Welcome! Introduce yourself here 🙂

[d1rigble]

Hi everyone, I’m not sure where to start! 
I’m a 33YO queer, cis woman who has lived experience of chronic mental illness.

I went to my doctors yesterday and while I was in the waiting room I noticed a pamphlet for SANE, and these forums were mentioned.

Sometimes I feel like support services and interventions are either directed toward prevention and early intervention, or crisis assessment and support services. I feel like people who have on-going, daily experience of mental illness are often left out (too affected to access P&EI but not “unwell” enough to access/need crisis support). Hence why I thought these forums were a great idea - and here I am 🙂 

I have a diagnosis / experience of major depression, generalised anxiety disorder, ADD-PI, substance abuse disorder, EDNOS, and CPTSD. 

I received the ADD-PI diagnosis in 2018 which has been a game changer for me although I wish I’d received it sooner - it explained so much to me about my brain, nervous system and how I work. It also cast certain life experiences in a very different light. 

I’ve had a bit of a rough time of it recently and thought that these forums might help as a way to connect with others and find support. 

I work full-time, and in my free time I enjoy painting & drawing, reading (have almost read one book per week this year!) cooking, gardening, and spending time with my partner. 

thanks for having me - I’m happy to be here 🙂 

[hanami]

Welcome to the forums @d1rigble . I'm so glad you came across the info about Sane at your GP's office. 

I'm one of the peer workers here on the forums. I feel like your assessment of mental health services is pretty spot on. Which is not how it should be as mental illness is often ongoing!

I love painting, drawing, and reading too. As I've gotten older though I tend to fall asleep whilst reading so have to opt for audio books! Nothing beats the feel of a paper book in your hands. Turning those delicious smelling pages!

I'll tag some of our amazing community guides who are wonderful and welcoming newbies. Looking forward to seeing you around! 

@Snowie @NatureLover  @jem80 @Aniela @Shaz51 @AussieRecharger @ShiningStar @outlander @HenryX @Judi9877 @Zoe7 @wellwellwellnez @Eve7 @maddison @Boo13 @pinklollipop15   @CrazyChick, @Hams , @Faith-and-Hope , @BPDSurvivor

[Paulette]

Hi @d1rigble 

Welcome. I am so glad you have joined our forum. I too, found the Sane phamplet at my GP. I've really got a lot of support on this forum. I enjoy reading of others experience and am grateful for the honesty in sharing here. I also have anxiety and depression. I have felt I was not unwell enough to receive much support but chatting on forum has taught me otherwise. I have recently rediscovered a passion for reading and have now commenced my third book. I feel it helps me relax but at the sane time stimulate the mind. I also make jewellery to relax and get creative. Thankyou for sharing your experience. 

[tyme]

Welcome @Paulette ! 

I also first heard about SANE from a 'pamphlet' in my psychologist's clinic.

I'm so grateful to have found it!

Looking forward to seeing you around on the forums!

[Nellanne]

Hello, I'm new here.

My life is a struggle. I'm in my 60s suffering from CPTSD, social isolation, depression, anxiety and panic. Ive suffered since my teens, but more complicated by an horrific sexual assault which took place three years ago on Rememberance Day. 

I now don't go out, except for medical appointments or to see my daughter,the fear of strangers, police, police cars keep me locked in my home which was once my happy place but is now my prison.

I'm hoping that being on a forum such as this, with those who have lived experiences might be beneficial to my mental health and give me some connection to the outside world.

Anyway, thank you for accepting me here, I hope you all have the best day possible for yourself.

[Former-Member]

Hey @Nellanne, welcome to the forums ❤️ Thank you for introducing yourself here, I hope you find our special community welcoming and supportive ❤️ 

I'm so sorry that this has happened to you, it shouldn't happen to anyone. I know you'll have lots in common with people here. I'm really glad you've found us ❤️ 

What are you doing today?

Big welcome, TuxedoCat

PS When drafting responses, if you click "@" and then the name of the person you want to respond to, they'll get a notification and know you "tagged" them

[Nellanne]

Thank you @Former-Member for your reply.

I'm having a lazy day as I've got a cold/flu starting and its making me tired.

During my 'energy bursts' I'm painting a portrait of two of my grandchildren or knitting.

Best Regards

[Former-Member]

oh I'm so sorry you're feeling unwell @Nellanne ❤️ But that sounds like a very restful day. We have a craft thread where you could share your painting and knitting if you like (as long as pictures don't include your face). It's called Craft Corner!

There are also so many of us on here who knit, including me and @Judi9877 to name a few! I find it so calming for my busy mind 😊 

[3FW]

New here! Have been struggling on and off (mostly on) for 40 years with what I now know is CPTSD. So hard to find the right help! My psychologist of nearly a year has said my needs are too complex and now I’m without support. The rest of my supports have retired over the last five years, so starting over in many areas.

[Former-Member]

Welcome to the forums @3FW and thanks for telling us a bit about yourself.

Finding new supports can be so challenging. I'm glad you have come across SANE and I hope you find some good connections here.

If you would like to join some social chats, you can find a list of social spaces here.

You can join the most recent conversations by viewing the latest posts in the purple sidebar on the right of the homepage (you can get to the homepage by clicking on "Lived Experience Forum" on the top of any page). 

Or start your own conversation 🙂

Welcome once again @3FW and I look forward to seeing you around!