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Our stories

My Story

My Story

I had a difficult childhood.
When I was 17 I had delusions and suffered from paranoia. I managed to finish my schooling. I was dux of my school and won to scholarships for university.
At 19 I left home and travelled in Australia. I was still ill. At the end of that year I bought a psychology book and a religious book. I made a friend who I trusted. I lost my delusions and paranoia.
Then I went to university and graduated when I was 23.
In my first professional job my health went bad. I heard voices. I was frightened - I could not cope. I went to a public psychiatric hospital. I was given medication and diagnosed as schizophrenic. The treating psychiatrist told me that he didn't believe that I had a bachelor degree.
For two years I did unskilled work. Then I found a trainee computer software development job.
I worked as an anslyst/programmer for 30 years. During that time I had some more episodes.
I never married but had a few girlfriends. The longest relationship lasted 3 years.
I bought an apartment in the inner suburbs of an Australian city. I travelled to Europe, Asia and North America.
I am 69 now. I paint and write. I won prizes in competitions. I do voluntary work.

53 replies

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In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

That is a range of community services @Bec1985. Good on you.

In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

Hello Bec1985.
It sounds like you are very active. I am a bit lazy. I do some voluntary work, but most of the time I spend at cafes, support groups and going out with friends.
Misty.

In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

Hello Appleblossom.
I didn't like what the psychologist said about street people either. However, the more I think about it, I now believe most of them are either mentally ill or criminals.
I think one reason the psychologist said what she did, is that I need affirmations and I am unlikely to get many affirmations from street people.
At Twelve Step programs people say that mothers whose children grow up and live their own lives, should find new interests elsewhere. THAT MAY BE VERY DIFFICULT.
Living with computers is very difficult also. I used to trust them when I was working but I don't trust them any more. Some new changes which are difficult to accept are robots, genetically modified plants and animals and modern pharmacology.
Misty.

In response to: Re: My Story

Re: My Story

It is just that street people are often so desperate that they dont have much extra to give. I meet them a lot still as my church attracts a lot of beggars and people just trying to sleep. Sometimes they seem to think they will be safer if the are on consecrated ground. Some times they stay for a night or a week or I see them around for years.

I am learning about boundaries with them and learning to walk past them and that I do not feel I have to "save" everybody. Last midnight chrissie mass I had some Lindt extra chocs that the choir did not eat and was so glad to give them to the guys out the front.

I agree with you about big pharma and GM. I have made a decision/boundary about Monsanto's roundup ready canola weeds. They are not allowed in my place!! Talk about taking over the world.

In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

Hello Appleblossom.
The last few days were warm in Sydney. I believe it will get colder again before spring. What is it like in Melbourne? I envy the rectangular layout of the streets in Melbourne. It is difficult to get lost. Sydney is a labyrinth. I often get lost - especially when I am driving.
How are your children?
Misty.

In response to: Re: My Story

Re: My Story

Hi @Misty-Mirrors

The weather was better yesterday, just ok today.

My son spent today in Sydney's centennial park at the colour run .. for my niece's birthday.

I learned to navigate or orienteer in Sydney on foot as a child .. a handy skill but I have given up trying to drive there .. they are all maniacs on the roads up there ... sorry joke ... I love both cities.

My choir conductor is writing a cantata about General Monash who worked with Hoddle who

"drew the grid" and then the children's choir pipes in singing all the names of the CBD tangled up with aboriginal names .. I love it ..

We are hoping to take it to Turkey in 2018 to help celebrate the end of the WWII...

In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

I don't understand. Did General Monash with a Mr. Hoddle design the layout of the roads and streets in Melbourne? I don't know what a cantata is. I know some things about classical music, but never studied it formerly.
I haven't been overseas for many years. I hope to fly to Adelaide soon. That is far enough. Did your family loose anyone in Turkey? Our family is exceptionally lucky. As far as I know only one young man died in France in the WW1 and one cousin twice removed in the Soviet Union in WW2. One aunt had her 104th birthday a few weeks ago. Sometimes she can still remember her youth and early married life. I have a lot of relatives in Germany.
I hope you are well.

In response to: Re: My Story

Re: My Story

You got it .. yes they worked as engineers together .. anyway it was just topical for me as we did a premier this year because some people want to commemorate Monash and his life story is set to songs .. cantata.. its just that I would be too frightened to travel alone with my neck but might manage it as a tour with my choir. My daughter loves Turkey and I thought it a good bridge between east and west.

After we do our French program we are back to the Christmas Oratorio and a lot of Germans show up for that.

I love Sydney .. wondered around there as a child .. you cant plan that kind of beautiful meandering chaos ... but Melbourne's great too.

No we never lost anyone in WWII .. I am upset as we lost 3 people unnecessarily in peace time Melbourne .. but too much was made of WWII .. that is my story.

In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

Hello Appleblossom.
I am travelling to Adelaide soon. My sister lives there. I also have a school friend there. The catholic cathedral is near the hotel where I am staying. I will go there.
Unfortunately my sister is fairly busy. She works during the day on weekdays and goes to Tafe some evenings.
I am volunteering as a receptionist at a radio station this afternoon.
How are you?
I am glad you like music. It is easier to make friends with people if one has a common interest. Since my voice broke I never learnt to sing in tune. 😞
Misty.

In response to: Re: My Story

Re: My Story

What type of radio station?

I only have been a volunteer receptionist in a Family Therapy Centre started by a Uniting Church Community. They renovated an old building, built the rooms, and manned the front desk, Despite the church's issues they also got a lot of good things done.

You probably never had the opportunity to sing .. most people can hold a tune if they believe they can and their is no obstructing medical conditions.I have been involved in running choirs and Community Music Victoria etc. Its great for health and community .. another reason why the churches did it ...

Have a great holiday with your sister.

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