We Just Dont Know

[nailit]

For the past few weeks, ive been on a (18 week) course run by local mental health clinic on a Monday afternoon, dealing with life coping skills. It lasts for 2 hours a session.

The range of attendees...about a dozen of us...range from a very middle class woman to a young student now studying for a PhD. From long term unemployed, to those currently in work. From the retired to the young.

For the first few weeks, no-one really opened up much about personal concerns or current difficulties. (don't think I even opened my mouth except to say my name).

However today, everyone seemed to start opening up more. What surprised me was how similar peoples experiences can be, despite the apparent differences. Without exception (middle class lady included) we had all had substance abuse issues of one kind or another. We all had sleep issues...too much or too little, We all had-at one time or another-a bad experience with mental health services. We all had issues with anxiety and dealing with crowds. We all had thoughts of suicide from time to time. Most of us had at least one criminal conviction (again including the well to do middle class lady and the weed smoking PhD student). We all had some childhood trauma. The list could go on (but it wont...)

But the point is, we just don't know what is going on in peoples lives (or heads) based on age, employment status, class, education, or anything else.
This afternoon has been a good day, an eye opener.
(and a bit of a bonding session with people that I usually wouldn't want to bond with)

Not a question, just an observation.
TY.

[andy-hughes]

What we are learning (slowly) is what a great leveller mental health issues can be.

[Togo]

Good on ya ma mate. Just keep going and find some sort of resolution. Without being judgemental or smart arrrrssy, I had a feeling a while back that your childhood may hold answers for you. Mine does. Just get well for us Nails. You are a breath of fresh air sometimes you know.

[Tilly2]

'We just don't know what's going on in other people's lives'. How very true.

I hope your 'eye opener' has made you feel better about yourself, Nails.

[nailit]

//What we are learning (slowly) is what a great leveller mental health issues can be//
Cant fault that andy. (tho there's a minority on here that will disagree)

[Togo]

Oyy Nails..... Notice? First 3 answers all from.....!

[nailit]

Cheers Togo ;-)
It has actually Tills :-)

[237SJ]

Agreed. Sometimes people can behave in a really odd way and then you find out why. That is why I never take customers at face value

[nailit]

YAY Togo, thanks for pointing that out. Stokies are the best, lol

[237SJ]

And they don't have to have mental health issues to behave oddly

[nailit]

237, Ive always told my son that sometimes you just NEVER know what others are going through, so try ur best not to take things personally if others get a bit ***ty with you.

[237SJ]

I don't take things personally - I`ve been around too long for that

[nailit]

237,
I will always remember a time when I was in my mid 20's. I worked for a car hire company at the time and had to go and repossess a car that hadn't been returned. The guy in question blew his stack at me and threatened to knock me out (actually locked me in his house at one point) Police were called. Turns out that he had recently lost his mother and his missus had left him and taken his kids as well. At the time...and been young...I was full of fury and hatred towards him. Now I see a man who was simply pushed over the edge by life.

[1ozzy]

Good stuff Nailit. I hope it's of benefit to you.

A couple of years ago I spent time in a mental health hospital followed by 9 months of counseling. I still attend recovery group meetings on occasion. It's surprising how much it can help yourself and the others involved.

Keep it up!!

[nailit]

thanks ozzy
This last week has been a bit of a toughie...not eating, sleeping etc but today has been good. Cheers.

[nailit]

Why do some people just seem to sail through life though?
I want to know their recipe...

[1ozzy]

There is no recipe.

You'd be surprised how many that seem to sail through life keep their issues under wraps, doing themselves more damage.

Did it myself for 50 years resulting in a massive issue to deal with.
If only I'd been honest with myself much earlier.

[nailit]

Seems as tho theres a few on AB ozzy. (and I have to say 'a few' in all fairness)
The ones that tell you to stop feeling sorry for yourself, get a job and pull yourself together and stop sponging off benefits.
Those ones.
Id love to know how.

[Kidas]

I'd agree with 1ozzy - scratch the surface of most families – and of many people – and you'll find all kinds of issues. It's just that some of us get quite good at keeping those things concealed from strangers.

[nailit]

kidas
//It's just that some of us get quite good at keeping those things concealed from strangers//
I got good at keeping most of mine from my family/friends.

[anneasquith]

Lozzy, don't spend time saying/ thinking what you should have done, its in the past.. We can't change the past .