We Just Dont Know

[nailit]

For the past few weeks, ive been on a (18 week) course run by local mental health clinic on a Monday afternoon, dealing with life coping skills. It lasts for 2 hours a session.

The range of attendees...about a dozen of us...range from a very middle class woman to a young student now studying for a PhD. From long term unemployed, to those currently in work. From the retired to the young.

For the first few weeks, no-one really opened up much about personal concerns or current difficulties. (don't think I even opened my mouth except to say my name).

However today, everyone seemed to start opening up more. What surprised me was how similar peoples experiences can be, despite the apparent differences. Without exception (middle class lady included) we had all had substance abuse issues of one kind or another. We all had sleep issues...too much or too little, We all had-at one time or another-a bad experience with mental health services. We all had issues with anxiety and dealing with crowds. We all had thoughts of suicide from time to time. Most of us had at least one criminal conviction (again including the well to do middle class lady and the weed smoking PhD student). We all had some childhood trauma. The list could go on (but it wont...)

But the point is, we just don't know what is going on in peoples lives (or heads) based on age, employment status, class, education, or anything else.
This afternoon has been a good day, an eye opener.
(and a bit of a bonding session with people that I usually wouldn't want to bond with)

Not a question, just an observation.
TY.

[nailit]

Let me know if it works on Stephen Fry. xx

[gness]

Not much beats good sleep, Nailit......and we'll keep my wishes distant.......you have enough on your plate without me getting too close....and I still have a mother....I know how you feel about mothers in law..... ;-)

[gness]

Oooo..if it works on Stephen Fry you will all know!!!!!

[1ozzy]

What's Stephen Fry got to offer that I haven't Gness??

Errr, umm.

Please don't answer ;-/

[gness]

Ozzy....I'm struggling to get my wishes as far as Norfolk......don't stand a chance getting them to Australia.......bet you'd be worth it though...... ;-)..x

[1ozzy]

//We just don't know//

;-)

[Arksided]

Why do some people just seem to sail through life though
We tend not to keep harping on about it though.
I'm jesting and pleased that you're seeking help my friend :-)

[Tilly2]

Gness, Nailit's in Staffordshire, not Norfolk. No wonder the wishes aren't working. They've gone to the wrong place. Try again. :-)

[gness]

I haven't started on Nailit yet, Tilly........been concentrating on Stephen.....in Norfolk..... ;-)

[Tilly2]

AH! I thought you'd given up on Stephen, Gness.

[gness]

Never, Tilly......failing but not failed......I'll give him a rest for a while and start on Nailit....... ;-)

[Traci66]

People who know me often comment on how well I am doing given everything that I have been through, what they don't know is how many nights I sit crying, drinking and dare I say smoking pot, and that includes my daughter who lives next door. I manage to hold down a quite difficult job and do it well, but when alone I am an absolute mess. Oh and mother in law is Hitler woman !

[Traci66]

Forgot to say, people would probably class me as upper class now, excellent education, well spoken, highly paid job and quite well off. As others have said, nobody really knows what goes in behind closed doors.

[jourdain2]

I'm glad you can say all this on here, Traci. It has to help. :)

[Traci66]

It does Jourdain, I just wish I could be as open with family, friends and colleagues, but I know the reaction I would get.

[Tilly2]

I hope they would be supportive of you in your bereavement, Traci.

[jourdain2]

:) Here to listen. M-in-L can colour things. Have you been to see your G.P.? If not, please do and be honest. Been there with the crying and drinking bit, as have so very many of us. I was a teacher in tough, inner-city comps., so also understand a demanding job where you have to present a calm and coping exterior. Please see your G.P.. Pills do help, if only to get you on balance so you can see your way forward.

[Traci66]

Tilly, bereavement was 18 months ago, should be over it by now, that's how it seems, Jourdain MIL died years ago, that reference was an observation, an anagram, check it :)

[Tilly2]

Traci, eighteen months is nothing when it comes to bereavement.