Significant step, scary step

Yesterday was a breakthrough day. For a long time I have been very conscious how being isolated is really unhelpful in terms of depression. I have a lot of mates, great guys, but because I am their Pastor it is difficult to relate to them in a pure friendship way.

In Australia we have a movement called Men’s Sheds. It’s a place retired men can meet, use tools to fix or make things etc. Primarily it’s designed to get men to connect and not be isolated. I have been intending to visit my local shed for over a year but haven’t out of fear. Fear of meeting new people and fear of looking silly if I mishandle tools. Yesterday I determined to go. I was literally shaking and almost bailed. But I got in the front door and found lovely guys, a warm and safe place, that I will go back to next Tuesday. It’s early days but just walking in was a huge victory.

[kenster1]

hi that's great in you going to the mens shed.we have them now here in Scotland.i went to a couple of meetings in the beginning felt out of place a bit as the guys had 30 plus years of trade behind them.plus we never had a base to work from but now they do.great work they do in the community added bonus of meeting new friends and plenty of tea/coffee and biscuits.

[Hidden in reply to kenster1]

I am impressed they are operating in Scotland. Fortunately most of the guys I met the other day are not trade qualified and some have no interest in tools, just want to chat, garden etc. As a sideline, I love Scotland. We have visited there twice and thoroughly enjoyed the amazing scenery and found the people just wonderful.

[kenster1 in reply to Hidden]

yeah lots of the guys now are unskilled now as well it was my last mental health worker who recommended it.yeah we have some amazing scenery here specially up north.

[Hidden in reply to kenster1]

We are thinking of coming back for a third trip. We came as far as Fort William but my wife is interested in Inverness and Shetland. Sounds wonderful

[kenster1 in reply to Hidden]

ive been to fort William a few times and inverness isle of sky a few as well one day I will go to the Shetland islands maybe next summer.if you decide to come over give us a look up if your still on here.

[Sunsette1]

Brilliant news 😊 I’m glad you did it and I’m glad you are going back. I also struggle with anxiety over even leaving the house when I’m low so I know how hard it would have been for you. I’m sure you’ll meet some wonderful people there 😊

[Hidden in reply to Sunsette1]

Thank you Sunsette. I am sure that limitations like that are completely foreign to some people and they might be tempted to say, “How hard can it be to walk out your own door”. I empathise with you.

[MAS_Nurse]

Well done ozrick33 that's fantastic news!

[Hidden]

Ozrick

Well done keep it up, keeping busy and meeting like minded people is fantastic.

Keep busy and enjoy your new friends

Keep a hold

BOB

[art62grammie]

Congratulations! Fear is a state of mind. If in fear do it in fear. It is then no longer a fear. Keep it up.