Topic Tuesday // Stigma// Tues 14 May, 7pm AEST

[BlueBay]

@Fracturedlight 

Thankyou 

because at times it does feel very lonely 😢

[Former-Member]

@Teej it is great that you encourage people to ask you questions. From what everyone has mentioned here, there is a bit of possible fear that happens when people indirectly or directly stigmatise. By offering the option to ask questions safely to those you feel comfortable with, that can help others that have no experience and therefore don't realise the impact of their words, to realise and learn. 

[Fracturedlight]

@Owlunar I'm sorry you had to experience that too. Something needs to change.

[BlueBay]

@Former-Member  That’s the only way I can tell them. I can’t tell people I have BPD. I feel the term borderline personality disorder to me means I have a personality problem. I don’t know how to explain it. Sorry. 

[Former-Member]

This is another thoughful way of connecting with people in a way to help others better understand @Former-Member 

@Adge that feelling that your experience seems threatening to some, I can imagine can feel quite isolating. Have you ever shared and had a postive experience of sharing?

[Former-Member]

@Former-Member 

I have tried educating my staff when I was still working. I think it reduced stigma to a point but then increased because I was made to leave.

i have done some presentations about mental health at TAFE when I was trying to study and they were well received and lovely discussions started around the subject and people engaged and shared stories how they were touched by mental illness, either themselves or loved ones. I really enjoyed feeling connected and being able to start that discussion. I would love to do more in that area. 

I also express myself with art and have started to share my art, online but also in local exhibitions. If I can help start one conversation or help one person then that is a huge success - even if I will never know as I don’t attend the exhibitions.

[Fracturedlight]

@Former-Member I haven't been given a complete diagnosis yet. Struggling with GP and other areas to understand what's happening with me. So far I've been told I have ptsd, severe depression and anxiety...I believe in myself there is more to it. I'm struggling to express that currently to those around me personal and professionally. It's not entirely their fault. I don't open up easily, I'm more comfortable writing it all down.

[Owlunar]

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@Former-Member wrote:

That's so frustrating @Owlunar - have you found other instances in your life where you have had good experiences when talking about or expressing your health? How have those conversations happened? 

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Yes @Former-Member 

I have people from the local Council or an agency coming to help me with domestic, shopping and social shifts - these people are wonderful - helpful and understanding and at times I feel they are among the most sensitive people I have ever met. They are trained to help people with differing disabilities and age related disorders. I feel comfortable with them - things have been easier for me since my mother died over 4 years ago now and with most of those who attend to my requirements are people who allow for the difficulties of their clients and I get a very positive spin-off from them.

Our conversations are mostly social in nature but with those I have learned to trust I have been able to share the worst of my experiences - the death of my son - this is something I cannot share with my family - it is really something to have the time to develop rapport with a person who comes regularly and my mood always improves when they visit and we might never touch on deeper subjects - 

The service works well for me

Dec

[Former-Member]

No need for apologies @BlueBay - you are doing a great job explaining here! That's a feeling I think others here can understand, not knowing how to explain certain diagnosis too. It can feel overwhelming. 

Everyone you are sharing such honest and insightful thoughts - sorry if I don't get to reply to each one of you indiviudally but I can see that everyone is supporting and responding to each other as well which is what we like to see in these events!

Lets move on - we have faced a lot of confronting and tough experiences when it comes to stigma. You have all shared some meaningful ways you have approached it, or ways you could speak about your mental health too. We have explored and spoken a lot about stigma, it’s impacts, it’s place in the media and how we manage situations. Now lets look at ourselves and self care. In experiences where you have been effected by Stigma, what have you done to look after yourself? What strategies and self care approaches do you call on? Any tips to share?

[Adge]

Yes I've definitely had positive responses from sharing @Former-Member

From psychologists, & from Sane Forum people.

Adge