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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.

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In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

Hello Appleblossom.
Sorry I haven't written for a while. I haven't been particularly busy in Adelaide. I just forgot about the Sane Forum for a while. I rearranged the icons on my phone.
I was lonely at first, but I am better now.
I met my sister twice and my school friend once. I talked to many of the people in the hotel. I went to the Barossa Valley for a day.
The radio station is Finemusic or previously known as 2MBSFM. I don't think they broadcast in Victoria. They only have one transmitter on a tall Sydney building. They only have a few sponsors. In the past they only transmitted classical music. Now they also do jazz and sometimes unusual international folk music (old and new).
Did you like the receptionist job? I quite like mine. It only lasts 3 hours a week. I am retired. It gives me a little structure.
I have been told that anyone can sing before. In the past I disbelieved it. I think it would take quite an effort however. I guess it would be social.
I had an idea for a poem or an essay. I don't know whether I start it hear or when I am back in Sydney.
What are the news from Melbourne?
Misty.

In response to: Re: My Story

Re: My Story

Glad you remembered the forums. Yes I did like the receptionist job ... it gave me stability and was like an oasis of rational office work one morning per week amidst the chaos of family life. I did it when my girls had started school and I had only one littlie who I often would take in with me.

Generally before that I had felt very agitated and wary of receptionists as I saw them as fake superficial people who only wore fancy clothes and simpered up to men, after that experience I could at least temporarily get along with that type of woman and talk about the job.

We have 3MBS Fine music .. a very similar and good station .. I have only recently reclaimed my airwaves about 4 years ago .. I listen to it sometimes but mostly Radio National.

Most people can sing if they try and are given right opportunity but its not necessary. You already have many creative outlets.

My French Bijoux Gems Concert is on this coming weekend. It has been a great program to work on ... fascinating harmonies and dense textures and a good group of musicians not just singers to work with ..

Poems and essays are great. I plan to do much more writing.

I have needed to at least find some people to be my tribe otherwise I would not have anything to say to this world.

In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

Hello Appleblossom.
Before I worked as a receptionist I didn't like them either. They often asked many questions and then didn't connect me to the correct person. Now I know they are given instruction.
The Optus network is bad here. I will write when I am back in Sydney. Sorry. M.

In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

Hello Appleblossom.
I had some technical problems with my equipment. I don't know whether it was the network in Adelaide or my phone. Sorry.
As I was saying in my last (short) message: Now I try to be gentle to receptionists. They have procedures that they are told to follow and they don't get paid much. They are only human.
I am back in Sydney now. I was in Adelaide for two weeks. I met my sister and a school friend. I enjoyed that. I also enjoyed a bus trip to the Barossa Valley. I didn't like it when I was alone.
Yes, you talked about the chaos when raising a family. I always lived alone and without children. I can imagine that family life can be difficult, especially if one doesn't have a husband or the husband is not supportive.
I think you enjoy singing. I forgot - I am sorry - do you lead an orchestra or a choir?
Yes, it is good to have good friends. I don't want to be a snob, but friendship is much more enjoyable if the people have similar values, similar education and similar IQ. I used to have a friend who has a low IQ. I found communication with her frustrating. I have another friend who is very quiet. I find her frustrating also.
I wrote an essay that I wrote in Adelaide and like you to read. How can I get it to you? I don't think we are aloud to exchange email addresses.
Misty.

In response to: Re: My Story

Re: My Story

Humans are not meant for too much isolation. A little solo time is good ... all in balance.

I would like to read it the essay .. maybe it could be posted on a new thread if it would be appropriate. Then others could read it too.

I have tried to have "friendships" with people with less education and it can just be difficult as they can get defensive or competitive or labour a point. Yet I dont want to exclude anybody and try and get along with anyone who tries to get along with me .. sometimes interesting new things emerge ... like sense of humour or understanding of nature etc ...

I dont lead any choirs anymore ... I did it for a while but now I am just a singer but am very happy with the quality of the musicians I sing with. We had our French concert today. It was a good but I had a bit of melt down a week ago and so have been on much higher meds and not as strong as I could have been.

I havent been to the Barossa for 20 years ... but it is good to travel a little.

cheers A

In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

Hello Appleblossom.
My new story is under "Look after our wellbeing" item "Compassion".
I am sorry that you had difficult health.
Misty.

In response to: Re: My Story

Re: My Story

Hi there @Misty-Mirrors @Appleblossom @Bec1985, just thought I would let you all know that tonight's Topic Tuesday is about music therapy. It's starting here in half an hour! Hope you can make it.

In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

To @Misty-Mirrors Yeah people can't believe I've been to uni either because my mental illness has been so bad. I finished my bachelors degree before I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and I finished my Masters after I was diagnosed at 27. Its possible, it really is just because you have a mental illness doesn't mean you are not intelligent. The voices, hallucinations, psychotic thought patterns... the whole shaboo doesn't affect your IQ. I'm smart, just not sane. hehe 🙂

In response to: Re: My Story

Re: My Story

Dear @AmiRemixed and @Misty-Mirrors

How are you both?

I was good to read you both,

of course and esp. @Appleblossom

hello @Bec1985, how are you?

In response to: My Story

Re: My Story

Hello.
I can cope reasonably well with my illness. However I was told by professionals that the IQ can reduce somewhat after psychotic episodes.
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