Best Friends Club

[PeppyPatti]

I knew that was happening ! @tyme 

I was just looking forward to seeing you !

ide stick me in the corner for 5 mins…….lol 

[PeppyPatti]

I knew that was happening ! @tyme 

I was looking forward to seeing you !

ide stick me in the corner for 5 mins…….lol 

[Till23]

I think some of it @tyme is timing 

In the 1970s kids didn't have MH issues they were just badly behaved - unless they were so bad they needed to be institutionalised. If it was known that had experienced trauma - they would get over it because kids just get over these things, they don't really understand what's going on. Of course, if you had a "secret" trauma well nobody knew. So there was no help available. Later on, your choice was to try and fit in, be institutionalised, turn to alcohol and drugs or end it.

When I was hospitalised in my 30s after serious attempt, I just left the hospital no follow-up (the hospitalisation was at no cost). So if you wanted psychological support you had to pay. Second hospitalisation after an attempt, I actually was referred to community MH at discharge but only for a few sessions then "call us if you need to". So I just thought I had to deal with it myself, so I did, but obviously I was just surviving and ignoring as best as possible my MH issues and trying to look "normal". Even during the time I went to police to give statement, went through court case - no support, there was no such things as victim impact statements and no compensation for crimes committed against you. Now, because I am not acute enough for hospitalisation I do not meet criteria for public MH. During radiotherapy I was referred to acute community MH again a few phone calls then discharged. Pay for psychologist myself. So some of the problem for me is that I was alive in the bad old days of MH "treatment". Now I've survived and worked almost continuously so I don't qualify, or am not aware of how to access services.

[tyme]

That's a really good point @Till23  Makes a lot of sense. So in other words, whilst there has been a lot of change, there's still a lot of work to do in the area of MH.

[Till23]

@tyme there is so much work to do.

The concept of peer workers is relatively new. There are very few jobs, it's not taken seriously by some people.

In general funding is ridiculously low, especially when you consider the percentage of population directly impacted is high compared to other illnesses.

It's still stigmatised

It's abysmally underserviced ie not enough psychiatrists, psychologist, MH nurses, social workers, peer workers, very little research comparatively. 

There are many people, still, who think having a MH is a weakness of character and somehow the persons own fault.

[ENKELI]

@GlistenYes I do love the big gee gees and he is beautiful. I think horses are the most majestic animals and I wish I was able to ride again. I used to have friends with horses and I was able to ride whenever I wanted to. I didn't take enough advantage, now I miss it!

I miss you too. I've been basically whiling away the days with no motivation whatsoever. I believe they call it bed rotting. I will often stay in bed for most of the day watching TV or Youtube shorts. I spoke to my GP about it and he ordered a barrage of blood tests. Ironically I haven't been motivated enough to get my blood drawn.

I miss all of my Sane fam, and every watering evening I think of you and @PeppyPatti. Interestingly I have no problem watering the plants regularly.

Anyone else suffer from this total lack of motivation? I'm not quite sure what to do about it and I am not even sure what caused it. I've never been a person to spend all day in bed unless I was sick and while I am not severely depressed I wonder if it is a response from the drama of 2 years ago when my ex best friend practically destroyed me mentally. 

Anyway, here are some photos for your viewing pleasure. G, your namesake is thriving (don't mind the grass, bro has not mowed for a while) and Peppy yours had a bit of dieback but is coming back and looking healthier than before.
Last photo is of Mr MM himself. He likes to be near me when I am in the loungeroom watching TV or using my laptop. He will demand attention, then flop down and fall asleep when I try to pat him. Little turd!

I hope everyone is doing okay, if not I am happy to send prayers heavenward for you. 

Chat soon xoxo 😍💐🐈❤️

(Speak of the moggie, His Lordship has just come and demanded attention)

[tyme]

That's one thing here @Till23 . Lived experience is at the HEART of everything that is done. I feel so fortunate to be here.

I started off here as a regular member. Then I volunteered as a community guide before gaining a position as a peer worker. Most amazing thing I've ever done. I feel there is so much scope to grow in this area.

I don't even know how to put it into words. From the utter depths of darkness to being where I am now.. it's pretty remarkable. I never thought I'd be alive at this age.

[tyme]

Hugs my dear @ENKELI . 

So so glad to see you! Thank you for the update and the photos 🙂

Missing you so much. 

[Till23]

Yes @tyme I'm glad I found SANE when I was having radiotherapy and I started learning about lived experience and how it was taken seriously. I then found other places in Australia and around the world, through various ways, that appreciated and backed lived experience.

It's great that you've been able to use your lived experience to such great effect and helped so many people on here. Also, to know how far you've come personally must be so uplifting.

I reckon I'm twice your age and I'm totally amazed I'm still alive. And since I am, I might as well try and help others make it to my age and much more and do it in a much better fashion than I have.

[tyme]

In my own MH recovery, I actually had a peer support worker, and the power of peer work was amazing. I didn't really know much about it then, so I didn't look into it. Then, I was admitted into a prevention and recovery centre where, once again, we connected with peers and that was more powerful than any medication.

At that time, SANE forums had much less input from staff peer workers. Then when I joined, that when it blossomed to what it is today. @Till23 

Your experiences are invaluable @Till23