Feeling a little down on myself today so I thought this was as good a time as any to finally join the Mental Illness Happy Hour forum. I've been listening to the show for probably 6 months now and it is podcasts like this that help to quiet the voices in my head. I've been officially diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but I have also suffered from mania and also believe I have had symptoms of PTSD. I think the lines are often blurry so I generally don't categorise myself as anything other than mentally ill. I am very good at coming across well adjusted and my mania means I am often highly productive, so not many people in my life knows there's anything wrong with me. The funny thing is that while I'm going about convincing everyone else I am a super woman, I manage to convince myself as well (which can be great - mind over matter) but some days, like today, I realise that I have been sick for some time and haven't realised it. That's when it comes crashing down. Anyway, I think I should head over to another thread to talk about how I'm feeling now, but here's who I am: mid 20s Australian girl, just finished a degree, now a business owner, wonderful boyfriend and friends, volunteer, musician, passionate and creative person. I am probably a video game addict. My mum died of cancer when I was 18 and everyday I pretend it's ok. My younger brother tried to commit suicide at least twice that I know of and each time I've tried desperately to get him help and made myself sick in the process. For the most part however I am grateful for what I have in life and I appreciate a forum like this, and look forward to sharing with you all and hearing your stories.
