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Unknown userMember
I thought I'd start a discussion where we can check in with members and use this space to keep in contact. It's a space to be able to say how you really feel and it's a space for the good, the bad and the ugly moments in our lives.
In response to: Just checking in.
MazaritaSenior Contributor
@Teej, I was drafting while you had already posted, so missed your last post until after I'd posted mine. 
Pottering in the cool weather sounds like a good way to spend the day. Gardening is good too, but it's not something I enjoy, though I wish I was more that way inclined in some ways. It seems a beautiful thing to do.
@CheerBear, it is tough with the psych and my issues, which relate to relationships and sexuality, which is something I'd really like to talk through. I have not had sex for a long time and it's okay with me, but I'd like to talk about it and whether it's something I really want to continue forever. I also have a crush on someone, and it's been going on for over a year without much abating. It's incredibly inconvenient and not something I would want to pursue, aside from the fact that it's highly unlikely anything would happen. I wish menopause took away these kinds of feelings!
I'd encourage you not to worry too much about menopause. The physical aspects are a challenge, and just the fact of aging, which for me has seemed to play catch up at a faster rate. But the mood and mind stuff really has not felt worse for me than where I was before. In fact I feel better mentally and emotionally overall than I ever did before, I think, at this time in my life. Plus, it's awesome not to have periods! 
In response to: Re: Just checking in.
MazaritaSenior Contributor
That time it was a real snap, @Teej! We posted within seconds of each other.
I decided not to go HRT, partly, perhaps mainly, because I already take a lot of medications. One of the advantages of HRT though, as far as I'm aware, is that it delays the physical signs of aging. I'm less vain as I've got older, though not lacking in it completely! I do miss my youthful appearance, which last very well all the way through my 40s really.
It is good with the videos, kind of relaxing to be viewing rather than making, though I also have a bunch of making projects lining up behind the judging one too. It's inspiring seeing so many good videos, and seeing so many different approaches to this genre. I'm sure it will enrich my creative process to have had this experience. It also makes me marvel that my videos have been selected for various screenings, when there is so much good work to compete with.
In response to: Re: Just checking in.
TeejSenior Contributor
That’s the bit I’m hanging for @Mazarita. No periods! @CheerBear It is a strange thing in that you kind of don’t know that you are experiencing it (the emotional and forgetfulness parts) as such until you connect the dots. I think mental health problems like depression and anxiety are much easier to recognise....so it’s not all bad. I think it’s been hard to work out what is depression and anxiety and what is hormonal.
Oh @Mazarita i hope you can find a space to talk about it in a way that you feel secure about. It’s obviously a big thing for you to hold on to.
Im going to head off now I think. The birds are just starting here and I’m finally feeling sleepy. Wishing you both a lovely cool and peaceful day 💜🤗
In response to: Re: Just checking in.
CheerBearSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Just checking in.
TeejSenior Contributor
That’s awesome @Mazarita about being inspired but also the reward of knowing that in a competitive arena you are doing so well. It put a smile on my dial to read. 💜
In response to: Re: Just checking in.
CheerBearSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Just checking in.
MazaritaSenior Contributor
Have a good one, @Teej. Great to catch up for a chat this morning. 
@CheerBear, I don't know where to go for an anonymous discussion about these issues, aside from here on the forum. For some reason I find it hard to go into detail about it all even here. A bit paranoid about those same legal implications, I guess. I hear you on the liking some parts and not some others about sexuality, CB! If I was ever to resume that particular activity, I'd also have to sort through some physical issues that would currently make it painful. What a crazy mixed up kid I am, even at my age!
In response to: Re: Just checking in.
CheerBearSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Just checking in.
MazaritaSenior Contributor
I'm aware that you have those feelings of paranoia too in relation to some of your stuff, @CheerBear. I think you might be the expert at talking about things in a roundabout way, and I've learned some things from seeing you do it, including how not to say stuff that we really want to say, for the better good of things.
It's helped me feel quite a bit easier and better even just touching on these things here today, which is more than I've done on the forum in the past. As you might imagine, some of what I'm describing could have messy impact on my relationship with C. Not really ready to say more about that, but you can probably imagine some of it.
It's pretty funny to be sitting here talking about sexuality when I haven't had a shower for over a week. Sexy plus, eh? 
In response to: Re: Just checking in.
CheerBearSenior Contributor
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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