who me?

Hi @Former-Member

Firstly, a very big welcome to the forums.

It sounds like you have had a truly terrible time of it. I feel for you. The thing is, you are still here and reaching out to people - good on you for that!! You will find a lot of people here on these forums who want to give you a lot of support and practical advice, I'm sure.

Please know that your post is not overshare at all. We are really happy to have you a part of our little online community here, and welcome you with open arms!! (cyber-arms anyway!!)

I would like to introduce you to some of our wonderful members - @kristin @Alessandra1992 @PeppiPatty @kenny66 @Rick

I did read that you have started to enjoy certain things in your daily life that you haven't for a long time. Let's talk about those - what are you enjoying? What would you like to do more of?

Keep posting lisajane, and a very BIG WELCOME once again

Hobbit

Hi

Nice to speak to you.

I have been quite lucky in that depression is only a relatively small part of my MI. Mostly I am pretty happy, although sometimes I misbehave.

I found that as things progress along you do embrace some aspects of your MI. Like a lot of things there are some positive aspects to, in my case schizophrenia, but in other MI as well.

I have mentioned before the creativity and complexity of thought and the more mellow tinge that can settle on us.

There is so much support, including this forum, surrounding us focused towards supporting people with MI. The important thing is to identify the source of that support and use it.

I spend two days a week in the the mental health clinic, which I hated at first, but now enthusiastically look forward to as one of the strategies to keep me well.

There are many negative and positive things about mental illness. Removed from being an active participant in the workforce, which I also hate as I love to work, has on the other hand allowed me adopt a different perception of myself and other people.

kenny