Finally joined!

Kapper · ‎07-07-2019

Hi . I have taken a long time to even consider joining . myriad of excuses main ones being that no one would understand and way too self conscious. I am not sure where to go from here. I will read posts I suppose and go from there?

Guest_663 · ‎07-07-2019

Hi Kapper

Welcomed to the BB Forums.

As mentioned "Finally Joined".. That's Fantastic!

I've personally have felt exactly the same way as you have thinking no-one would understand me + being self conscious . Also started + stopped numerous times.

Rest assured Kapper, those on the BB Forums are a Great Bunch who either experienced some sort of turmoil in their own personal lives are in the position to Share, Understand + Give First Hand Suggestions Ideas + so on..

Can be very frightening to open up with those we can't see face to face. Rather daunting at times.

I've the same issue as you have of expressing my thoughts with others.

Just take your time. Reading the forums gives you a measure of insight that's there are Many who feel the same as you do.

They care.

No obligation to post. Do so when you feel 100% comfortable with it. Write as much or as little as you wish..

Those on the BB Forums are genuinely concerned for your well being.

Take care

Regards

Mikalah

Quercus · ‎08-07-2019

Hi Kapper and welcome,

I love the reply from Mikalah. Making the choice to give posting a go is scary and the data from BB shows the majority of people will read and never post. So I suppose I'm saying good on you for taking the chance.

You don't need to know what to do or say on the forums. Every single one of us stumble through (and make mistakes) and that is absolutely fine. There is a thread about the forum rules which is helpful to read but really I have found just writing to others as you would a friend has worked for me.

The social zone is a good place to test out joining in general conversations. And the staying well section is great for joining in discussions on mental health topics.

Reading and joining in is a good way to introduce yourself to others here. It is totally up to you how much you feel like posting.

Is it ok if I ask if there is a particular topic close to home for you which you'd like to read about? Perhaps we can recommend threads you might like.

I hope to see you about the forums, it is always lovely to see new members joining in.

Nat

Kapper · ‎19-07-2019

Thank you for the welcome. I am an older person who has Bipolar only doagnosed 15 years ago. Years before my hubbie kept me hidden whilst i was going down and drinking was my coping mechanism not just for the moods mainly for the trauma i have experienced.i have been excellent at keeping all hidden whch in turn has as you would know has not helped only hindered.i have tried to check out many times and the last time i finally was admitted to a hopsital that saved me, right medication and right programs. 4 years sober and not wanting anything when times get tough. i am actually like an ex smoker when it comes to alcohol. hate the smell etc. I am also a ex smoker too.i am interested in "screaming " when things get tough as i dont have an outlet for that and reading up on peoples trals and tribulations aslo if i can add to help ten that would be good also

Quercus · ‎20-07-2019

Hello again Kapper,

I love it when new members return to post again (often doesn't happen) so thank you.

4 years is a fantastic achievement. Good on you! There are many members here who have used alcohol to cope too, and lots of threads about alcoholism. Your input is so welcome.

Also... There is a long thread which many members managing bipolar like to write in which might be of interest. Feel free to join in if it helps you, there is a lady called Quirkywords who posts there often and she is very kind and encouraging to new posters.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/this-bipolar-life

You wrote about being interested in screaming as an outlet and I can't think of a thread that discusses scream therapy. But that sounds like a fantastic idea for a new discussion or thread if you wanted to start the conversation. My Mum in law told me at my worst that sometimes she wanted to just break plates and scream and it was the first time someone had admitted to feeling as I did. So reading your post made me feel less alone, thank you for this.

Nat