I know why you are on the forums, but why are you here? in life?
What is your purpose? what is your goal?
Many years ago while working in security I had to work with ambulance persons and firefighters. I was in awe of them in many ways. Yes they got paid well but really they entered their profession for the thrill of helping others, that adrenalin that comes from saving others. What an amazing bunch of people. No money in the world matters when its saving a life. Money is suddenly totally irrelevant.
What about you? Have you ever helped someone and that experience had shaped your outlook for a long time? I know the feeling because as a prison officer I first used first aid to resuscitate an inmate. Then a few years later a similar event in Perth while I was on a business trip waiting for my skyway bus to take me to the airport. The fellow made it alive and the police rushed me to get there for my plane back to Melbourne. Some few hours that was. On both occasions the trauma caught up with me down the road but as it occurred I was in auto pilot from my training.
Some members might wonder why we community champions devote so much of our time daily to talk to people like you about your woes. I can say that being here nearly 4 years that this experience has helped me enormously with my own mental challenges so it is my therapy in a way. The more I learn about this depression thing the stronger I become. Also it fills my day. Watching TV all the time is not my thing as we are idle on a pension. I have my building projects but largely I have time available.
For you readers I urge you to, when ready, don't underestimate your ability to donate your own experiences to this or other mental health forum. You will benefit as a side advantage, while reaching out to help.
We don't often get praise and appreciation. That is not why we are here. But tonight I got feedback and I'm buoyed, thankful and I just feel good after reading this ladies reply.
So give it some thought. We go through life struggling but if we can hold hands with other people in strife we can conquer together. Accept that your challenges will take time, that's ok. Walk through the fog together and experience the ultimate purpose of "being here"....living to help others. The greatest inner thrill of all time.
TonyWK
