual), brain-fogged. Aaaand....in the middle of house renovations with my brother and his family.
2/3

Card with rainbow striped border and puzzled stickman, with text: I’m sorry, I can’t think clearly right now, or process what you just said. Can we try again later?

Oh my. This card me at the moment. Excuse me while I curl up and whimper!
I knew this was likely because I have B12 deficiency on top of my hypermobility, PoTs, and neurodivergence, and my B12 jab is due on Monday. My symptom levels - 1/3

I think having a few ppl who experience this in my closest friends really helps me deal with it, cos they Just get it - and accommodate it.

Too Much card | Stickman Comms This too much card says "There's too much going on right now. I can't process what you're saying. Can we have this conversation another time?" These 110x80 mm cards have rounded corners and a hole…

scheduling in something additional - however far ahead.)
So if this is you too, solidarity!
Card from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...

card with beige border and a cross eyed, exhausted stickman with a question mark above it's head. Text: "There's too much going on right now. I can't process what you're saying. Can we have this conversation another time?"

The uninitiated often don't realise how real - and frustrating it is to be unable to process information because there's too much going on - either physically (distractions, noise etc) or in my head (decisions needed, too much on my calendar for me to even think about

Card saying "I need a toilet break"

This card can be really useful at #school - enabling kids who find communication difficult to discretely let the teacher know they need to go to the bathroom without having to say anything. #Diabetes #Incontinence #Crohns #Autism
You can get it here: www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/digestion-bl...

I hear you.

Guarantee our Essentials: reforming Universal Credit to ensure we can all afford the essentials in hard times Losing your job, needing to care for a sick family member, breaking up with your partner – everyone’s circumstances can change. When they do, the social security system should ensure no one goes witho...

And more detail on our latest estimate of what’s needed to afford essentials is here: 4/4
www.jrf.org.uk/social-secur...

Poor Immune System card | Stickman Comms This poor immune system card says "Please don’t come near me if you are unwell.Even if it’s ‘just a cold’. My body struggles to fight infections. Illnesses that are mild for others can be very severe…

who's disability/condition means they find speaking, or finding the right words difficult (e.g. with aphasia, fatigue, autism, overwhelm, brain fog, chemo-brain etc).
Available from www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...

Our 'poor immune system' cards are back in stock! - Providing a straight forward way to explain it to others so that they are aware of your needs, and should they become sick in the future, they know that it's important to stay away until well. These, like all our cards, are designed for people -

One final thing on the ADHD medication prescribing change.

Medications help, but they can be part of the solution, not the solution.

Psychoeducation about ADHD from reliable sources, and working on skills/techniques will enable long term change and management.

and rested. Taking the time to counter every "but you should be doing..." with a gentle "No, I should be resting so that tomorrow I will be able to do it without sacrificing my health. My rest today is a vital part of getting it done."
#Fatigue #Pacing #PoTS #AutonomicDysfunction

was SO needed, but also SO hard! "I'll just....' keeps sneaking up, and then the "but I have to get this task done!!" and "I want to be a part of this project" put their oars in. Yes. I do have to do it, but not today. I will be better able to do it at the weekend *Because* I have taken today off -

Today has been really tough - but also really constructive.
Not because of how much I've done - but because of how much self control I've used to *not do*.
There are so many tasks to do at my new house - including many that are manageable for me, but I didn't go. I rested and recharged today. It -

Mobility problems card | Stickman Comms These mobility problems cards say "I cannot stand/walk for long due to a disability. Please help me find a seat, Thank you." - with a stickman dizzy and with pain zaps on the left - and a chair on…

a massive thank you to everyone who gave feedback and helped shape this design - without your input it just wouldn't be as good. It's available here: www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...

2 copies of a card that says "I cannot stand/walk for long due to a disability. Please help me find a seat, Thank you." - with a stickman dizzy and with pain zaps on the left - and a chair on the right. One card has a rainbow striped border, and the other a plain beige border.

Our updated 'mobility problems' card is in stock - with a plain or striped border. I'm really pleased with how they've turned out - a handy way to ask for a seat for people who's disability can also make spoken interactions difficult or impossible. And -

Pavement parking flyer (10 pack) | Stickman Comms These A6 pavement parking flyers are ideal for giving people a gentle reminder not to block pavements for wheelchair users and pushchairs. They come in packs of 10.

So please: when you park, always make sure there's enough space for a wheelchair to get along the footpath! These flyers can be left under a windscreen wiper or tucked into the edge of a window to help spread the word: www.stickmancommunications.co.uk/product-page...

Blue A6 flyer that says "please leave a gap so wheelchair users and pushchairs can get past. Thank you" - with a stickman in a wheelchair unable to pass a car parked on the pavement, up close to a wall.

People parking partly on the pavement is common in the UK. Unfortunately this often means people using wheelchairs, rollators, and pushchairs or prams cannot get past - having to go right out into busy streets in order to get past cars that have parked on the pavement - creating unnecessary dangers

It’s now been about 48 hours and smells slightly, but not too bad

after they were installed! Thankfully back in my own bed last night though. But it was worth the inconvenience.
(and yes, the photos are taken from lying in bed! When health issues mean you spend a lot of time there, being able to see outside and get fresh air while in bed is really really lovely!)

Photo of a new white window - with 2 side opening casement windows and panel in between with a top light. Trees can be seen a short distance away.

new PVC patio doors - through which a wide swathe of grass and some barns can be seen. the photo is taken by someone lying in bed - you can see their legs covered by a dark green duvet.

The windows in my rented room were replaced. It's made the room warmer and less drafty, lighter and brighter, and I can reach to open the windows now too - so all really good. However, I also discovered: new windows STINK. at least, the caulk/sealant does! So I slept elsewhere the first night -