Welcome! Introduce yourself here 🙂

[Thomas3]

Thankyou go for it!

I love these forums thanks for keeping it open

[JJJ2]

Hi all

this is my first time on this forum so just a little introduction.  
I’ve been battling anxiety and depression for a long time now.  Been through a lot and have had my fair share of ups and downs. 
struggling a bit at the moment so thought I’d give this a go.  I’m not good at reaching out for help.  Not sure what else to share at the moment.  Will hopefully get to chat with some of you soon 

[hanami]

Hi there @JJJ2 

I'm sorry you're struggling so much and have been for a while. Mental health challenges are no stranger to me either. I finally feel in a good place and feel very fortunate to have reached that. It can take some time and mental work as well as sometimes the right medication. I've certainly tried a few. 

There are many wonderful members here who I hope you will connect with. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Warmest wishes

Hanami

[JJJ2]

Thank you

[Melbcoffeesnob]

Hello @JJJ2 

I hope you're all doing well! Welcome to the forums, we are pleased you found us. 

Thank you for sharing tour story, it's not only inspiring but also a source of comfort and support for others who may be going through similar challenges. It takes courage to share personal experiences, and your willingness to do so shows your inner light, strength and resilience. 

We're here to support you, wishing you ongoing connections and uplifting conversations while visiting the Sane Forums. 

-Melbcoffeesnob

[Garlicnaan]

Hi pepe's,
I am a 49yo male with trust, safety and anxiety issues. I am currently undergoing a separation with my spouse whilst navigating through the above issues.
I am undergoing treatment to help with such. I have been avoiding any social interactions diligently because frankly, I don’t much like people and suspect I am avoiding many interactions subconsciously also to prevent any future potential disappointment.
I only have a few friends which I enjoy being around and realise that since I have trust issues, I am reluctant to forge any new bonds.
I am here to find out if others share this issue of avoiding to interact with others and if so, where to start with trusting people again. My tolerance levels are minimal but I know I have to take a step forward to prevent becoming stagnant/stuck in this situation.
I feel that due to these issues, like minded people with some experience in similar situations may be able to provide some suggestions, since its not really a topic for other common forums or discussions elsewhere.
Your insights will be appreciated.

[Hockeygirlklt]

Hi everyone

Thanks for creating a safe space such as this, have just joined and look forward to being able to chat with others.

I've been suffering from depression and anxiety for a very long time now, I had made a great recovery for a few years but the last twelve months have been the toughest.

At the beginning of last year, I moved to a regional city to live with my partner (who is a wonderful support to me) and continued the job I had working from home. Last October, I was unfortunately made redundant from my job after four years (the company wound up operations), I was diagnosed as having a disability (hearing impairment, moderate to severe) and my youngest daughter quit school and moved to live with her father and cut off all contact with our family. 

I started taking antidepressants again in March this year, and have found after a period of adjustment that they are working (if I miss one day, I find that I get very easily overwhelmed).

Losing my job and applying for hundreds has been extremely discouraging, and I'm quite aware that my disability limits the jobs that I can apply for. Without having a social circle here, I've become very isolated and prefer to stay at home as I do have trouble hearing people. 

My self confidence and self esteem is at an all time low, while I have a supportive partner I can't always rely on him and need to find some courage to get back to a good place.

Open to making friends who may be going through something similar or helpful advice.

Many thanks 🙂

[Captain24]

Welcome @Hockeygirlklt 

Thank you for sharing your story. It takes a lot of strength to do that. Do you have any professional supports around you? 

It’s good to hear that you have a supportive partner. That is always so

good to have. But I do understand that you need more than that. 

I hear that it’s been a rough year for you. Sorry to about you losing your job. I live in a regional town and it can be hard to find work and find a social circle. It can be so isolating.

I too suffer with anxiety and have a lot of long and severe depressive episodes, with the occasional short lived hyper manic episodes. So I do have a little idea of what you may be going through. 

I hope you find this a very supportive community. 

[JRMum]

Hi @Hockeygirlklt 

Thank you for sharing your story, which was so brave.

My 20 year old son lives with his father about 2 1/2 hours from me.  We do text, and occasionally see each other, but he only just tolerates me.  I don't blame him, I suffered from extreme anxiety and depression while he was growing up, and when he was 3 I spent several months in hospital.  I was not the greatest mother and I have a lot of shame surrounding it.  I just hope as he gets older he'll be forgiving and come to a better understanding of what I went through as he was growing up.

I'm glad you have a supportive partner, that's so important.  Like you, I'm seeking additional support to my husband - I don't have any friends presently.

Also like you, I am looking for work.  I resigned from my job last week, so I'm back to the job boards.  I'm looking for part-time work, I don't think I could manage to work full-time.  Good luck to you with your search.  It must be difficult when you have an additional disability such as your hearing loss.  Do you sign?  What were you doing when you were working from home?  I'm sure something will come up, keep sending in those applications.

I look forward to reading how you go with your job search, finding supports, your relationship with your family and your health.  Keep posting!

JRMum.

[Hockeygirlklt]

Thanks for the reply JRMum.

I also get the occasional text reply or call or see my daughter occasionally but it's just not the same. Her father (my ex-husband) blamed me for our marriage break up 14 years ago, by saying that I was too depressed to be around.

I used to work for a small chain of gyms doing Membership management, which I could do from home on my computer, so have a background in admin. It seems that as I'm a bit older now and do have my hearing impairment, that it has become so much harder to find work. Like you, I don't think I could handle working full time, and have been looking for something with lesser hours. No luck as yet.

It can be great to have a supportive partner/husband but it can be isolating as well trying not to burden them when you don't have those friendships outside the relationship. He has encouraged me to go out and find friends but it is easier said than done, particularly as I'm embarrassed about my hearing. I'm hoping to learn some Auslan at some point, I know some basic signs.

Best of luck with your job search, it can be daunting but hopefully we will both be successful soon.

Take care