Depression, Anxiety

[MercuryT]

As per the other thread, I was the keynote speaker at our gathering.

My boss knows of my issues so he thought I'd be best placed to give a talk (if I wanted to of course, there was no pressure)

A planned 30min gathering ended up going for over an hour as people opened up about their own issues.

Some people of which appear very happy on the surface admitted they were struggling.

So please don't think just because a mate might appear happy it might not be the case in reality.

Mental health does not discriminate.

Again, stay safe all and if you need to reach out, I strongly encourage you to do so.

Cheers, Merc

[sneaky]

My workplace had a similar meeting to Merc this morning. Ours was hosted on Zoom/Teams so the flow wasn't there to keep momentum up and people sharing.

suffice to say I learned a few things about colleagues that i never knew they were struggling with and working through for the last few years. It seems like everyone has something going on in their life but almost everyone is pretty good at keeping that stuff to themselves.

Chin up and carry on, share if you need, speak to pro's if you need or speak to friends, make changes to improve if you can.

[FTE217]

and in regards to your presentation and response thats from within the "free" world of Tassie.
Obviously there would be alot of knock off effect re mainland lockdowns etc - not seeing family etc whereas I think even more up here Syd/Melb especially those you least expect even more are suffering without realising as well.
On top of the countless small to medium business's that have gone to wall and those stories behind them you wouldn;t know or hear off what debt they are, spent their savings on keeping afloat - families breaking up, there is massive covid hurdles that will be felt for a long long time.....

I don't know if this is the worlds pay back to human kind or what but its doing a good job.

Trouble is so many will be left behind as we know, never to recover, so sad.

Hopefully others reach out and help themselves.

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by sneaky

My workplace had a similar meeting to Merc this morning. Ours was hosted on Zoom/Teams so the flow wasn't there to keep momentum up and people sharing.

suffice to say I learned a few things about colleagues that i never knew they were struggling with and working through for the last few years. It seems like everyone has something going on in their life but almost everyone is pretty good at keeping that stuff to themselves.

Chin up and carry on, share if you need, speak to pro's if you need or speak to friends, make changes to improve if you can.

Hi mate.
Even though it was Zoom meeting (which I've never done) at least it was better than nothing.

I agree though in person I assume would be very different, especially when it comes to such sensitive matters such as mental health.

Yes people are great at keeping issues private, not so great at opening up about them.

So your workplace did the best it could in your unfortunate circumstances which is a great thing.

Merc.

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by FTE217

and in regards to your presentation and response thats from within the "free" world of Tassie.
Obviously there would be alot of knock off effect re mainland lockdowns etc - not seeing family etc whereas I think even more up here Syd/Melb especially those you least expect even more are suffering without realising as well.

My post was not in any way meant to upset anyone in less fortunate States due to Covid.

I was merely passing on my meeting.

Hope it was taken that way as whilst I haven't lived in any lock down of any sort, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for so many people.

Merc.

[FTE217]

not upset at all mate, relax buddy.

Your post just got me thinking openly whats happenning all over the country.

Its a universal prob as we all know pre covid and now touching people who never experienced as such mental probs for its triggering left right and centre by my observations.

[FTE217]

yer zooms/teams etc is a handy tool used farfar more today and its useful due to current circumstances BUT nothing beats face to face.
Importantly zoom/teams is safer at this stage

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by FTE217

not upset at all mate, relax buddy.

Your post just got me thinking openly whats happenning all over the country.

Its a universal prob as we all know pre covid and now touching people who never experienced as such mental probs for its triggering left right and centre by my observations.

I am relaxed mate.

In fact I feel good which I don't always.

I was just clarifying that I didn't mean any harm to those in lock down or come across like I was bragging in any way.

You are 100% correct in how it has and I have family and friends on the big island who are struggling.

[FTE217]

feeling good
relaxed
Thats what we like to see for you, keep it up.

Its ok mate you didn't need to clarify for me for I got you in the first place, I suppose I may have expressed my post better if you felt it was defensive.

So done lets move on and keep positive mate.

[MercuryT]

I'm really worried about Shav. (blueoval)

He hasn't posted for a while and I know has legal stuff going on which I helped with (albeit terrible situation)

Reach out to him if you can

[Ben73]

Definitely check on your friends and family. Not just today, but regularly.
NSW Health made a Facebook post about RUOK day and the page got blown up by people saying they are not ok.
The government doesn’t care. They don’t post suicide stats on the news each day so they don’t care.
Most workplaces don’t care even when they put up posters everywhere. Their main concern would be how business will be negatively affected if you don’t show up tomorrow.
So yes check on your family. No one else will.

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by Ben73

Definitely check on your friends and family. Not just today, but regularly.
NSW Health made a Facebook post about RUOK day and the page got blown up by people saying they are not ok.
The government doesn’t care. They don’t post suicide stats on the news each day so they don’t care.
Most workplaces don’t care even when they put up posters everywhere. Their main concern would be how business will be negatively affected if you don’t show up tomorrow.
So yes check on your family. No one else will.

Interesting as I'm part of "Beyond Blue" and most suicide posts deleted and directed to Lifeline.

The numbers are much (much) higher than what the public know.

I know that resource is there. I want support not a number I already have.

You are right. Many don't care so even more reason to make a greater effort in future (imo)

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Ben73

Definitely check on your friends and family. Not just today, but regularly.
NSW Health made a Facebook post about RUOK day and the page got blown up by people saying they are not ok.
The government doesn’t care. They don’t post suicide stats on the news each day so they don’t care.
Most workplaces don’t care even when they put up posters everywhere. Their main concern would be how business will be negatively affected if you don’t show up tomorrow.
So yes check on your family. No one else will.

Yes, absolutely!

It's all an about dusting their hands of the subject. An yes, its all in an attempt to hopefully not have a worker costing them in sick leave and as you say, not turning up for work. I can see those cogs turning in the minds of my bosses. But of course we know men don't have or should not express feelings.

[MercuryT]

I've emailed Shav (blueoval) again privately.

No response.

Please do so as he's a top fella

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Yes, absolutely!

It's all an about dusting their hands of the subject. An yes, its all in an attempt to hopefully not have a worker costing them in sick leave and as you say, not turning up for work. I can see those cogs turning in the minds of my bosses. But of course we know men don't have or should not express feelings.

For some larger corporate companies it's just another box ticking exercise to make them look good. Just another KPI to meet.

Some companies who go hard on these topics are usually the ones that will pull you into an office and have words with you for having 'too many' days off sick. Even if you have saved up several months of sick leave.

[sneaky]

Originally Posted by Ben73

For some larger corporate companies it's just another box ticking exercise to make them look good. Just another KPI to meet.

Some companies who go hard on these topics are usually the ones that will pull you into an office and have words with you for having 'too many' days off sick. Even if you have saved up several months of sick leave.

sounds very familiar to me..

company preaches mental health, I got a chat for 'too many' days off last year and I have a sick leave balance of around 100 days (good award and long time at the company)

Maybe the company has good intentions that get lost in the layers of management.. CEO wants to do the right thing, his underlings put targets on their underlings who intern put targets on their underlings and all of a sudden people are being 'chatted' for taking leave. Or maybe they like to preach that they care when they don't really care and it is good corporate image to say they care.

My new manager said I had taken the most sick leave in the team last year. He showed me the calendar - 7 weeks for appendicitis, another week for medical reasons on certificate, another week on certificate for mental health because I was at breaking point and other random days or hours here and there to see doctors/specialists/psychologist - any time was shown as an 'occasion' on the report.

now when I'm sick or at a low point and feel like a break is needed i'm hesitant to call in sick. I'm more likely to log in to the computer and stuff around for a few hours or the day because I don't think 'metal health' would be seen as a good reason.

[slowsnake]

I worked for multiple employers over a long hard career as a trade boilermaker/welder, and no matter who you worked for, or where the location was, in the end you were just a number on a payslip, not a valued employee but a number!


Cheers Billy

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by MercuryT

I've emailed Shav (blueoval) again privately.

No response.

Please do so as he's a top fella

I checked in on him end of July. Not heard from him since, maybe just taking a break from social media? Hope so.

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by slowsnake

I worked for multiple employers over a long hard career as a trade boilermaker/welder, and no matter who you worked for, or where the location was, in the end you were just a number on a payslip, not a valued employee but a number!


Cheers Billy

That maybe so for a % and your train of thought Billy and for others its been countless years of a partnership/family kind of perspective respecting each other.
Not all are tarred with the same brush, sorry just like to give a positive perspective with so much negativity around.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

I checked in on him end of July. Not heard from him since, maybe just taking a break from social media? Hope so.

Originally Posted by MercuryT

I've emailed Shav (blueoval) again privately.

No response.

Please do so as he's a top fella

I was in contact with him via another channel a few days ago.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by sneaky

sounds very familiar to me..

company preaches mental health, I got a chat for 'too many' days off last year and I have a sick leave balance of around 100 days (good award and long time at the company)

Maybe the company has good intentions that get lost in the layers of management.. CEO wants to do the right thing, his underlings put targets on their underlings who intern put targets on their underlings and all of a sudden people are being 'chatted' for taking leave. Or maybe they like to preach that they care when they don't really care and it is good corporate image to say they care.

That's exactly it, "look, we care, but don't make me work any harder by needing a day off".

At the end of the day, it is just a job, the employer has no need to know or care how each of its workers are doing. You are just there to make money for yourself and them. Work like a robot, don't make waves, don't be a human.

This is from someone with 66 days leave owing because I'm made to feel like I can't take a break when I need it. Last time I asked for a day off to tend to family I was looked down upon with a grunt of disapproval. I missed that time with my family.

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I was in contact with him via another channel a few days ago.

Great news.

Thank you as I emailed him but I know has a lot going on.

[slowsnake]

Been feeling a bit crappy past few days, thought well mate you just had 5 teeth yanked outta ya jawbone, ya got arthritis in the mandible joint, ya got 5 fused cervical vertebrae, and you had ya mouth open for more than an hour, course ya gonna feel crappy!

Then I thought where the hell are my Pristiq pills? missed out for 4 days, thought I was missing something, got new box today, and I won't do it again, but I always thought I was OK without, obviously not!



Cheers Billy

[buggerlugs]

Originally Posted by MercuryT

Why is that?

So anyone suicidal deserves abuse is what you're suggesting is ok?

Have a think about it................

[slowsnake]

Well yesterday after taking my Pristiq tab, only 100mg a day, but supposed to help as a "neuropathic pain killer".... it don't....but after missing out for 4 days I was tempted to take 4x100mg tabs, I dident, but I was so far down I forgot which way was up, lol, but that missing 4 days was a monumental blunder on my part, had to think about it too, why dident I just go to chemist and get a new pack, can only assume it was a combination of this rotten pain, it overtakes everything, even normal common sense thought.

But Dan Ricciardo being on the front row at Monza F1 immediately give me a rocket like boost, that's all it took, picked me right up outta the doldrums and reasonably happy today......

Plus my cat of course, who is curled up in front of "his" 3 bar Heller heater!


Cheers Billy

[blueoval]

Hey guys, thanks for thinking of me. I really appreciate it. I did take a bit of a hiatus from social media for a bit. A bit of that time was used just dealing with some legal issues with family. Chris (aka MercuryT) was assisting me on some things. Can't thank him enough on the support.

I also spent some time doing some camping, working, and taking a lower profile. I don't get out much and to be honest I dont mind it. I tend to stick to myself and immediate family. Finding that staying home I am becoming more comfortable. Going out is only done out of necessity but I will almost always be happy to stay home, watch some movies, play with the dog or chill out.

Went out and did some 4X4 driving with about 10 other 4wd's at Eagleview 4x4 in Saunders Gorge here in SA. Lots of fun there with about 30 people and it was something I actually enjoyed just being outdoors, taking photos and having fun doing car stuff.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Hey guys, thanks for thinking of me. I really appreciate it. I did take a bit of a hiatus from social media for a bit. A bit of that time was used just dealing with some legal issues with family. Chris (aka MercuryT) was assisting me on some things. Can't thank him enough on the support.

I also spent some time doing some camping, working, and taking a lower profile. I don't get out much and to be honest I dont mind it. I tend to stick to myself and immediate family. Finding that staying home I am becoming more comfortable. Going out is only done out of necessity but I will almost always be happy to stay home, watch some movies, play with the dog or chill out.

Went out and did some 4X4 driving with about 10 other 4wd's at Eagleview 4x4 in Saunders Gorge here in SA. Lots of fun there with about 30 people and it was something I actually enjoyed just being outdoors, taking photos and having fun doing car stuff.

That sounds very familiar!

For me, I get (more than enough) social interaction at work with customers and colleagues, outside of that all I want to do is hide away. And I mean that in the sense I find the solitude comforting, I don't have to fake the smile, I'm not being judged, I can just be who I am. Maybe that's half of my problem? All I know is I have always been a quiet person, some people just are, and that's totally OK.

I also think it is great that you have been doing stuff you love. That is so important. We spend so long working that we can often forget or just don't make the time for self care in the form of an interesting activity.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

That sounds very familiar!

For me, I get (more than enough) social interaction at work with customers and colleagues, outside of that all I want to do is hide away. And I mean that in the sense I find the solitude comforting, I don't have to fake the smile, I'm not being judged, I can just be who I am. Maybe that's half of my problem? All I know is I have always been a quiet person, some people just are, and that's totally OK.

I also think it is great that you have been doing stuff you love. That is so important. We spend so long working that we can often forget or just don't make the time for self care in the form of an interesting activity.

The thing is Deyon I never used to be that way. I was always looking for an excuse to go out anywhere, catch up with friends or go socialize. The mrs was the one who was wanting me to not do so much. But the past 2 yrs or so I have just hidden and I am finding it a lot easier to stay at home than to go out. It could be my age though, Im not sure. Covid has made the decision to stay at home easier too. Im not governed by the restrictions as much as I work from home and I find Im not spending anywhere near as much money as I once was.

I also dont have the patience for people as I used to either. I much rather not bother with them and deal with the BS.

It's given me time to try and work myself out too.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by blueoval

The thing is Deyon I never used to be that way. I was always looking for an excuse to go out anywhere, catch up with friends or go socialize. The mrs was the one who was wanting me to not do so much. But the past 2 yrs or so I have just hidden and I am finding it a lot easier to stay at home than to go out. It could be my age though, Im not sure. Covid has made the decision to stay at home easier too. Im not governed by the restrictions as much as I work from home and I find Im not spending anywhere near as much money as I once was.

I also dont have the patience for people as I used to either. I much rather not bother with them and deal with the BS.

It's given me time to try and work myself out too.

Ooo boy, and I'm the opposite, online shopping and all.

Covid has forced many to change their habits, both good and bad. For me, it meant that certain things I used to do outside of home I no longer have the desire to do. But that's ok because I have found other ways to unwind.

People change and evolve, if you no longer want to go out, then that's ok. I find we spend so much of our lives doing what others want or what we think they want. If you are finding joy, pleasure of comfort from being at home then celebrate it. I hate the "live in the moment" tag line, but it is very true.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Ooo boy, and I'm the opposite, online shopping and all.

Covid has forced many to change their habits, both good and bad. For me, it meant that certain things I used to do outside of home I no longer have the desire to do. But that's ok because I have found other ways to unwind.

People change and evolve, if you no longer want to go out, then that's ok. I find we spend so much of our lives doing what others want or what we think they want. If you are finding joy, pleasure of comfort from being at home then celebrate it. I hate the "live in the moment" tag line, but it is very true.

Cheers mate. I thought there was something severely wrong with me for the longest time when I went this way. But it's probably got a lot to do with Covid and the way the world is that has made me want to not be a part of it anymore. Not in a suicidal way, just not wanting to be involved with the level of entertainment I once thought was the pinnacle of life.

I still miss travelling but doubt I will ever do anything internationally again. Hence why I am looking at more statewide excursions and the like.