Lived Experience Forum

[BlueTrane]

Being mentally ill is complicated enough without also having to deal with being LGBTQIA+ in a heteronormative society. And vice versa. Many strides have been made in the right direction, at least regarding marriage equality and general same-sex relationship acceptance. And yet many people still struggle with discrimination daily. But in my case, I have a pretty good support network around me. However, years of social stigma, school bullying, and rejection from family and so-called friends have rendered me such that even now that I am in a position where I can live a reasonably fulfilled life, my own internalised prejudices and religious hangups are preventing me from going out and living my truth. I think I am destined to live a self-imposed lonely existence. IDK, I think I should pursue support for this sort of thing. 

[NatureLover]

@BlueTrane  I also am recently discovering how repressed I was. 

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@BlueTrane wrote:

 IDK, I think I should pursue support for this sort of thing. 

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I agree....do you have a counsellor?

[BlueTrane]

I am starting therapy on Friday. This will be a topic that will be addressed. 

[NatureLover]

I've only just seen your reply, @BlueTrane ... if you tag people using a @ and clicking on their name then they won't miss your reply. How did your first therapy appt go yesterday? 

[BlueTrane]

@NatureLover 

Sorry, I have been offline for a while as I have been unwell. My therapist is on holiday at the moment but she will be due to call me soon, the appointment I mentioned went well, I had made some pretty good progress, but as we all know there is no "happily ever after" with mental illnesses, and a lot can change in a small period of time. It is a daily struggle. That being said what we have discovered is with the ebb and flow, the seesaw of emotions and all that, I rebound and progress fast however I also regress pretty badly when I do. It seems to be my pattern. The important thing is to keep moving forward.

[NatureLover]

@BlueTrane   I'm glad your therapy appt went well 🙂 I hope they continue to go well...

Sorry you've been ill though. 

[BlueTrane]

It's important for me to share my perspective and emphasize the significance of respectful communication in order to help diminish the stigma associated with mental health issues. While I have the right to express my experiences authentically, I also need to be mindful of how my words may affect others on a larger scale.