I have returned!

[Robyn_xy]

Hello all!

So I'm not sure if anyone will remember me or if you guys are still on here. But if you do, I was that messed up 16 year old girl who posted about how horrible school life was and how adults and friends had the audacity to confuse puberty for genuine mental illness. Well I'm back, and I want to know how everyone's getting on, whether you knew me then or this is the first time you're reading a post of mine.

I'm turning 20 in a month, I've graduated college of two years, I start uni in September and I have a part time job.

I'm still struggling, a lot. Which is the reason I logged on here tonight. I came on here because I remembered it's where I've always had the most support and touching messages and comment so from people who didn't even know me. I think this is an amazing community, and I'd like to be a part of it again i you would welcome me.

I think it would be nice if everyone could reintroduce themselves, tell me a fact about yourself, or something funny! Even though we're depressed we can still all use a laugh every now and again!

On another note, I'm going to the dentist for my first ever filling tomorrow and I'm ... myself hahaha. Anyone have any words of wisdom (no pun intended) to kindly pass on to me?

I've missed you guys. Also, I'm going to attach a more recent picture of myself! It's good to be back.

[Hidden]

Hey Robyn, I'm Kayla! I am new, so I don't remember you from back then... But I am glad that I get a chance to say hello to you now! I hope you're doing okay, congrats on college. I'm 26, so I've been there & done that... I am a nurse, but I am on medical leave rn because of everything that has happened. I hope you enjoy university! I had a blast when I went! Hope we keep in touch! <3

[kieron6867]

hi, I'm Kieron congrats on college and I hope uni goes well, I'm 20 too currently working in a dentist so I can assure you, you have .... all to worry about. sorry to here you're struggling but we are have to stick together ay

[hypercat54]

Hi Robyn I well remember you and it's good to see you again but sad that you need to come back. You sound like you have matured a lot so well done. x

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Robyn_xy and welcome back to the forum. I like your photo. It sounds as though you are doing really well. Congratulations on gaining your place at university. You will really enjoy the experience. I hope all goes well at the dentist, you will be absolutely fine. Do continue to post on this caring forum where you will make new friends and receive support. Thank you and best wishes.

[wallflower_fairy]

Welcome back Robyn,

I remember you. You probably won't recognise me as I changed my username and picture, but we talked (if you look on your old posts you'll see where I've commented and you might work out who I am - same HU account). I'm four years older than you.

You seem to have grown a lot in confidence which is really nice to see. Congratulations on finishing college and getting a place at university. I do feel the need to say this as a precaution. I was a year younger than you, 19, when I first went to university and I was in a really bad place. University is a great opportunity but going can also be a huge culture shock and because I was already fragile when I went this really impacted on my mental health. I am now 24 and still haven't graduated - what with the accumulation of changing my course, having to resit some work and medical leave - all of which stemmed from being unwell while there, and not being ready. I'm now on my second period of medical leave and not close to graduating. I'm just considering the fact that you say you're feeling depressed again.

I don't at all mean to be discouraging and I'm not saying you can't do it - or that you should let your Depression stop you. I'm just saying make sure it's what you really want, and is something you're ready to pursue. 20 is still so young and you have a lot of time to decide. Don't let anyone else pressure you or make you feel this is something you have to do, which is what I did.

I don't want to put a dampener on this wonderful opportunity and your success to have got here - it really is fantastic and I am pleased for you. This is just my own experience and much more complicated than I've just summarised, so I certaintly wouldn't want it to put you off going. It certainly doesn't mean it'll be the same for you - at 19 I didn't know what I wanted to do which is why I ended up adjusting my course when I was 21, having survived my first and second year. But you're already a year older than that and you're not me. I'm just saying be mindful and don't jump into this too hastily. I want you to have an enjoyable experience at university, if this is something you want to do. You've worked hard to get there and this is what you deserve, and I don't want anything to spoil that. Please be kind to yourself.

If you want to talk more I'm just a message away.

I'm wishing you all the best with your appointment tomorrow. It's a very common procedure and doesn't take long. It might be worth speaking to the dentist when you go in and letting them know you're a bit anxious. I'm sure they'll do their best to put you at ease.

xx