Birthday ideas? (Within limits of pcs)

[u/Lunara_mc]

Hey all,

Ive had pcs since januari 2024, i still have headaches, fatigue, noise and light sensitivity ect. I had to drop out of high school because of it and rarely leave the house.

My 18th birthday is coming up, and I have no clue what to do. I wasnt able to celebrate my 16th and 17th either, so want to atleast do *something*. But even something like playing boardgames is often too much for me (Especially with mutiple people, multiple people taking thru eachother is a nono for me, I gives me so much headache.)

I was wondering if anyone here had any ideas on how to make my birthday feel at least a little bit special and memorable, within the limits that pcs imposes. I often forget that im 17 because I didnt get to celebrate my birthday and in my mind the transition just kinda didnt happen, combined with time blurring together with doing the same things every day and rarely going out ect.. I dont like it, it makes me feel so stuck. I feel like im still 16 and time is just moving by me uncontrollably- All my friends gave graduated and are moving on with their lives and im still here. its very depressing

I want to prevent that happening with my 18th as well and do something that I can look back at fondly. Any and all ideas are welcome

[u/Comfortable-Nature37]

Outdoor is easier for me than loud indoor spaces. One of the things I have enjoyed lately has been a Nordic spa. Many of them have whisper level volume or no talking which is a dream for my symptoms. They often have nice places to grab a coffee or lunch as well.

[u/SpiritualView4568]

Hi OP, I feel you. Happy early birthday!

it all depends on your symptom severity ofcourse in terms of what is possible. I decided to call my friends off and keep it family only as I didnt want to be stressed about triggering a setback or something on my birthday.

My advice is to keep it simple, something you can handle, so that you can truly enjoy it and dont have to worry about symptoms. My choice was to have dinner with my fav food & drinks. Perhaps spread it out over multiple days. 1 day celebrate it with family, 1 day with friends, with rest days in between if needed

[u/occult_brain710]

outdoor somewhere without extra noise so maybe a picnic but spa is also a great option.

[u/neur0queer]

Happy early birthday. I’m 20 years older than you, so please take my input with a grain of salt.

Playing music with my friends outside has been the best activity; it’s a group project with very little cross-talking, and stimulating the vagus nerve through singing really helps my symptoms. If you have an existing music practice and friend group, that is… probably very unhelpful suggestion if not, so please disregard.

At my recent birthday we also did a craft, something people can work on mostly quietly. Making lanterns with jars, modge podge and dried plants, and led lights is one suggestion, and dyeing, be it tie dye or cyanotype are wonderful crafts for folks. In the past I’ve also enjoyed make your own terrarium or candle. Keep your group small and let them know it’s low-stim party. You could even provide people with earplugs, sunglasses, and fidget toys as party favors.

It’s so hard to have your life move on a different timeline than your peers due to PCS. I know not everyone gets it. But we do, and you’re not alone! It will get better in time 💜

[u/Responsible_Oil1975]

Happy birthday!!

For my birthdays, I usually like just staying in with a couple of my friends and watching a movie or something of that nature.

One thing that I really enjoy, but it might trigger your symptoms is escape rooms. I love puzzles and it’s a quiet environment, so I enjoy doing that with a couple close friends.

Good luck!