New profile photo.

[Golfer15]

Hope I havent scared anyone off but I thought I would add this photo. We should all show who we are. Everyone is so friendly and supportive on this site. This condition we all live with should not beat us down. We should definately not be ashamed of anything.

My photo was taken a few years ago whilst on holiday with my family on the Norfolk Broads ( thats why I'm wearing a life jacket). I was feeling good then but I also remember getting stressed about tying the boat up safely. I think anxiety and depression have always been in my life, maybe most people have a certain amount of anxiety, it is just how we cope with it.

Thanks to all my friends on here who are a constant support.

This is definitely part of my coping strategy.

David

[Hidden]

Hi David,

Good for you for putting your photo on. I agree we should not be ashamed. I haven't yet added mine not because of shame but because I am also a mental health professional and sadly there is stigma within the health and care professions about being public about one's own stuff. It's alright in principle, but try being open and many workers are uncomfortable and prefer maintaining an us and them approach whereas I always feel 'there but for the grace of God am I' about things people struggle with. Once I've either got back into the work or given up trying I will add my photo too. Suex

[Golfer15]

Thanks Sue, I understand about your situation.

David x

[Photogeek]

Nice photo David .

[Golfer15 in reply to Photogeek]

Thanks Hannah, Your turn.

[Hidden]

What a handsome guy you looked very happy.xx take care

[Golfer15 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Cloggs!

[Adorable1]

Good for you ..nice photie, I put a photo on around December time for a few days

Must admit not ashamed but anxiety sometimes plays a part in putting on a photo, wouldn't want certain people to know about me, just in case they recognised the photie, but that's just me and my anxiety is quite bad,

Good for you though, nice to put a face to a name

Xxxx

[Golfer15 in reply to Adorable1]

I understand. xx

[DNR55 in reply to Adorable1]

THIS IS HOW I FEEL, WONDERING IF I KNOW ANYONE ON HERE. AND SADLY TO SAY, PPL WHO DONT KNOW HOW WE SUFFER AND THAT IT IS A TRUE ILLNESS! I DONT WANT PPL I KNOW TO KNOW MUCH! IF U MET ME, YOU WOULD THINK I AM SO FUN AND A WONDERFUL PERSONALITY THAT I CAN TALK TO ANYONE! BECAUSE IF I CAN HELP OTHERS, IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD! BECAUSE THAT WAS PART OF MY JOB AT WORKING AT THE HOSPITAL.

[Golfer15 in reply to DNR55]

That is the difficult thing about this illnes. People cant tell we have mental health problems just by looking at us. As you say we often put on a false personality for the sake of others around us. When we are alone we feel different.

I help in scouting which makes me feel good, as you say you do with your work. There is nothing wrong with this. We need to find ways to feel good.

Have a good day.

PS Please remove the capitals

[DNR55 in reply to Golfer15]

Thank you for you're reply, I worked for many Drs and helped with cancer pts, obgyn, surgical unit, er. They couldn't believe how I came to work happy every day! They hadn't a clue, that when I arrive home alone and I press the garage door shot shut, I sit in my car and just sob to a point I was crying outloud! It's a painful life! Thank u!

[Golfer15 in reply to DNR55]

you certainly arent alone.

[Suzie40]

Fab piccie! You look such a nice person x

[Golfer15]

Thanks Lucy. Can I see you now please. It is nice to see who we are talking too.

David x

[Stilltrying_]

Hey you're starting up quite a trend here. First you. then Will, now Lucy and now I have just posted one up of myself. The pressure is building now on Hannah...... only joking Hannah I know you're a private lady and I think people should always do only what they are comfortable with. x

[MsSad]

Hi David, nice to meet you.

I'm new to this illness and this forum. People have been so kind and supportive with their messages and i do understand that it's nice to put a picture to a person and i don't want to let anyone down but i don't think i'm ready, sorry

Nikki

[ThemysciraDrive in reply to MsSad]

You don't have to apologise Nikki, nobody will think any less of you those of us that have put up pictures have all been here a while, we're battle scarred veterans with nothing better to do than admire ourselves!!

[MsSad in reply to ThemysciraDrive]

thank you for making me smile!

[Golfer15 in reply to MsSad]

Hi Nikki, nice to meet you. This forum is for support. There is no expectation to do anything. I just thought I would add a profile pic. It doesnt mean everyone has to. There are too many expectations in life so we dont want them here. This is our safe haven.

David

[Stilltrying_]

Hey Nikki, I'm sure no-one would ever want you to do anything you feel uncomfortable with and you are absolutely not letting anyone down by not putting up a photo. x

[MsSad]

thanks for understanding guys x

[fadedlizard]

I'm not brave enough to do it myself but it's great to be able to put a face to the name.

Well done for being so brave

[punnoose619]

good photo David... I support you man... this site is awesome... its like for the first time in my life i am great hearts supporting me and holding out their hands of friendship.... anywas hope you r well..... keep in touch