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Post by dogswithbigears on Jul 26, 2013 10:45:16 GMT
Hi everyone,
I'm Debbie and I live in Northampton with my 13 year old border collie, Esrie. I am 35 next week and am currently experiencing poor mental health. I have held a job for the last 4 1/2 years and have spent the last year or so battling to keep my head above the water, with many weeks when I've been unable to go to work. My relationship has crumbled and my thoughts are disordered.
Watching your video yesterday was a moving experience for me and helped me to realise how isolated I have become, and how few people in my life now understand and accept me when I am unwell.
Accessing support is very challenging, and especially for me right now when I am doubting my thoughts - making decisions when you don't trust yourself, let alone anyone else, is HARD!
I have had a variety of diagnoses over the years: chronic clinical depression, PTSD, anxiety disorder, social phobia, anorexia, OCD, BPD. I have an assessment next week... my first in many, many years.
I spent 3 1/2 years sectioned in hospital back in the 90s - no admissions since, by the skin of my teeth at times! My dog keeps me focused - I adore her and knowing she needs me keeps me going when times are bleak.
I have to believe that things will improve... and accept that all the "trying" I've been doing these past few months has probably been in the wrong direction'
I have a lot of experience living with mental ill health, and also of volunteering with people requiring support. This doesn't make me immune to relapse (as I am currently discovering!), but it does mean I have some empathy and a good ear for listening. I hope we can all pull together to provide some positive support for each other.
Debbie aka dogswithbigears x
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Post by Bex on Jul 26, 2013 12:09:27 GMT
Hi Debbie,
Welcome to the forum! Really glad that you liked our video and decided to get on board because of it. We all get that feeling of isolation fro time to time, it's good to see that you're coping in a really positive way however. I know what you mean about having something there to keep you going, I'm exactly the same when it comes to my cats. Even my boyfriend knows he just has to mention the cats if I get down about something and I become more focused.
Really look forward to seeing you around on the forums.
Speak soon Bex x
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Post by dogswithbigears on Jul 26, 2013 12:27:38 GMT
Thanks Bex :-)
I don't feel like I have a lot to offer just now... but in time, I'm sure I'll have a greater capacity to respond to posts on here.
Who do I speak to about contributing to the blog?
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Post by Bex on Jul 26, 2013 12:37:56 GMT
That's okay! You can take it as slowly as you like, we're not all here to rush around changing the world in a day. Baby steps are always better That would be me I've written a post here about the blogging side of things: mindslikeours.boards.net/thread/62/get-blogs?page=1Hope that helps Many thanks Bex x
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Post by dogswithbigears on Jul 26, 2013 12:49:04 GMT
Thank you again! I shall pop over and have a read...
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