New guy in the office, forgot to bring cake

[Cherry]

Hi everyone,

I just joined today, after lurking for a week or so after having consumed way more than my fair share of back episodes of the podcast. From everything Paul said, this seems like a safe space to share, and I'm really happy to be here among you all.

A little about me: I'm a human lady, I have a long history of depression, a slightly shorter one of diagnosed anxiety, and I'm estranged from my family. I guess the latter is an issue I'm looking to connect with others on; literally no-one in my life is in the same or even vaguely similar situation to me, family-wise, and it would sure be nice to talk about this stuff with people who understand.

As far as the depression/anxiety goes, I recently came off anti-depressants after taking them for several years, so I'm seeking out extra support where it feels safe to do so. I feel so lucky to have great friends and an amazing partner. And after reading a lot of posts this week, you all seem so nice.

Maybe that's enough for now.

Thanks for reading! And sorry about the cake.

[Mental Fairy]

Good morning Cherry

Well it is here in the depth of the Southern Hemisphere. I’m so pleased you found this space. Yes, it is safe to share and it’s very cathartic even when it’s just to read and not post. I and many others with understand your situation with the family.
It’s not easy but it’s absolutely possible to overcome your emotions you have. Might be a little messy at times and also freeing.

Feel free to post whenever you feel. You are not alone. Just find your safe little space and allow the feelings to spill. On days where you find nothing is going according to plan and the glass half empty feeling takes hold, get a small glass and remember there are people out there that care. There seems to be such a lack of that in this world.

I’ll go back to having my cuppa and enjoy my book as my fur baby watches cat tv on you tube.

Don’t feel bad about the cake, i didn’t bring one either! If I had the chance to meet this wonderful team of people on here I would provide the best meals they ever had in their life.

[Cherry]

Mental Fairy, thank you so much for this lovely welcome - I really appreciate everything you wrote, such great advice about even the act of writing it down being cathartic. It's so true.

I hope it was a good cuppa and that your cat is having the time of its life!

[Mental Fairy]

Hi Cherry
Mazie MooMoo Allie Rowe the second found tv screens are hard to jump through. Took pity and put some bread outside and put her on the windowsill to show her the real thing. It’s extremely cold here this morning, snow on the hill and breeze blowing.

If there is one thing I have learnt in this last 12 months is to allow yourself to feel the feelings you do. Don’t ignore them. Jumping on here in times off need or just to catch up with the people I worry about is very much a comfort.
We all have our battles and generally those battles feel very solo and fought alone. Being on here you have an army and prop up to remind you there is kindness out there.
We all share this planet and sadly some people don’t respect it or us. But that’s ok. I like to think we are the more normal ones to walk this earth.
As I look out the bedroom window all I can see is a massive full moon. Soon you will see the same moon. That is profoundly grounding as your eyes look at the same object mine does from how ever many of miles away we are. So really we aren’t that alone after all.

[oak]

Welcome!

I’ll look forward to your posts with interest.

Good luck with your medication evolution. Keep us posted.

[snoringdog]

Hello Cherry,

Welcome!

I have no experience with broken family ties, just some a few general thoughts-
(Have heard Paul and guests talk a lot about this. Hard to imagine for myself, but their reasons are quite understandable)

Being estranged must be tough. It's not in our nature, right?
It takes effort to stay apart, since we're basically social critters.
(Says the introvert who often craves connection, but is conflicted about it )

But sometimes separation is the only good outcome, when all else has been tried....

I've heard some people say that they wouldn't even donate a pint of blood to a sibling, if it came to it.
OMG - That's some deep pain and revulsion...

I don't know if you want to be reconnected or anything, but I hope you can find help, and get to where you want to go!

SD