YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

I completely relate...when I see myself in the mirror, I look okay....but then I get blind sided when I see a photo of myself. That's when I shut down into a deep depression and isolate to keep others from seeing me.

This happens to me all the time! I try to forget what I look like and build confidence in myself through my interactions with people and my personality...but then I see myself in a picture and I shut down completely. I go into a full depression, isolate so no one can see the fat person I've become, ...

I am happy to hear that you are doing better and sorry to hear that you found yourself contemplating suicide. I have actually relapsed pretty hard in my depression today and have also had fleeting thoughts of suicide again as well. I think you are right to allow yourself time to recover. I know for ...

Dear Manuel_moe_g, Yes! I'm glad to hear that you are on board! I started today by planning out a schedule for myself in my calendar. I sectioned off different hours for different activities to keep me organized and motivated. This helped me at least get out of bed and feel like I had a "purpos...

I think that is awesome that Paul read your shame and secrets. For that, I think a congratulations is in order! You are very brave to not only submit your shame and secrets survey, but to post on the forum with this thread too. I always admire people willing to be open and honest about their deepest...

Hey mkchavez77 I have spent the majority of the past month canceling my appointments and responsibilities because I didn't have the energy and motivation to get out of bed (fortunately I had the podcast to listen to). That is depression for ya....I've been struggling with it my whole life and lost c...

Welcome pheonixlane, Happy you are here with us and a part of the forum. Congrats on your recent change to a healthier lifestyle and getting help in therapy. Because I just finished my degree for family counseling, I am really happy to hear that you are shopping around for a therapist that matches y...

Bigeekgirl I just read your reply to your post and I am deeply moved. I feel so welcomed by your response. You are absolutely right...i think it is tough to be an effective mental health practitioner without the experience of working through your own demons. Thank you for mentioning that...I used to...

Hey everyone, So I'm making it a goal to slowly pull my life back together this week (I've made small, more manageable goals for myself to break it down). Would any of you guys like to join my attempt? Of course it won't be perfect, but putting in the effort to combat anxiety and getting into the sw...

Hey everyone, So I'm making it a goal to slowly pull my life back together this week (I've made small, more manageable goals for myself to break it down). Would any of you guys like to join my attempt? Of course it won't be perfect, but putting in the effort to combat depression and getting into the...