Hello everyone :)

Elandra — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 01:55:22 GMT

Hi everyone ,

I have just joined blueVoices and wanted to introduce myself.

My family has been battling with depression and anxiety for many years, and mental health has played a big part in my life ever since I can remember. I have both, friends and family, that deal with mental health issues and it will be great to get into touch with some of you about your own experiences.

I was dealing with depression and anxiety for most part of my adolescence but never had the courage to talk to someone about it and get help. In my family, mental health was still something that wasn't really talked about. Fortunately I had big changes in my life (moving away to Australia by myself and starting new, finding a partner and friends that were very supportive) a few years ago that turned things around for me. I still have days on which I feel a little low, but I don't feel that depression is ruling my life anymore and I can confidently say that I am happy with my life. Acceptance of mental health issues in nowadays society has helped me realize that struggling is not something that needs to be hidden but that help is out there.

Always wanting my children to have a better life and to grow up in a more accepting society, I chose an educational pathway in this field and graduated with a bachelor in psychology last year. Knowing what I know now, I realize that my mother possibly suffered from depression for a very long time, maybe even throughout most of my childhood. Talking to her about it now, she admitted that he had looked for help but had negative experiences with it and then just tried to deal with it herself, too. About two years back now, her life also changed drastically (in a positive way) and she too is now happier and on the mend.

My sister has now been diagnosed with depression and anxiety about 8 months ago and I am very glad that she was able to seek help and has a great support network around her. My mother and I made sure that her experience was different than ours and that she knew that we were always there for her. I might be a world away (my whole family still lives in Europe) but we are all still very close and always only a call away to talk about what is happening in our lives. My sister has benefited greatly from both of our experiences and her treatment plan seems to work for her.

I am really looking forward to getting into touch with some of you and hear your story.

Talk to you all soon.

Hello everyone :)

Quercus — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 02:28:02 GMT

Hi Elandra,

A warm welcome to the forums and to Blue Voices.

Thank you for sharing your story. It is lovely to see someone join when they are in a good place mentally... Hope is a wonderful thing.

You don't have to wait for an invite anywhere just join in threads that interest you. The social zone or staying well sections are a good place to start. Long term threads aren't so intimidating if you read the first page and the last to get a feel for them. We're a pretty friendly lot here the more the merrier 😊.

Seeing as you and your family are successfully managing your mental illness a lot of people (myself included) would welcome you sharing what has helped you.

Looking forward to seeing you about the forums more Elandra.

Nat

Hello everyone :)

demonblaster — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 02:33:54 GMT

Welcome Elandra

Great to hear things have improved for you & congrats passing your exams in psychology

I think very helpful to hav an extra understanding having been thru stuff which will help in your work

All very best

topic Hello everyone :) in Welcome and orientation

Hello everyone :)

Hello everyone :)

Hello everyone :)