Introduce yourself

[behindthesmile]

Hi, I think most people can be anxious about posting on a new website, even more so when you don't know anyone yet but don't fear... I'm new too and I am confident that I will find lots of people to talk to and so will you. so introduce yourself tell me a bit about yourself and I will do the same I'm sure we can become friends haha even if it is anonymous.

(please don't judge if spelling or punctuation is wrong I am not good at either)

ok let me introduce myself, I am in my late teens and I have been diagnosed with depression anxiety and social phobia so I sue you can understand how scary this is. my doctor has been trying to get me to go on this website for awhile now. I have to admit I lie saying I have been too busy when in reality I was frightened. but I knew I had to push through that in order to get better. not only do I have depression among many other things but so does my dad of whom I live with. I try my best to look after him when he needs me but often I don't feel strong enough and that why I'm here. so far I have learned so much from this website among others and I feel more equipt. now I think its time to meet some people. that's a bit of my story, I am eager to read a bit of yours.

[blondguy]

Hello Behindthesmile

A Huge Welcome to the forums and what an inspirational thread 🙂

You are a legend for having the courage to post as well as you have done today...and Good on You!

I used to have acute anxiety followed by depression since I was 23 in 1983 and understand what you (and your dad) are going through. It can be a rocky road to drive on for sure. The good news is that the anxiety feelings do reduce in severity over time with super frequent counselling and meds (if the GP suggests them)

It is very noble and mega caring of you to be trying to care for your dad but you already have your own set of symptoms. Your health is paramount....and does come first...(with respect to your dad)

Your dads health should be a priority to himself too. Depressive illness can be reduced so we can have increased peace of mind. It requires patience, dedication and a strong desire to get better.

• The more regular the counselling the better his health and the more his depression will decrease
• Fortnightly therapy is great. Weekly is even better
• Even a good GP can help (to a point) us get a 'tune up'
• Using meds (if the GP agrees) as a foundation on which we can use therapy more effectively
• Even posting on the forums can be therapeutic....Its worked and helped me find some direction..

Behindthesmile Said: "I have learned so much from this website among others and I feel more equipt"

This is great stuff and I hope you dont me quoting you 🙂

The forums are also a judgement free zone. We are here to help whether regarding mental health or even if you need to have a vent. You are more than welcome to post as many times as you wish (your dad is too)

my kind thoughts

Paul

[behindthesmile]

yes, I do understand that it is each our own responsibility to look after our own health. But my dad is an amazing person who although as had a rough life stands strong for his wife and 3 remaining children. we have all had it tough and I do get told a lot that others have it worse which I also understand. But I believe that since my father has given up so much and face a lot for us, kids, it is our duty now in his later years to help him not only physically but mental as he needs to know that everything he does and has done has helped us kids grow to be successful adults. as it is my belief that parents life can be summed up by their children. This is not to say that a human's life is in vain without children I am simply saying that those who do choose to have kids devote their life to raising that or those children and that become their life.

Sorry, I am just rambling.

I do understand however that my father is not my main responsibility and I do not treat him as that he is more than capable of looking after himself but as his offspring, i do take a little responsibility for his mental health whether I should or not, this goes for my mother as well I will never stop look after them, nor taking responsibility for them and feel it is they child's job to eventually look after the parents (taking into account the child's ability).

I feel as though I should make it clear that I do not "care" for my father as such, as although he is increasing in years he is still working hard to support his 2 children and wife still living at home. when I say that I care for my father this is me expressing that through my love and deep respect for him I do all that I can to make his (and my mothers) at home life enjoyable. but in a sense, you could say that I am preparing myself to care for them much further into the future.

this is not to say I have devoted my future to only them because I have not I to have planned a life for myself that simply put involves them but is not centered around them.

sorry to of rambled I really don't really need to post this at all but for the sake of writing it all out I am going to 😄

regards behindthesmile

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

Hi, well done you. It does take courage to hit that 'post' button. The forums are a great place to learn about MH issues, reading of other people's experiences can give a great insight on so many levels. Joining in on discussions takes it up quite a few notches. I sometimes think of it as a 'diary with benefits'. I don't think there is anywhere else you can be totally open and honest, feel safe to vent whatever, whenever you need -24/7-, say anything without ever being judged, be 100% understood by someone else, learn from others' experience, get different points of view, choose to agree or disagree, connect, share....the list is truly endless. It is HUGE!!! So Yeah, you are in a good place, amongst friends. It will help.

You may already know, but there are several forums specifically for young people. In the social zone, there is the 'friends cafe', a social space for people under 25, for more light hearted discussions and fun things to do. On the main boards, there is a forum for 'young people' 12-25 to discuss more serious things. Of course, there are the problem orientated forums as well. And everyone just seems to be everywhere anyway. There is always someone to reply to you when you need it.

Anyhow, I just wanted to give you a firm pat on the back for taking that huge step of posting. I hope our 'threads' cross again.

Lee!

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

Our threads did cross, in cyberspace.

WOW.

I just have to add -

Please don't ever think you are rambling.

You have incredible maturity and insight.

Your parents should be so proud of you.

Please keep posting, you have so much to share.

[blondguy]

hi behindthesmile

As Lee (Jugglin Strugglin) said you are not rambling at all. I agree with what Lee has posted word for word.

As per my first post I made a point that the forums are a non judgemental zone.

I was responding to you after you mentioned that your dad was a sufferer of depression.

I think you are a legend by posting such an inspirational thread.

I hope your dad is doing as well as he can. We are here to support you/your dad through our own experiences suffering from depression.

my kind thoughts for you and your dad

you should be proud of the help you give your dad and your crackerjack thread on the forums

You have done so well

my best. Paul

[monkey_magic]

Hi everyone,

Im female & in my 30's. I've had a jam packed life with a lot of moving house,changing jobs,states etc etc. There's been many changes.

I actually feel like I've lived many lives in one.

Ive had a good life & a bad one. I've had amazing things happen like working at events like guns n roses,monster trucks,footy grand final & getting to c these events for free, working as a t.v extra,personal trainer/fitness instructor....to having no where to live & being broke & homeless.

Ive experienced relationships, many relationships, a lot of short term ones & am currently single.

I used to paint all the time & have produced many artworks.

Ive had the best & worst in life.

Thats some of me 🙂