discussion My signature "Im mentally ill"

[Guest]

Hello my Friends.
I would like to explain my signature I'm mentally ill.
First of all it is true.
Secondly I am not looking for sympathy.

Due to a few numerous events in my youth I suffered with severe depression,this then lead to periods of psychosis.
Since 1985 I have been sectioned under the mental health act 3 times and have spent about 4 years in a psych ward off and on.The reasons at the time for the sectioning was that I was a danger to myself and others.
It took many years for me to recieve the correct diagnosis and when I finally did I was told that I have a "command hallucinatory personalty disorder"(bordering on schizophrenia).I am on very strong anti psychotics and for the last 10 years or so everything is under control.I do still hear voices from time to time but I am not having any psychotic episodes.
I no longer feel the shame of what some people think of as a taboo subject I accept that it is an illness just like being diabetic(I am that also).

Modelling is my main way to keep the demons at bay and that is why I model practically every day.It is also my passion and way of life.

All the best to you all.
Ralph(the nutter) :smiling3:.

 

[Guest]

Thanks you for sharing all that highly personal stuff with us Ralph.

I suffer from depression and anxiety, have had lots of therapy and take daily anti-depressants ; nothing like your own illness, but I do appreciate what you are saying about taboos. It's never been a taboo subject with me, and I'm often surprised that people still feel uncomfortable when it crops up. Having said that, it is just a fact of life and I don't push it in people's faces - the only reason why I have to mention it on forums is because people often ask where I find the time to model, and why I don't exhibit or attend shows etc. And, like you, I find modelling of enormous benefit in keeping the Black Dog in check.

Keep on doing what you're doing Ralph. I count you as a good friend and greatly appreciate the support you give me.

 

[Neil Merryweather]

Thanks for clarifying that , Ralph, I did wonder....
I'm very glad to hear you have meds that work and that you are taking them- my father would stop taking his as soon as he felt normal again...... doh!
I have other reasons for being interested also.
Keep on with those microscopic ships, bro!

 

[Bortig the Viking]

Hello my Friends.
I would like to explain my signature I'm mentally ill.
First of all it is true.
Secondly I am not looking for sympathy.

Due to a few numerous events in my youth I suffered with severe depression,this then lead to periods of psychosis.
Since 1985 I have been sectioned under the mental health act 3 times and have spent about 4 years in a psych ward off and on.The reasons at the time for the sectioning was that I was a danger to myself and others.
It took many years for me to recieve the correct diagnosis and when I finally did I was told that I have a "command hallucinatory personalty disorder"(bordering on schizophrenia).I am on very strong anti psychotics and for the last 10 years or so everything is under control.I do still hear voices from time to time but I am not having any psychotic episodes.
I no longer feel the shame of what some people think of as a taboo subject I accept that it is an illness just like being diabetic(I am that also).

Modelling is my main way to keep the demons at bay and that is why I model practically every day.It is also my passion and way of life.

All the best to you all.
Ralph(the nutter) :smiling3:.

Hi, you most definitely shouldn't feel shame about your mental health, I went for years until I got a proper diagnosis and now take a good few pills, my diagnosis is severe depression, used to be manic, with psychotic features, borderline schizophrenic, I hear voices and the TV can sometimes talk to me, which can be fun. Kept out of hospital although they've tried a few times, got visits from cpns at home, a guy once told me we're the lucky ones we know we're mad and at least we're different than most others. I like you enjoy doing my modelling and hearing voices isn't always a negative tone, a thing alot of people don't realize, it can sometimes help with it, strange but true. I bet if everyone one was honest they probably have their own mental health issues, anxiety being the most common, how many of us have felt nervous before an interview or even a party, there shouldn't be a taboo on this subject, most have or know someone who has, it your like me you just get on with life, this is the cards you got dealt.
I have mental health issues, whilst some of my cousins are bald, I know what I'd rather have, I have a full head of hair by the way. Hopefully this will be of benefit to you and others, any questions I'm happy to answer if I can, a little thought to go away with the Wright brothers were told they were mad to try and fly, now we go into space. Well that me done I think this is the longest post to date.

 

[Dave Ward]

Ralph,
thank you for your honest, and courageous statement! I've suffered from depression for a good few years, but pills keep me 'on track'.
The more you can talk about your problem, the more people you find have problems to some degree. I've found several people, I've known for years have had issues, and it's only when you talk, you can discover this. I'm glad to say that opinions are changing, and you find that you are not alone, and can get help with problems - if you can get past the masculine habit of ignoring them, in the hope that they will go away!! :rolling:
Best wishes, and take care
Dave

 

[Jon Heptonstall]

Hi Ralph.
Good meds and fishing are a great combination.
Not sure about the modelling though.
Jon.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Ralph
Another one here...... currently signed off work with depression. Meds are finally kicking in though, so I should be going back next week. I’ve had it before and recognised the signs earlier this time so the old dog never took such a big bite....what I hate is the way it removes your ability to enjoy things without you realising until you have stopped doing them.
My problem pales into insignificance compared to your’s though....or Pete’s and Mark’s come to that....you all have my best wishes and hope you are able to keep it under control....

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone.
Was not expecting this reaction.

 

[PaulTRose]

very brave of you to open up , i have wondered about your sig a few times

have suffered with depression a few times, 2006 was the worst occasion after divorce and job loss and some physical health issues all compounded

i wish you all the best and if model making helps you then good for you, i can think of far worse things to do!

 

[scottie3158]

Ralph,
Thanks for sharing mate.

 

[AlanG]

Ralph you are not alone. I had a mental breakdown for various reasons a few years ago and tried to commit suicide. Depression, anxiety, self-image amongst other things all play(ed) their part. I am still receiving counselling and i know it'll take a little time to win this battle. It took me 31 years to admit i had problems but feel so much better now i have.

Keep on plugging away and remember to think positive.

 

[prichrd1]

Thanks everyone.
Was not expecting this reaction.

Ralph,
Did you think that everyone would ignore you?

It takes a lot of courage for a person to actually admit in writing and on a public forum, of their
personal issues. I for one have nothing but praise and understanding for you, like so many above.

Had you not decided to explain the "signature" - then most of us would have thought it was some sort of joke and would probably never known the real meaning.

Keep up the modelling then, if it helps and never worry about whatever others think.

Paul.
:thumb2: :thumb2::thumb2::thumb2:

 

[Guest]

Well there you go Ralph - you're certainly not alone. Mental health issues are surprisingly common - just part of being a 'normal' human being.

 

[Guest]

Ralph.
Very commendable of you to mention it, I had unwittingly joked about it on a post the other day on some very small PE.
Sorry that I did but naturally thought it was a joke as Paul mentioned above.
Seems many of us on here me included take some kind of antidepressant, so you are not alone.

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone.

 

[Guest]

It takes a lot to open up and share something so personal Ralph, good on you for doing so. Whilst I can't begin to understand how the condition affects you, I do have a very close friend that is medicated for depression and I can tell instantly if he's trying to do a spell without them.

A different kettle of fish but I found out in my mid 40's that I was on the Autism spectrum. It only came to light when my son was referred to specialists to see why he was "different" to his peers. It turns out that he has Aspergers Syndrome and the doctors were amazed to find out that I didn't have an official diagnosis myself. And of course a little embarrassed at they way they broke it to me. Suddenly a lot of things clicked into place, like my ever changing obsessions (of which modelling is my current one), and my difficulty in social situations.

I feel awareness is the most important factor in any mental health issue. Once you know what you are facing it becomes that bit more manageable.

 

[Bortig the Viking]

Hi Ralph, see I said you would be surprised how many have issues or know someone who does, just know your limits and enjoy your life and modelling for that matter.

 

[grumpa]

Hmmmm...am starting to feel a bit depressed myself at times recently, old age and a broken body seem to be the main culprits.
Though I love modeling my extreme outdoorsman lifestyle has been severely hampered of late.
No longer can I make those long treks into the woods in search of game, no longer can I handle those heavy chain saws and fell 150ft hemlocks and maples.
No longer can I can I crack a skidder in half and change out a transmission or final drive....Hell! I can barely even lift the tools required for such work anymore.

Of course my two boys are taking over the helm and my attempts to "help" seem more like just getting in the way and giving them something else to worry about.
Even bouncing around on an ATV or one of our pieces of equipment is becoming more and more painful.

The Missus says it's my time to stop and smell the roses and to let the young bloods run the show, and that my friend is the hardest part,
also knowing that things will only get more and more difficult and never get back to the way things used to be.

Jim

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[colin m]

Nice one Ralph. It's ok to talk, it's just we blokes are famously crap at doing it !

 

[Jim R]

Hi Ralph
Recently there seems to be more consideration and understanding of mental health issues. This is a good thing I'm sure and is largely due to people like yourself being prepared to talk about their situation.
Well done and all the best to you.
Jim