Awkward Orange

[dennagrace]

For some reason when the link opened to start a discussion, I remembered the awkward orange YouTube video and I can definitely relate to that video right now - I feel a bit awkward, and my face is probably a bit red/orange as I blush/flush when I feel anxious! But here's to making friends with my anxiety and feeling the fear and doing the thing anyway!!

I'm so nervecited to be here! (Nervecited is a word I came up with to represent those times I feel both nervous and excited in life - which is a daily occurrence for me!!) It is really wonderful to see that a forum like this one exists and it looks like so many people are very active on it which I love!

My lived experience consists of a trauma background, and I have been diagnosed with HSV2 and ADHD and co-morbid anxiety as an outcome of experiencing that trauma. I also want to note I have lived experience of both consumer and carer, although consumer is more prominent for me currently, especially since I work as a Lived Experience Worker with consumers in VIC.

Recovery is a big part of how I manage daily, and I absolutely love creative outlets like writing, painting, Spoken Word and music, as well as nature. I incorporate these elements into my life to help me support myself to be as regulated as possible.

One of the most beautiful learnings of my recovery journey so far has been learning that my ability to intentionally and safely share aspects of my lived experience can and does instil hope in others in their recovery journeys.

What does recovery look like to you??

~ Dee

[Croix]

Dear Dee~

There was nothing awkward in your post, it was very clear. To be able to take one's lived experience and turn it round to advantage is one of the most satisfying things one can do. Far too many people seek assistance and are met with a clinical labeling response, and while that might be necessary at times there is also a need for understanding and hope, which can be given by another that has been, or is going, down the same path.

And of course this is what this forum is all about, sharing ones experiences. Like most people when I first cam here it was just to gather information about my condition and to see how others had coped.

In time though the desire to help others by showing understanding and perhaps giving useful snippets out of my experience to reinforce that has become an occupation that lets me not only give, but learn at the same time.

Would you like to say more about how using your creative outlets like writing, painting, Spoken Word and music, as well as nature can help? What to decide to do, how you do it, and the effect would all be of great interest.

Croix

[Croix]

Dear Dee~

The internet ate my first post so I will try again.

Welcome here to the Forum, you may have felt awkward making a first post however it came across as logical and sensible and gave a good idea of your circumstances.

Taking one's own experiences and turning them to advantage is a great thing. People normally seek assistance in a clinical environment which tends to be impersonal and labeling.  While that may be necessary there is also a and to be understood and seen as an individual, and that can only realy come from someone who has experienced something similar and understands. Then a different form of assistance can take place.

Like many I joined the Forum to meet my own needs, to find out how other had coped who also had my illness. Eventually however I was prompted to start to talk, and offer parts of my experiences as a means of encouraging others, letting them know what to expect, and sharing hope.

You sound as if you are coping well. Would oyu care to say more about how you use your creative outlets like writing, painting, Spoken Word and music, as well as nature. Perhaps how you know which one to select, what you do, and the effect it has on you.  That would be most useful

The Forum is a place one is always learning

Croix