Mental Health and the stigma attached

[waynemorgan]

I'm putting this out there hoping to open some positive discussion.

After struggling for 2 years with mood swings such as rage, busting into tears, panic attacks, nightmares and having days where getting out of bed was just too difficult a good friend of mine referred me to one of his friends who is a psychologist back in December last year.

In February I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. This really stunned me – especially when I married up the symptoms with how I was. Bad memory, lack of concentration and constant headaches.

Good days are good, bad days can be terrible. Prozac is a great numbing agent – instead of feeling good or bad you have no feeling at all. No happy / sad.

Riding is an excellent help for me – it delivers something called “mindfulness” - living in the moment. After a ride I usually feel fantastic and that stays with me for 12-24 hours. On the flip side there are days and times when I struggle to get out – e.g. WGM at Windsor. I've been wanting to go to one of these for 3-4 months. Last week I finally managed – I was having a good day. I'd love to get to PITS more often than I do but again the demons often get in the way (along with my responsibilities at home).

Given mental health is often a taboo subject I've been wondering how other people cope or deal with it – either personally or family / friends who are afflicted in some way. It would be great to see some positive discussion on this issue.

If you'd rather not answer in open forum shoot me a PM – always willing to chat.

[Ali600+150]

Mate PTSD is a hard one. I grew up with my father suffering from it (stll does) from his experiences in Vietnam. Was not a fun household to grow up in at times with the rage and anger but thankfully Dad seems to be getting through it and is a VERY different person these days.

Getting professional help is a great first step. Don't be afraid to talk about your experiences - I'm sure there are lots of us out there that are going through or have been through the same sort of thing.

[fireyrob]

Mate mental health is a bigger issue than it's given credit. Like most personal issues recognising and seeking out help is a great step! You obviously have a great mate there! Glad you got the help you need good luck

[IsleofNinja]

Yeah .......................
Know what you're saying there Ali , my ol boy did (too many) years in Vietnam albeit a few trips back home for R&R. It was not until several decades later and another life changing traumatic event and a side effect of the aenasthetic drugs required to treat him , he actually re-lived certain events in Vietnam before my mother and I. By this time I was becoming old enough to understand what what actually hapenning along with coming to the realisation of why he could fly off the handle for seemingly no reason when I was younger.
Again it was hard treading on eggshells around dad when you are growing up , plus being in the army life , moving every 2-3 years as he was posted from one end of Australia to the other. On the flip side I have probably seen more of this country by age 12 than most would see in a lifetime!!

Wayne - sounds oh so familiar!? To date I have neglected going to a quack so that they can put a label to it .. yeah I'm a pig headed prick at times!
.... having said that , I am aware that the symptoms I have struggled with for years are classic depression/anxiety tell tales.

My solution is to try to avert the 'downer' by doing something I love and enjoy ..... like riding
And finding the discipline to NOT take my moods out on others like Dad did.

Sure there are many stories to be told but not so sure many will be brave enough to 'fess up'..

[mohawk miss]

everybody at some time comes into contact with someone with depression, be it family, friend, work mate....

Not everyone will tell you, and they don't have big flashing neon signs on their heads so you can tell. Symptoms can often be subtle, like not going out with friends much anymore, lack of motivation, loss of enjoyment in things once loved, feelings of isolation and worthlessness.

People with depression mostly need support from their social network. Just a "how ya doin'" via text can mean a lot. So, don't try to understand, just be there and occasionally provide a shoulder, a tissue or two, and a beverage. It DOES make a difference.

[wullieb1]

I had a bout of depression many years ago.

Too much stress with work, babie was born and my grandfather died all within a short period of time.

Fortunately i had great help from the people at my work and my GP and i eventually came through it after 18 months.

[swearbear9r]

I know how u feel man...trust me........

[B-Ry]

my ex wife suffered/suffers from all the above aswell. As a result of living with her for 4 years like that I managed to get a slight case of it myself, getting on a bike certainly helps a heck of a lot. I find the best way to cheer myself up is to go for a ride (keeping in mind you have to ride with the knowledge you are in that mood or else it can get very dangerous).

I definetly agree that a simple "how ya going?" goes a long way for those that suffer.

[gpxpunk]

i had a close friend that suffered from depression and a bit of mental health problems. She was one of the best friends you could have. some time you wouldnt see her for days and then one day she would come out and be all happy. The things we would do would do for her is get her over away from the kids for friday drinks. Let her relax and destress about everything, but more it was just the company of friends that helped her alot.

Apart from that yeah Wayne you can see it on you when you go for rides you are really enjoying yourself. riding is such a great way to de stress, or just forget about everything and everyone.

[seiko1]

Thanks for posting this Wayno
The time is coming!!!
Thanks to the three stooges, I'm now contemplating

[seiko1]

Thats odd
I don't remember posting here

[Supafrog]

Thats odd
I don't remember posting here

In keeping with this thread..... the word 'denial' could come to mind )

[seiko1]

Thats odd
I don't remember posting here

In keeping with this thread..... the word 'denial' could come to mind )

You have no idea mate

[waynemorgan]

isn't Denial a river in Egypt???

[seiko1]

isn't Denial a river in Egypt???

It has more life than the River in Phoenix I think