I have it all. Theres not much said about Schizophrenia that develops with depression, PTSD, bipolar and anxiety during age

[paramedicfirey]

Hi everyone. Very new to this. I am a current full-time paramedic, and have also worked full-time as a career firefighter internationally and interstate. I have also taught for an Interstate Ambulance service and volunteered for numerous emergency services. In my day, I had to lie about getting these jobs as the stigma is and was tremendous and I would not of got these jobs if I advised them I had a mental illness. But come today, and my work knows and is nothing but supportive as the workplace has come a long way.

In short, at 19, I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia and have battled since with depression, PTSD, anxiety and to some degree bipolar. I am now in my early 40's with a family. Healthy family. I have been institutionalized 8 times but got up and back on the horse every time. It has been hard, so hard but its a battle and even today i still struggle but with a very good psychologist, the right attitude and obedience with medications I have done it all. People don't realise that hospital is a massive trauma in peoples lives and should not be overseen but in relevance to that it can be the best thing. Some of the stories I could tell are pretty funny but inspirational. Mental health should not be a block in anyone's life in regards to family, work and friends. Not saying its easy but well worth it.

I have also had the privilege of traveling all around the world and I always believed you are either the victim or survivor. a great man once told me, you control your illness, not your illness control you.

I want to volunteer with advocacy, teach, destroy stigma, guest speak, give insight and help people with whatever mental health someone has but have no idea how to do this. I feel bored with my paramedic work and want to come into the mental health arena advocating for people but not sure how to do this and if anyone can give some advice? And also I would love to be of service with the threads but not sure where to start?

Thank you

[White_Rose]

Dear Paramedicfirey

Welcome to the forum. It is people like you who have come into my life numerous times when I have had an accident or been unwell. I have always found paramedics the most calming of people and certainly helpful. I am always amazed at the knowledge they have and how they work to keep people safe. Thank you very much for your care and support.

Great post above. It's a great idea to join in conversations on the forum. Start by reading a some threads and get a feeling for the sort of posts you can answer. I find various threads off-limits because they press too many buttons and I think most of us, if not everyone, would be in that position. That's why it is so great to welcome someone with lived experience who can relate to others.

May I suggest you join Blue Voices. BlueVoices is Beyond Blue's reference group for people who have personal experience of anxiety, depression or suicide, or support someone who does. Look under Get Involved on the tabs above. You can also apply to be a speaker. I think you will find several ways within Beyond Blue to help spread the word.

I think you will be an asset here.

Mary

[JRG]

Hi paramedifirey,

I am also a very new user of the Beyond Blue forums but I fully appreciate the post you have just put up. It definitely takes courage to be up front and true to yourself. I can certainly relate to the feeling we may both have to contribute to mental health awareness and help for advocacy in the community. I second what White Rose said and have recently joined Blue Voices - it was quite easy and I am excited about the possibilities it may later bring.

Thank you for sharing,

JG.

[paramedicfirey]

Thank you both very much. It feels great to be supported and to come out. I have already done so applying for blue voices and hope it works out.

Thanks for replying, made my day.

[blondguy]

Hello paramedicfirey

You are incredibly strong Paramedicfirey to talk openly about schizophrenia...it does need someone to reduce the stigma just the same as people are trying to do with clinical depression or chronic anxiety disorder

My big brother was diagnosed with Schizophrenia when he was 18...back in 1976. I was 16 at the time. The health professionals were 'invisible'....(after treatment and many times hospitalised) He would be 61-62 now

You have a kind heart Paramedicfirey

As Mary mentioned above....'We know you would be an asset here' We do have new members that have posted about Schizophrenia yet many people seem ignorant about this awful illness...unfortunately

You are amazing! Your thread topic is always open as an ongoing concern.only when its convenient for you to post!

I really hope you can be a part of what Beyond Blue are trying to achieve where breaking down the stigma is concerned

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

Just fyi...diagnosed with chronic anxiety followed years later with clinical depression (with meds) and working in a senior management level in the private sector....since 1983.

[paramedicfirey]

Thanks Paul. For your inspirational words. In all honesty, Ive been hiding for over 20 years not talking to anyone about my mental health illness, except ones I trust and am close with.

To hear your words and others empathise and know how hard its been makes me feel relieved that there are others out there who feel the same way and struggle the same way I did. Ive lost many friends, coworkers, bullyied etc by having a mental illness but on the flip coin, without the help of others you cannot succeed. I would not be here today if it wasnt from the help of others. But in saying that,you cant win the lotto if you havent bought a ticket.

Im sorry to hear of your brother and I understand how he would feel and the frustration. You are right, in the 90's it was alot different then. But still today there is so much still needed for improvement. My brother has chronic anxiety, much worse than mine and excessive OCD. He cant function. Hell I function better than him but it is hard. I struggle mostly at work. People know about my illness, even though they are health professionals, its still different when one of their coworkers has the illness. Mistrust, impatience, judging, etc. Its hard. But thank you for your post.

Warm regards

[blondguy]

Thanks so much for posting back Paramedicfirey (and your heartfelt understanding too)

Im sorry about your brother having chronic anxiety. Thats the same as my brother and I.....This is my 35th year (and no Im not counting....just observing) with mental illness. I hope that he is doing reasonably okay.

I was in denial for nearly 15 years by not having the frequent appointments I really needed for my anxiety attacks...I still feel like such a dill for 'thinking I could just get over it'...oops....That was a bad call....Lost my friends....mates....girlfriends. I understand you paramedicfirey

I joined the Beyond Blue forums in January 2016....I was a nervous wreck with depression.....I didnt have the courage you did to create my own thread topic when I started as my self esteem was bad news...I never thought I would be here now as a person that helps others that are doing it hard

The forums are a rock solid safe place for you to post paramedicfirey.....We are also a non judgemental as well. Your privacy and well being are paramount to Beyond Blue

You mentioned an excellent point above "People know about my illness, even though they are health professionals, its still different when one of their coworkers has the illness. Mistrust, impatience, judging, etc. Its hard"

This is where people dont understand what we are going through.....even some legends in your field...

Mental illness is no different to a physical illness as it partially chemically based....I hope that one day people will see mental illness as no different to a physiological one (just my humble opinion if thats okay)

My kind thoughts and respect

Paul

[mr magoo]

I think it's great you have achieved so much under some pretty adverse conditions.I have one question if that's ok.what was the thing you did that had the biggest impact on your success.

Kind regards Mark

[Sophie_M]

Hi Paramedicfirey, welcome to the forums.  Below are a couple of links you may be interested in:

Becoming an online community champion
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-involved/join-our-online-community/become-an-online-community-cham...

Becoming a Beyond Blue speaker
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-involved/our-speakers-bureau

[paramedicfirey]

Hi mark,

the answer to your question is quite simple. Set a dream or goal and go for it in all aspects. You may or may not get to that dream or goal at the end, but it’s the journey with blessings along the way and a life fulfilled.