Tillogram

Thank you @AuntGlow for this extensive response, which I really appreciate as well as the time and energy you put into your response.

At the time of being with the other club member, it was mainly very busy and I was intensely concentrating on the task at hand. There was a lot to do.

It sounds like your psychologist is using IFS/there is structural dissociation. I've seen you speak about parts with others.

Yes I am aware of some of the different parts.I have utilised curiosity in my work and study to move forward most of my life, which I found fulfilling, even though the other parts were sabotaging any time I felt some kind of success. I suppose that is why I seek out things like volunteering, sport etc. I do seem to have lost the playful part and this is made worse by not having dogs to play with and share joy.

I know you are off soon. I will consider your post more thoroughly as there is a lot to contemplate - thank you

Sounds like a really interesting conference @tyme I would love to do some kind of advocacy it's difficult to know where to start though.

A couple of weekends ago I was a community ambassador for an event that was fundraising for cancer in which I spoke about my cancer story. I also shared my story with media previously for cancer awareness. So yes, if I can leverage off my own MH experiences to help others that would be a meanigful and worthwhile pursuit to me.

@Till23 @tyme

There was a time where I thought I was going to do some good in a very similar space. Knowing I was a teacher, my life coach approached me with an idea to design a program for teenagers and young adults who were like me...struggling, felt disconnected and as if noone heard or saw them. The program would be designed around connection - helping them to connect with themselves, with others and with the world around them.

I was so excited for the opportunity. It felt like...hope, it felt like purpose. It felt like...a very meaningful way to use my teaching skills without actually having to go back into the system, back into the classroom.

I was in a really dark place at the time, and burnt out from teaching. This filled me with hope and gave me a reason to fight. I felt like I was a part of something.

He was based in QLD and that was part of the reason why I moved up there. Things happened, my safe space became unsafe with my friends and living situation up there, and my safe space with my life coach slowly disappeared too as did the opportunity and possibly the hope as well.

I don't even know if it's possible for me at the moment. I don't know if I have it in me. It's one of the reasons I took up study - to be able to understand the mental health needs and concerns of children and adolescents, but I'm really feeling defeated with it all. I don't know if there's a point to it any more. And I feel like my own sense of hope is this fragile thing.

But I just wanted to share...that I had dreams of turning my story and experiences into something to help others as well.

@AuntGlow @Jynx here's some more of the story we were talking about in my thread. QLD for me was and is so complex.

Hi @NightFury I think you are already using your experiences to help other people.

You are supporting people on the forums with your responses, that are based on your experiences.

I think there still is a time to do advocacy.

The time might not be right now, but I can't remember if you said how only you were but in my head I am thinking early 30s, so there is plenty of time.

You are also currently doing some background work with your studying.

You are also learning through your own experience what it's like to reach out for help and show vulnerability by sharing your story and that will help in your later work

So I don't think those dreams can't be fulfilled, just at another time.

Hello @Till23, @NightFury , @tyme , @AuntGlow, @Dimity (and hope not missing anyone)

I hope it’s ok to say hi. My eye was caught by the name of the thread, and then I read the most recent couple of pages of the conversation and found it so kind, relatable and comforting. It sounds like you’re all doing amazing things - being here, supporting each other, living with some really hard stuff and helping others as you do it.
It sounds like some of you are copping the flooding weather (and now I can’t see the posts to know who that is).
I really hope things are ok, and that for everyone the not-good-enough is quiet, turned down and far, far in the background.
I will shh now. Warm thoughts to you all, if that’s not too forward.

@Till23 I wish I was still in my early thirties. I'm fourty.

I feel like I'm going to get into trouble if I admit it (I know I won't. I just have that feeling) but maybe I'm done reaching for it.

Hi @Semly thank you popping in and sharing your warm thoughts.

Thanks for sharing @Semly . Your post was so uplifting and encouraging. It's really nice you've been able to pop in to say hi.

Do you feel there are parts you can relate to which you want to share? No pressure of course.

We're here to support one another.

Hey @NightFury @Till23 @Dimity

hello and welcome @Semly 😊 really nice to see you here

how has your day been today ?

Hello @AuntGlow , @NightFury , @Till23 , @tyme

wow 19 degrees last night here

It's been 2 degrees here! I just pulled on my oodie! @Shaz51

BRRRRRR @tyme