Social connection with people who understand and care

Hello there @Down2

Welcome to the Forums.

Unfortunately your story is not unusual, but the silver lining may be the connections you find.

Thank you for sharing your story so far. It sounds like a tough road at the moment!

Hi @Down2 ,

Welcome to the forums! I'm sorry to hear that things have been so tough for you.

I hope you will find this space a place where you feel connectedness, belonging and care.

Those on these forums are real people with real stories of recovery to tell. Recovery is not a linear journey and each has their own story to tell.

If you ever want to speak to someone, you are also welcome to speak to one of our lovely counsellors on our drop-in line 1800 187 263 (10am-10pm AEST).

Also, have you ever contacted 1800RESPECT?

You deserve to be heard.

We are here for you.

Thank you for your supportive words. Thank you @tyme .

yes I have contacted 1800 respect in the past.

it’s good to know there’s a number here too.

It’s just good to chat with people who get it.

I hear you @Down2 .

These forums were invaluable to me during my recovery because I had the liberty to share what was happening for me and people understood.

In my real world, unfortunately, people dismissed me. Things are so much different now. The forums gave me the liberty and confidence to tell MY story. I am the author of my story. And people heard.

That is priceless.

I hope you will also find these forums so beneficial.

Thank you. How do I send you a message?

@Down2

Most of my life I had to put on a happy face, Finally I am making a joke about it and putting on the most ridiculous happy faces. It happened in an exercise class and then we started oin about grimaces when concentrating.

We should be able to be our real selves, but society is what it is. I sure am doing my darndest to change it a bit.

Like @tyme said becoming the author of our story can help ... but its still a journey ...

Take Care

If you press the @button a drop down menu with names will appear ... or you can spell it out after the @.

@Down2

It sounds like your story is a difficult one. Im not comparing but unwrapping my own story within the forum has been like taking a giant weight off my chest. So much that I couldnt tell others in the real world, and not always about me. Our stories are different but we can connect on an emotional level because our emotional experiences are similar.

I cant do social connections with people in real life, its too hard, to much anxiety etc. but here Im safe. People dont know me but they know my handle but thats it so I can talk freely. I can talk about my Mum, sister, my Dad and its not going to be reported back to them what I have said. I can talk about me and my issues and flaws and people dont judge.

When your ready, if you want, you can unpack your story. You might not always get a responce but as I have found out people read and follow and then out of no where they respond and say they have been following you. So dont feel like your alone or unheard if people dont answer

Hi @Down2

Welcome to the sane forums.

You are certainly not alone and defiantly around people that get it.

Am so looking forward to knowing you better.

I relate with how you feel. I want to have someone close so that we can support each other. I think being in a supportive relationship is important for good mental health. Without it, most people feel lonely & isolated.

Fair enough @tSeFcu5sb5fXdF9 . We are all different. It's good to have people/person whom you can confide in. It can certainly make you feel lonely. I guess the catch is, will they be able to truly understand?

For some people, they do have people close to them, but inside, they can still feel lonely.

I live alone, but I can't say I feel lonely. I'm quite satisfied to come home and have quiet time each night. I guess I have different outlets. One, being these forums. I honestly do feel connected here too.

I hope you come to a place where you are satisfied in yourself, and you find 'your tribe' - those who really understand you.