Hi everyone!

[worldcitizen1919]

Just dropping in to say hi! I used to visit occasionally but due to studies have been absent. I’m happily married with no current problems. But the path to inner peace and contentment was littered with constant trauma and depression when I was young. I was abused and rejected as a child and orphaned.

Then I came down with Epilepsy and lost employment often because of the stigma attached. I then came to the conclusion that this society was not for me because there was no love, no compassion. I then embarked upon what were 6 suicide attempts. The doctors tried everything to cure me and as a last resort I had 6 courses of ECT.

Fast forward to now, and I consider myself the luckiest person alive. It was so, so painful all that trauma which I thought was the end of me, but it wasn’t.

So I know only too well what depression, rejection, abuse are and how it feels to be rejected by society. But I came out of it all, so I know there is hope for all. All these things will pass. Never lose hope.

[geoff]

Hello Worldcitizen, thank you for posting your comment because many people, including myself, understand what you have been through, except for being abused and/or being orphaned.

I also have epilepsy caused by an assault by a few people which altered my life, so I know what you're saying, and feel very sorry for you.

Having ECT, although I'm not a doctor, may cause obsessional thoughts or panic attacks and make you more anxious, which would depend differently on each person.

The main point is that you have come out of this and are happily married, that's certainly a positive bonus for you as your life develops into knowing how those affected by all of this struggle through life.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[worldcitizen1919]

Hi Geoff,

Great to meet you and congratulations on all the wonderful work you do helping others. I noticed your badge says “20 years”, that’s awesome!

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I’ve found that the way to counteract negative things that happen in life is with a corresponding stronger positive action. For example. Because of my early childhood trauma and epilepsy I was unable to obtain a proper education. That now has been squashed with a diploma and am continuing my studies. Not being able to drive, I do get access to a free travel card so I still can get around. And then having lived overseas for 5 years, I really have learned to appreciate this beautiful country and how well we are looked after. Clean drinking water! Coffee that tastes like coffee! Lol. And things like free covid shots. My wife’s family had to pay $300 just to get their boosters for everyone.

I suppose that gratefulness has made me realise just how lucky I am and to appreciate life itself. Dwelling on the unpleasant things in life only creates misery and often it’s only a wayward thought, not an actual event which we cling to without questioning. Believing what we think can cause a lot of unnecessary mental stress.

Thanks Geoff for all you do and it was a pleasure to make contact with you.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

You mentioned "inner peace". I'm glad you are here.

Inner peace is also a topic spoken much about by someone I follow (not religious) on youtube. You might be interested in some of his videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhrtbBrMQ1Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X30sWycWz4o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpfuMFsBgNk

Cheers

TonyWK

[Baljit]

Hi Worldcitizen,

Thank you, sharing your journey and lived experience.

It’s fantastic that you have also found a level of inner peace and the post definitely provided me with a high level of hope, encouragement and optimism.

Keep safe and well.

[geoff]

Hello Worldcitizen, a compliment goes a long way so thank you so very much.

I have been on the forums for 20 years, seen many people come and go, had to deal with difficult situations and also very much appreciate those who thank me with their kind thoughts, so my kind thoughts go out to you.

The reason why I've been on here for so long is that I had to experience so much leading up to my breakdown as well as during the time when depression and anxiety took over my life, so I can relate to many comments/threads that others post, that's why I'm still here and thoroughly enjoy it.

There are times when I've been rejected, especially by a few people, but for a long time now, I've realised that there are others who need more help than I do.

Many thanks for all your support.

Geoff.

[missep123]

worldcitizen1919 reading your post and you saying have hope and things will pass - your experiences and post will help so many reading it.

Thank you for being you!