I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

This is a great way to begin using the site and to give us a chance to get to know you. We can't connect with you if we don't know what's going on with you!
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~noface~
Posts: 8
Joined: May 13th, 2023, 2:18 pm
Gender: F
Issues: Anxiety, depression, addiction, abuse, parenting
preferred pronoun: She

I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

Post by ~noface~ »

Hello!

I’m new here~nice to meet you all! I recently discovered the podcast and had the feeling I was MEANT to hear it, if you believe in that. I’ve been feeling lost for pretty much my whole life, and although things look pretty good from the outside…inside I am dying.

My 11yo daughter has attempted suicide twice, been hospitalized 3x this year, and struggles everyday with self harm and vape addiction. I feel like a failure as a mom. I wanted nothing more than to protect my girls (11 & 19) from painful things I went through, but both have suffered immensely due to the choices I have made. Both have mental health issues, as do I. Both have suffered trauma, as have I. It’s so hard to break the cycle. But I am motivated to heal~if not for me, then for them, finally.

Glad to be here, trying to tell myself I’m allowed to be here and allowed to take up space on this forum!

~noface~
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oak
Posts: 3545
Joined: January 18th, 2013, 8:44 am
Gender: Male

Re: I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

Post by oak »

~noface~ wrote: May 14th, 2023, 9:13 am Hello!

I’m new here~nice to meet you all! I recently discovered the podcast and had the feeling I was MEANT to hear it, if you believe in that. I’ve been feeling lost for pretty much my whole life, and although things look pretty good from the outside…inside I am dying.

My 11yo daughter has attempted suicide twice, been hospitalized 3x this year, and struggles everyday with self harm and vape addiction. I feel like a failure as a mom. I wanted nothing more than to protect my girls (11 & 19) from painful things I went through, but both have suffered immensely due to the choices I have made. Both have mental health issues, as do I. Both have suffered trauma, as have I. It’s so hard to break the cycle. But I am motivated to heal~if not for me, then for them, finally.

Glad to be here, trying to tell myself I’m allowed to be here and allowed to take up space on this forum!

~noface~
Welcome!

Like you, I’ve felt (been?) lost my whole life, so we can be lost together.

Thank you for sharing about the difficulties you and your daughter have faced.

There are no easy answers, but you are heard, and not alone.
Work is love made visible. -Kahlil Gibran
A person with a "why" can endure any "how". -Viktor Frankl
Which is better: to be born good or to overcome your evil nature through great effort? -Skyrim
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Mental Fairy
Posts: 1621
Joined: March 24th, 2022, 11:53 am
Gender: Female
Issues: Recently sleep walking increased. History of anxiety depression
preferred pronoun: She
Location: New Zealand

Re: I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

Post by Mental Fairy »

Hi noface

You are not alone on this journey. There will be hard times, difficult decisions and triumphs. We are here right beside you.
~noface~
Posts: 8
Joined: May 13th, 2023, 2:18 pm
Gender: F
Issues: Anxiety, depression, addiction, abuse, parenting
preferred pronoun: She

Re: I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

Post by ~noface~ »

Thank you, I appreciate your kindness~so glad I found my way here!
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Mental Fairy
Posts: 1621
Joined: March 24th, 2022, 11:53 am
Gender: Female
Issues: Recently sleep walking increased. History of anxiety depression
preferred pronoun: She
Location: New Zealand

Re: I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

Post by Mental Fairy »

Hi noface

As a mum of a 19 year old I felt that feeling of being a failure also. It’s really about stripping ourselves back to the true core of who we are and building ourselves back up again. It makes for a very difficult and confronting time ahead but it is so worth it.
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snoringdog
Posts: 1450
Joined: April 23rd, 2019, 5:49 pm
Gender: male
Issues: anxiety, depression, automatic negative thoughts, intrusive thoughts, SAD.
preferred pronoun: "Good Boy!"
Location: USA

Re: I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

Post by snoringdog »

Hello Noface

Welcome!
Glad to be here, trying to tell myself I’m allowed to be here and allowed to take up space on this forum!
Of course you're welcome here! Pull up a couch or whatever, and take up as much space as you'd like :D
My 11yo daughter has attempted suicide twice, been hospitalized 3x this year, and struggles everyday with self harm and vape addiction.
This is so sad, and way beyond anything I can hope to help with, or maybe even comment on...

Sadly, there's a recent episode on this topic and Ms. Hammond has a Facebook page listed. Maybe you could connect with her too.

Losing Her Preteen To Suicide – Kathleen Hammond
https://mentalpod.com/archives/6787

Anyway, we're here to listen whenever you feel like posting.

Regards

Snoring Dog
~noface~
Posts: 8
Joined: May 13th, 2023, 2:18 pm
Gender: F
Issues: Anxiety, depression, addiction, abuse, parenting
preferred pronoun: She

Re: I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

Post by ~noface~ »

Thank you both—I listened to Mrs. Hammonds story—I forced myself to listen to every word, knowing it could be me, praying it will not…I will check out the facebook page for sure.

The struggle with getting quality and timely treatment for your child is REAL, especially with commercial insurance which I did not realize is such a problem—apparently state insurance reimburses at higher rates. Knowing the help is there and we can’t access it is truly enraging. Find myself having to dig deep everyday for the resolve to keep trying…I’m not giving up though.

Thank you for listening and being there! Means a lot.
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oak
Posts: 3545
Joined: January 18th, 2013, 8:44 am
Gender: Male

Re: I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

Post by oak »

Thank you for sharing, ~noface~.

Also, a few days in, I hope you have at least a little better idea of who you are. I only know what you've shared, and I know that (1) you care about your daughter and (2) you are using your words, here.

That is a good start.
~noface~ wrote: May 16th, 2023, 11:37 am Find myself having to dig deep everyday for the resolve to keep trying…I’m not giving up though.
Lastly, your determination has encouraged me to keep trying. You are a good example.
Work is love made visible. -Kahlil Gibran
A person with a "why" can endure any "how". -Viktor Frankl
Which is better: to be born good or to overcome your evil nature through great effort? -Skyrim
Maradona
Posts: 2
Joined: February 4th, 2024, 1:09 pm
Gender: Make
Issues: Depression
Sexual addiction
preferred pronoun: He

Re: I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

Post by Maradona »

Hello,

Your post title resonates with me. I feel I've lost my identity after job loss and all the status-loss and shake that goes hand in hand with that. As a father of three, it's very difficult.

I found that Paul's podcast has really helped me and it eventually drew me here.

I hope your situation improves
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snoringdog
Posts: 1450
Joined: April 23rd, 2019, 5:49 pm
Gender: male
Issues: anxiety, depression, automatic negative thoughts, intrusive thoughts, SAD.
preferred pronoun: "Good Boy!"
Location: USA

Re: I can’t introduce myself because I don’t know who I am

Post by snoringdog »

Hello Maradona,

Welcome aboard!

So, you've been listening for awhile... do you have any "favorites" or any memorable moments from any of the episodes? (I wish I'd made notes along the way, I'd like to hear a few of the surveys again).

I'm sorry to hear about your job situation, are there any prospects for you?

SD
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