Hello, just looking for a safe place to hang out

[Speedbird]

Hello everyone, I signed up to this forum last time I had an anxiety blowout a few years ago. I ended up getting through things OK, but over the past few weeks have been deteriorating again. I think one of the worst things about mental illness is that you feel so alone. I have a wonderful family, and really try and put on a smile and pretend nothing is wrong with me. My wife knows I have anxiety/depression issues, but doesn't know to what extent. I guess I just wanted to come on board for a bit of company and support.

Thanks for reading.

[jaz28]

Hi Speedbird,

Thank you for reaching out, I am sorry you have been struggling with anxiety. It is so true, and hard when you feel alone. But you have come to the right place for support - we all understand you to some degree on here. Although you feel like you need to display a brave face, I think it is important to reach out to your family for support if you need it. I am sure your wife would be willing to help you through it - that's what marriage is about, right?

Have you spoken to a mental health professional about this?

I hope things improve,

Jaz xx

[smallwolf]

hello there speedbird.

It can be tricky to work out what or how much to say to our partners. One day, I had a left a sheet of paper on the table that had information on it from my psychologist which my wife saw. Despite what was on it, my wife did not bat an eyelid. That still does not make it easier though. I guess what I am trying to say is that our partners can be stronger than we think? 

Can I ask whether you are getting help at the moment? Or... Can you remember any coping tools from the last time it happened and whether these are working for you now?

Though chatting on here is helpful as well... I find. 

What has been happening?

[ecomama]

Hey speedbird, welcome back! 

It's pretty clear that suffering from MHIs can get in the way of our relationships. Maintaining connections, even with our spouses / partners can be challenging. 

I understand it's a "man thing" to always put on a brave face. It's a woman thing too! 

I suggest you and your wife watching "The Call to Courage" by Brene Brown on Netflix. She's a brilliant researcher in the areas of courage, vulnerability, shame, empathy and lately she's released INCREDIBLE research on living a whole hearted life. 
I've watched this probably 100 times now lol. It's amazing how she imparts techniques we can use to enrich the connection with our loved ones. 

I also want to encourage you to seek HEALING from the MHIs you refer to. 
Learning more about HOW to heal is an AMAZING journey! 

Being in control of our own mental HEALTH is empowering. 
We can literally change our minds and bodies, as they're connected and BOTH need to change. 

I've been diagnosed in the past with an alphabet soup I call it lol! 
The last 2y of my healing journey has been incredible. Without meds. 
I truly believe that if I walked in for assessments now, I'd not have anything. 

It's not only possible, it's tangible! 

Wishing you wealth, health and happiness, 
Love EM