G'day from the Whitsundays!

[The_Journeyman]

I go by the name of Bob . I AM 64 years old and have been dancing with depression since 1984. I AM now living my dream and I AM Content and I believe if I can do it, anyone can. From my own experience of healing the most important element has been talking about the problem in a safe, non judgemental and non advice giving scenario. The most beneficial qualities I have enjoyed on my journey have simply been acceptance and validation.  Looking back over my life I now see depression as a gift for it provided the incentive to heal myself!. There is a growing movement now globally that recognises depression not as an illness of the mind but a wound of the soul and I AM part of that.

Cheers Bob!

[blondguy]

Bob..Welcome to the BB Forums

What a sensational post. If you wish you are more than welcome to share your well articulated comments.

Acceptance and Validation! Yes!

You are a Legend Bob

Kind Thoughts

Paul 🙂

[The_Journeyman]

for me, Depression is not an illness of the mind but simply the expression of the pain felt by the soul having to live in such an Un-human society, which is why psychologists can never cure depression just medicate the pain. They operate in "Headspace" whereas the problem dwells in "Heartspace" .  Phealing got me through not Thinking for "Phealings are Healings" and you can quote me on that. The turning point for me was when I finally realised there was no-thing wrong with me, it is the system that is insane!

Cheers Bob

[blondguy]

Hi Rob

Thanks for getting back and saying hi! You have been on the 'rollercoaster' too. Your advice/input is great to receive. I will research 'Phealings' If they worked for you there could be a lot to learn on how you have coped.

The system can be a pain Rob..no worries there. Just my very humble opinion Rob, I have found that depression can be 'triggered' by so many life events I have lost count. Mine was applying to the court for contact for my daughter when she was little. I over-revved my V8 and I blew a 'cylinder'...so to speak...

The result was a change in brain chemistry (physical issue) then the symptoms began....They did go away after a while which was great...phew!..The Black Dog still visits but I have managed to ensure that he doesnt 'stay' too long.

Much of this is only my experience though..Good to read what worked for you though Rob 🙂

Cheers

Paul

[White_Rose]

Dear Bob

Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. What an amazing post. I do agree that depression is a wound of the soul.

Have you found your talking in a safe place is best facilitated by professional mental health people or by anyone who comes into the safe category.

Acceptance and validation. Two powerful gifts to give to the wounded. It will be fantastic to have you around the forum. I hope you will stay and pass on your message of hope to others who write in here.

Mary

[The_Journeyman]

G'day Rose

for me Depression is not a mental illness and one Professor emeritus of Psychology maintains there is no such thing as mental illness and I agree. for me the symptoms of depression are the physical evidence of a wounded soul. Mental Health staff have a place in treatment through medication to numb out the pain and prevent suicide but they are NO part of the cure for they are trained not to become emotionally involved. What has worked for me is a simple heart to heart connection whereby the counselor (who can be anyone) just listens with the heart to whatever is present for  the person in pain and only offers acceptance and validation. so for me Professionals operate from Headspace and the soul-utions reside in Heartspace.  Thinking is not the way forward but the trap, Phealing is the way forward for "Phealings are Healings" and you can quote me on that.!  Another tool I found essential is "My Mind is just a tool that I use when I Choose" and you can quote me on that one too! haha!

When I was living in Freo I learnt and practiced the art of Re-Evaluation Co- Counselling and found it very effective up to a point but more on that later. It was just one more stepping stone on my own journey to contentment. Namaste'

[The_Journeyman]

and FYI: I believe that All are Equal and All are Unique so from that I never give advice, I have no-ones answers, all I have is my truth, my story and what has worked for me.  Love this one! " unsolicited advice is abuse"

[blondguy]

Hey Bob

We are all equal...absolutely! We arent really into 'giving' any advice. We are only people that are trying to help others. Your story fits right in here Bob. I think that your story (not advice) would be beneficial to many of the people that have anxiety and/or depression that read/or post to the BB Forums.

Many of us on here are exactly the same as you Bob. We have our opinion. Thats the clarity that the BB Forums stands for. Your learning experience and how you have healed. Whether or not the depression/anxiety is a 'mental illness' is not relevant here. How you have healed is.

You are an intelligent and well articulated guy Rob. If you have any tips on how you have done so well we are all ears! My 25 years of severe anxiety was a result of a mix of negative life events which resulted in a chemical imbalance giving me the daily attacks I had. My Depression came right in the front door after I pushed myself too hard in court trying to get contact with my toddler daughter.

Its like being stuck on a desert island without resources....some will make it...some wont. But thats just my opinion Bob.

Cheers

Paul

[The_Journeyman]

G'day! All I have is my story, my truth and that is all I can share! Not at all interested in your opinion of my truth because all opinions are worthless.  Your opinion will not change my truth only I can do that and  your opinion does not tell me anything about you other than you have opinions. I would love to hear your truth and your story! also I do not engage in co-dependent behaviour. as a suggestion I would ask that you research "opinions are worthless" and" recovering from codependency!"

Love Bob!

IAM that I AM and I AM content!

[blondguy]

Hey Rob

You mentioned earlier and I quote "I believe that All are Equal and All are Unique so from that I never give advice" And fair enough too!...No worries there!

I posted back with my 'Opinion' not advice and you posted back "Not at all interested in your opinion"

I do envy and respect your 'story' Bob...But where are you coming from? Is it okay if I 'run it past you' that anxiety and/or depression is chemically based in its origin? Now thats not an opinion or advice....Its merely a statement from someone that has recovered.

Where are the Witsundays anyway? I was brought up in Niagara Falls ONT.

Cheers Bob and thanks again for your story/input

Paul