Post by: Big Gaz on April 26, 2018, 05:33:18 PM
I had given up , as i thought the world had given up on me. I could not function properly , i was a wreck and a disaster waiting to happen .
I went on stress leave for 5 weeks late last yr . i listen and took in what my GP and Physiologist were saying ... i built a bridge with help and survived .
Even though to this day im treated like a leper at work from senior management , my fellow work mates and friends finally gave me the chance to say what was on my mind and if needed they were critical of some of the stuff i put out and i repsected their comments before burning their house down. (joking ... it was great)
tTo cut a long story short , dont walk away from your mates when they need you the most .
just friendly banter is so under rated .
We dont want sympathy just understanding and some one to care enough to ask are you ok . Thank God i found my ST
Post by: StinkyPete on April 26, 2018, 05:42:16 PM
Its good that you are prepared to speak openly about your depression and thanks for sharing. It's terrible problem and I've had work colleagues who have suffered badly, and even taken their own lives. Part of the management seems to be the presence of supportive family, understanding friends with whom you can discuss your depression, and taking part activities that you love and give you purpose. For me, riding the long hauls solo gives me the headspace (helmet time) I often crave and need.
To other OzSTOC members, never neglect to ask "R U OK" if someone seems to be struggling.
Pete
Post by: alans1100 on April 26, 2018, 07:35:00 PM
Not to bad this year having gone into some volunteer work which has taken a lot of the stress away from applying for work you know you won't get. Getting the casual grain harvest work on the weighbridge with Viterra for the last two seasons as also helped a lot and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Post by: Gadget on April 26, 2018, 08:47:48 PM
I've lost a couple of friends to the Black Dog, which is why I'm a supporter of the Black Dog Ride.
https://www.blackdogride.com.au/
A friend of mine recommends the local Men's Shed.
https://mensshed.org/
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Post by: Shillas on April 26, 2018, 10:50:53 PM
You're not alone in dealing with this. It's great you feel secure enough to post about your struggle.
Have dealt with my own struggles, got through with friends, meds & a good psychologist. I much prefered that outcome than seeing workmates & neighbours take their lives.
And a good bike keeps me in a good place.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
Post by: Brock on April 27, 2018, 12:44:06 AM
If nothing else, the group here is extremely supportive, and forgive a lot of transgressions. If you need to talk, and dont want to place your comments in the general public forums, then please feel free to contact any of the Admin, we are here to help.
Post by: alans1100 on April 27, 2018, 12:49:53 AM
I do have some mild depression and more than likely from being out of work for so long (just over 7 years) and all the related job search issues these days plus chronic lower back pain. Doc put me a low dose of anti depressants which did help. Not bad enough for a mental health issue and physical disability for a pension at the moment even though the lower spine is gradually getting worse.
Not to bad this year having gone into some volunteer work which has taken a lot of the stress away from applying for work you know you won't get. Getting the casual grain harvest work on the weighbridge with Viterra for the last two seasons as also helped a lot and I'm looking forward to the next one.
I forgot to add that I was surprised when the doc told me that I even had depression when I thought was just going through a little extra stress. So it's something anyone can have and may not realise it they have.
Thanks Garry, maybe a simple post like this might help another.
Post by: Draco (Heartbreak Kid) on April 27, 2018, 03:46:51 PM
As a guy who is battling depression and anxiety .The ST is good for what we call STress release. Take as many doses as needed
I had given up , as i thought the world had given up on me. I could not function properly , i was a wreck and a disaster waiting to happen .
I went on stress leave for 5 weeks late last yr . i listen and took in what my GP and Physiologist were saying ... i built a bridge with help and survived .
Even though to this day im treated like a leper at work from senior management , my fellow work mates and friends finally gave me the chance to say what was on my mind and if needed they were critical of some of the stuff i put out and i repsected their comments before burning their house down. (joking ... it was great)
tTo cut a long story short , dont walk away from your mates when they need you the most .
just friendly banter is so under rated .
We dont want sympathy just understanding and some one to care enough to ask are you ok . Thank God i found my ST
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
Post by: Bloodman on April 28, 2018, 09:05:51 AM
The support I received was so beneficial to my cause.
Keep positive and there is a light at the end of the tunnel no matter how far away it seems.
:blu13left
Post by: Biggles on May 03, 2018, 11:05:31 PM
I headed off every day for 2 weeks .
You wouldn't be home much... :think1 :crackup
Post by: Big Gaz on February 13, 2019, 07:28:26 PM
Thanks for all the people here who engaged in conversation with me .
God bless you all and happy travels
Post by: StinkyPete on February 13, 2019, 07:37:41 PM
Post by: Brock on February 13, 2019, 10:04:05 PM
You can always pop in for a chat, we even talk to Hhharley riders some times.
Post by: Big Gaz on February 14, 2019, 03:30:02 AM
Using Shock to raise awareness into this hideous illness , which myself and many others suffer from .
To many people take their own lives as they see no end to the downward spiral . For me its overcomes my life and i question my worth every moment with a fake smile .
But i can talk about it , i just want to help other people battle the Black Dog .
Cheers and sorry but im very passionate on this subject
Post by: StinkyPete on February 14, 2019, 06:01:51 AM
Post by: johnnyYTED on February 14, 2019, 04:44:48 PM
I've had battles with Black Dogs for years, found at suicide I even failed x2, many many kilometres ago. I lost my main support recently, Ironic that it was in itself a huge Black Dog, Kimba, her even over motorcycles has been my reason to put up with Drs, treatments, being knocked down by government bureaucracy, Insurance rip-off for policies that they fight over paying out, my childhood abuse by those entrusted to look after me, I could write a book.
After 15 yrs of Kimba's companionship I have to fight off the 'other' Black Dog constantly entering my thoughts.
My way of coping now will solely depend riding, day or night, wet or dry, I'm just not keen in the heat :H. I don't have a reason to go home now. I have some $$ to go further afield and when I have the coffin back together and working I'll be riding faster than any Black Dog can run.
OzSTOC has been a huge support for myself and a few others I've talked with and helps all who ride with removing the proverbial finger and getting out of our minds, our home (prisons for some) and engaging in our society.
I have learnt through my rather colourful life to first identify my depression before its grip and change my mindset, clear out the cobwebs and sit on the bike for lo oo ng hours, helmet open so the wind dries my tears, often, and hope to arrive someplace appearing to all a sane and sensible me. I'm not one to keep much in silence when with friends as most will know.
I'm really not sure how I'll handle the black dog though if I get anymore mentally disturbed than I am now. ah well 'SHARE and Care' I'm embracing my demented future.. ;)
just hope they don't send the van,.. my madness and depression are different..
Anyone reading this that wants someone to talk to, I'll answer my phone to a call 24/7 RING me, maybe I can help you teach your BlackDog to sit and stay and then roll over for a belly rub... maybe it will bite me instead..
Post by: Brock on February 14, 2019, 05:49:50 PM
Quote
Cheers and sorry but im very passionate on this subject
Gaz,
No need to be sorry, in the Ulysses branch that I attend, there are several members who suffer from depression, and are passionate about support.
As a group,Ozstoc is here to support its members, not only with bike problems. There have been quite a few members with all sorts of medical issues, and no-one gets poo pooed if they bring it up and talk about it.
Even hard hearted me will put down the stick and talk if some one wants to vent\share their issues ( I even talk to my kids.. :O )
If you want ny number, drop me a message and I will reply.
Post by: Big Gaz on February 14, 2019, 05:53:14 PM
Post by: Brookester on February 14, 2019, 06:27:04 PM
Post by: Shillas on February 14, 2019, 07:21:56 PM
Having experienced a crash victim dieing in my hands last year, and then her husband, who I also treated, dieing later, a reoccurrence was a real issue with me. Real friends are the ones who support you through the tough times, even when you didn't know they existed.
Gaz, you have a lot of friends here, just as I, JohnnyYTED, Stinky Pete, Kev, etc have all come to know.
Post by: Gadget on February 14, 2019, 09:18:47 PM
I've suffered it on and off throughout my life since my terms, and unfortunately, lost some friends to the Black Dog, so I'm a great supporter of the Black Dog Ride with a couple of Winston's at home.
Helmet time and corner therapy have been great for me.
Now with 2 Adult children, a lovely wife, and 2 Grand-daughters, I'm finding so much more to live for.
It doesn't stop the occasional niggle, but helps the refocus.
When I get my Spyder, I'll be doing BDRs again.
All the best.
Cheers,
Gary
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Post by: Shillas on February 14, 2019, 09:39:58 PM
I have lived with the black dog for many years, as have a few of us. Your comments caused many of us concern. To many of us, such a message has a meaning beyond 'stunt'. Have seen too many buried or in hospital because of depression.
That said, should you need to talk at anytime, pm me with your number & I'm happy to talk with you.
No hard feelings.
Post by: Big Gaz on February 15, 2019, 04:05:55 AM
Gaz, to say I'm upset by your Facebook comment to me would be an understatement.
I have lived with the black dog for many years, as have a few of us. Your comments caused many of us concern. To many of us, such a message has a meaning beyond 'stunt'. Have seen too many buried or in hospital because of depression.
That said, should you need to talk at anytime, pm me with your number & I'm happy to talk with you.
No hard feelings.
(http://www.imghostr.net/images/2019/02/15/6129df255b56e69adc262759c60ea514.jpg)
I case your ignorance Shillas has blinded you mate , your comment offended me and brought me down to a new all time low .
If that what you was after , congrats job done .
I f you or the many you talk about had a hinkleing on what i have been through , you would not reply with such crap .
enough said by me .
Post by: Bodø on February 15, 2019, 05:46:49 AM
Post by: johnnyYTED on February 15, 2019, 05:56:04 AM
:law :well |-i :think1
come on guys, many of us have had trauma, in all forms and our own lives are very different.
Facebook comments like 'Go Farkle you bum', not a quote, gave me a WTF moment. I shook me head at the intinial impact, It sure hit home for a second, I'm over it.
The Black Dog isn't supposed to bite when we are promoting support for the depression many suffer, so lets try and keep it cool, friendly both here and on the Facebook page. Wot thuh
Maybe in Tasmania at the Rally we could have an initiative to start a sub group section to help our family here to help each other out in times of despair. :grin
Post by: Big Gaz on February 19, 2019, 06:09:07 AM
Please accept my apology and i hope one day in the future you have in your heart to forgive,
I wont take any offence if you walk away , just hope you guys dont .
Gaz
Post by: Brock on February 19, 2019, 06:56:55 AM
We have all made a post at sometime, that can be taken in a way that was never intended.
Once again, if you need to talk, give me a ring.
Post by: ppopeye on February 19, 2019, 08:53:18 AM
We are all here because we love bikes. STs in particular. But we are here for each other as well. We are all in different places and have tough stuff to deal with at times so an ear to listen or a call or a message can be a good thing. Definately no one is walking away.
Post by: Shillas on February 19, 2019, 08:56:22 AM
Gaz & I are looking forward to catching up in Tassie.
Post by: Biggles on February 19, 2019, 11:39:20 AM