Newbie

[Susane]

Hi all. Im in my early 40s , married for 23 yrs , together for 26 yrs, have 2 daughters and 2 grandkids. I found this forum as I feel I can't confide my feelings to my family as I feel it's a burden to them. Nice to be here, Thankyou.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Susane,

Here is a very warm welcome 🙂 It's lovely to meet you here on the forums. It must be difficult (and possibly even lonely) to not be able to open up to your family. But you can talk to us about it here- can I ask what has been on your mind?

Kind thoughts,

Pepper

[Guest_9809]

Hi Susane, and I add my own welcome to that of Pepper. I'm glad you have found this forum as I am sure you will find many kind people here to listen, understand, advise, encourage and support you.

Please feel free to confide and be completely open here on the forums as all posts are moderated to ensure our individual safety and anonymity. Just be mindful of not divulging any information which may allow someone you know to personally identify you, such as real names, local town, etc.

I understand what you mean about not wanting to burden family members or loved ones by confiding our troubles. And it is also very hard for people who do not experience anxiety or depression to fully understand someone who does. Certainly you will find many like-minded people here, because that is something we all have in common.

You havent told us a lot about yourself yet, but I hope you will come back again soon and do so. A bit about me - I am in my mid 50's, married, I have 2 grown up step-children and 6 grandkids. I joined this forum last year when I was seeking specific advice about PTSD, and had no outside support. Since then I have had some psychotherapy with my clinical psychologist ... with more to come. I continue to experience typical PTSD symptoms of severe anxiety and regular depression. But I am finding that with appropriate treatment, medication, and self help and coping methods - things are improving. I also find that the support and comeraderie offered by the people here on the Forums are a great addition to formal professional treatment.

I am interesting in hearing whether you suffer from anxiety or depression, or perhaps some other specific MH disorder. And also what treatment you have undergone, how effective its been, what treatment if any are you having now, how are you travelling now. Is there anything in particular that we can try to help you with today?

I hope you will post again and tell us a little more about yourself, as this will allow others to also offer their assistance and support to you. In the meantime, please have a browse of the relevant section of forums and feel free to reply to any existing threads that interest you, or those that you have any questions or advice to offer. Members will be very appreciative of any input you choose to provide.

Talk again soon.

Taurus

[geoff]

hello Susane, welcome to the site and it's great to see you have posted a comment.
This is a safe site, it's anonymous unless you want to post a photo of yourself but there is no need to if you don't want to, and I'm sure there's a lot of history in your marriage and probably goes back even further than this, so just take your time and come back to us when you're ready.
Please don't be afraid because all of us have gone through our own long history of MI, so there will be people wanting to help you out. Geoff.

[Susane]

Thanks for your warm welcome Pepper. 5 months ago our okish life was pulled out from underneath us, unexpectedly and suddenly. I struggle to keep on our feet and not sink into a black hole. My husband suffers from depression and anxiety also. My whole outlook on life has changed with no good outcome for the future. I feel at a total loss and complete helplessness.

[Susane]

Taurus thanks for your welcome it's very nice of you. My husband and I have 2 girls, 17 and 22 with 2 angel grandkids. The grandkids are the light of my life but live 2.5 hrs away which is hard for me. I helped birth the first grandbaby so I am very close to him. I struggle with depression and anxiety, haven't had an easy life and have been on mild medication for about a year.

[Susane]

Thankyou Geoff. The welcoming posts have been very nice. I certainly feel for the people like yourself struggling with these issues.

[annie45]

Welcome Susane

I too keep a lot of my depression to myself, not wanting to burden my husband. But it's really hard and sometimes I feel as though it's too much. This forum has been wonderful in allowing me to start opening up and letting these thought out. I find being anonymous really helps me to feel safe to express exactly what I'm feeling. It's also helping me become more open with my counsellor. Take your time and read some of our threads. When you're ready, come back and let us know how you are going

Good luck

Annie

[Susane]

Thanks Annie, I appreciate your welcome. Alot of the time when I express my thoughts and fears I'm told I'm whinging and to toughen up princess.

[annie45]

Hi Susane

No need to worry about that sort of response here. When you're ready feel free to tell us your fears and thoughts and we'll be here to support you all the way.

Take care

Annie