New to Group

[Gerbera88]

Hi All,

I am new to this support group. I’ve decided to join this group because I’ve been dealing with anxiety and depression all my life and I do not have a social network of family or friends that can understand or empathize with what I’m going through. In addition, I have a hard time finding support as a mental health professional. I know it can seem pretty ironic that I’m a mental health professional who’s going through a lot of mental health issues but it isn’t all that uncommon. If anything, it seems almost taboo for mental health professionals to discuss their own personal problems. For most of my adult life, I’ve always been there to listen and support others. I have a lot of empathy and nurturance to give to others. However, it’s always been incredibly challenging to find that reciprocated, especially now with Covid-19. With the current pandemic, I am expected to provide social-emotional support to others and help others navigate through their trauma. It is hard to be there for others 100% when I’m lacking that support myself. I work in a setting that Is not very warm and inviting to someone of my profession. I feel very much like an outcast but yet I’m in a role where I am expected to help others feel validated and included. I’m not sure how I can become accepted in my work environment and around others outside my job. I’ve always felt very different from everyone else around me but yet all I do is continue to give and give myself to others and get nothing in return.

Anyways I am hoping that this support group is where I can finally talk to people who can resonate with my experiences and how I feel. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Wishing you all the best on your journey to self fulfillment and happiness.

[Hidden]

Hello and welcome👋 I hope you find this platform helpful. Thank you for the work you do! I used to help teach special needs children, so I sort of understand what you're talking about. Just remember that you are helping others. They might not tell you you are, but you are.🙂

[Gerbera88 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[Agora1]

Hi Gerbera88 and Welcome to this sensitive and safe forum. Actually, I don't find it

ironic that you are a mental health professional and need someone to listen to you for

a change x Are you not human as well? Anxiety and Depression doesn't discriminate

with any age, any profession.

We all get to a point where we need some "me time". I'm glad you have taken the first

step forward in taking care of yourself. As you have probably told your patients many times, we must love ourselves first before we can love and give to others.

Sometimes it's hard to take our own advice but so worth the outcome. I'm glad you are

here with us. You've got this xx

[Gerbera88 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks so much for your kind words! You are absolutely right- anxiety and depression def does not discriminate with any age and profession.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

I can’t give away something I haven’t got. I need to be a channel which means I need to have support flowing in from somewhere. Whether it be a group, a professional, close friends, clergy, spiritual advisor, I need to fill my spiritual tank to have something to give. Glad you took the step to open up here.

[Gerbera88 in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

Thanks so much! I’m glad to be part of this group

[PT81]

Welcome to the group. Having someone to talk to and know what you’re going through can provide such a huge relief. I hope you find it. Therapists need a therapist too from time to time.

[Gerbera88 in reply to PT81]

Thanks so much