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

Hello

I have been listening since something like episode 95. I love the show. It's genuinely really helped me. I've never had the balls to fill out a survey.

I live in New Zealand, in a quiet town away from all the loud cars and noise of society.

I have severe anxiety and depression with some social phobia. This is the first time I've been non-shy enough to join the forum.

My main issues are with self-esteem and ruminating thoughts and also focus. I can't focus a lot of the time. I babble. It's like my brain's a pinball machine and my mouth is a hole in the side of a spaceship shooting out every thought as it tries to cling on for dear life. Or I go silent. Freeze up. Relaxing is hard. Meditation is hard. I'm getting somewhat better at it… I think.

I am a creative. I like drawing and writing, voice acting, comedy.

I have no job which adds to my self-deprivating feelings. I haven't worked in a few years since I had a nervous breakdown. I am starting to get back on my feet.

Hello Scratch, welcome to our little forum! Please make yourself feel at home. We here are all cheering for you, and for your greatest today and tomorrow! All the best.

I am glad you decided to join us! I hope you can find some community here

Hello Scratch. I identify a lot with an inability to focus sometimes, with a brain like a pinball machine, and not working for a while after a breakdown.

I hope you share more with us, you are not alone.

Thank you so much. Love the podcast, love every guest, even the ones from episodes I haven't heard. Love every listener and every loved one of every listener. Peace and love and togetherness for everyone as we struggle together!