NPR

I was never more than an observer of this thread, started by Boobs not Moobs in September 2014 but am aware of the way it was a major help to so many posters, including me..

My wife does have mild depression and occasional panic attacks and the comments and advice here helped me respond more effectively.

I've had depression over the years caused by chronic pain. Medicine-induced Anxiety last year as well which was horrendous.

Currently doing ok - but doing a Dog-walking clinical trial for the University of Sydney.

Thanks for starting this thread Kiwias

salanya wrote: ↑Wed Jul 08, 2020 8:26 pm Thanks for starting this thread Kiwias

The brave posters on the PR thread are the ones who deserve the thanks.

I tell you what I've developed anxiety over recent years. Lots of family problems - deaths, illness etc. I'm worried about my own health/mortality as well as close family members. I've noticed I have developed claustrophobia (sp?).

CrazyIslander wrote: ↑Thu Jul 09, 2020 6:06 am I tell you what I've developed anxiety over recent years. Lots of family problems - deaths, illness etc. I'm worried about my own health/mortality as well as close family members. I've noticed I have developed claustrophobia (sp?).

That sounds tough. Hang in there, brother, and get some help.

Kiwias wrote: ↑Wed Jul 08, 2020 11:10 pm

salanya wrote: ↑Wed Jul 08, 2020 8:26 pm Thanks for starting this thread Kiwias

The brave posters on the PR thread are the ones who deserve the thanks.

This, but well done anyway.

I've been a lurker for so long, and I tell you PR is a wonderful community - it has bloody everything! Some may chuckle at the word 'wonderful', but there can be a ton of shitfights and what not, but then there's threads like this one where everyone's there to support each other. Proof that the 'game' of rugby can lead almost strangers to be there and support one other - it's is nothing short of amazing imo. Kudos to all who speak up - can be a hard thing to type out some things and then click 'submit' - leaving you completely vulnerable.
Sometimes life can feel like it can run over me at times, and it can get me down. I don't think I have it as bad as some, however, but I do feel like it leaves me with an appreciation to what they are going through. Amazing support here.

HouseofPane wrote: ↑Thu Jul 09, 2020 11:04 am I've been a lurker for so long, and I tell you PR is a wonderful community - it has bloody everything! Some may chuckle at the word 'wonderful', but there can be a ton of shitfights and what not, but then there's threads like this one where everyone's there to support each other. Proof that the 'game' of rugby can lead almost strangers to be there and support one other - it's is nothing short of amazing imo. Kudos to all who speak up - can be a hard thing to type out some things and then click 'submit' - leaving you completely vulnerable.
Sometimes life can feel like it can run over me at times, and it can get me down. I don't think I have it as bad as some, however, but I do feel like it leaves me with an appreciation to what they are going through. Amazing support here.

Welcome mate. Thanks for showing up. Just remember two things: 1) You're never alone. There'll always be someone to give you a word of encouragement. And: 2) Suzy really did poison the All Blacks in 1995, in spite of what the skeptics on the conspiracy thread say. Otherwise, we would have won the whole thing.

FujiKiwi wrote: ↑Thu Jul 09, 2020 11:11 am

Welcome mate. Thanks for showing up. Just remember two things: 1) You're never alone. There'll always be someone to give you a word of encouragement. And: 2) Suzy really did poison the All Blacks in 1995, in spite of what the skeptics on the conspiracy thread say. Otherwise, we would have won the whole thing.

Cheers, mate.

Yes, I am afraid poison it was - really no other 'worthy' explanation imo

A thread well worth revisiting.

I can't believe it's about 10 years in the making.

Thoughts of The Big Deed sometimes still pay an occasional visit, but it's very short lived, a fleeting moment at most, but nothing more than what even the most sane people sometimes experience. Not even worth mentioning really.

I have even, in consultations with doctors, managed to half the amount of meds needed, and will reduce it even more soon.

I haven't been active on the bored for quite some time. My life has changed so dramatically that I don't have much time to spend on the internet or social media. Some of these changes are also responsible for the vast improvements in my mental health.

First there was the bankruptcy, which helped getting rid of the left overs cause by an unstable time in my career, which was the cause of my PTSD.

Then the most awesome thing happened, which some might be aware of: I became a dad. Being childless seems to be one of the biggest reasons for my depression, especially when you know you won't ever be able to father a child. And although my son isn't of my blood, he is my son, 17 years old now and 3.5 years in our care, although we've known him for 8 years. Helping him heal from a very bad childhood, and being the first dad he has had in his life, is therapeutic but even more so, a huge honour.

And my career seems to be back on track, actually better than it ever was (although not necessarily in a financial way). I managed to get a job where I felt safe and as a result give my best. There were no career prospects though, and after working there for 4 years, I put my name out there in the market. Not actively looking for something else, but letting the industry know I'm looking for a better opportunity. I received 5 offers within a week, and decided on my current employer. On Thursday I was told I'm getting a major promotion, going from sales representative for the Johannesburg area, to becoming the national sales manager. It's a very big company, so it is a huge responsibility and opportunity. Career we'll and truly back to pre-2012 levels.

None of this would have been possible, had it not been for the wonderful people of this rugby community. All I can say is THANK YOU TO ALL.

PS.

If you haven't seen it yet, the song "Hi Ren" by an artist called Ren is superb.

If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's a must- watch.

Hope you're still into your photography, Trogs - loved seeing your work when I frequented the old bored.

Trogs

Great to hear things are turning around, you bloody well deserve some good times.

And I second Gumboot’s comment regarding your photography.

Well done Trogs, you win the internet today

Great story, I remember reading about your struggles on the old board. Very happy to hear how well things are going. Keep fighting the good fight.

Best news ever Trog, seriously made my day.

Gumboot wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2023 7:05 am Hope you're still into your photography, Trogs - loved seeing your work when I frequented the old bored.

Sadly, that was collateral damage in this process.

I've taken 1 photo over the last 5 or 6 years. Part because I simply didn't have the time, but mostly because I just lost interest.

The 1 photo I took was when we got another dog (or more accurately, my son got one from one of the hundreds of girls chasing after him). We have a tradition that we take photos of our dogs within the first week that we get them.

Our family has expanded over the last 2 months to include a Ball Python, a Leopard Gecko, and 2 Tenricks. I guess we need to keep to the tradition so photos will be taken, hopefully this weekend still.

Over the last 2 months, I've started getting shutter fever so I guess my brain is telling me to start photographing again. But I will probably have to start from scratch.

Go hard bro, you are so talented.

I felt like cheering out loud when I read that post from troglodiet, very uplifting

I second his recommendation for Hi Ren, it’s an astonishing piece of music

troglodiet wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2023 6:39 am PS.

If you haven't seen it yet, the song "Hi Ren" by an artist called Ren is superb.

If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's a must- watch.

Vid here for those who want

Hey Trog - I was wondering just the other day how you were getting on. That post has made my year - brilliant to see such a huge recovery from the dark days.

Great stuff trog

Wonderful story Trogs, so happy and proud for you.

Be very very careful what you say online.

Most people are not your friends (even though they may pretend to be).

Get professional counselling, or get into proper group support where there is at least some semblance of confidentiality, or surety or sympathy.

Line6 HXFX wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2023 10:52 am Be very very careful what you say online.

Most people are not your friends (even though they may pretend to be).

Get professional counselling, or get into proper group support where there is at least some semblance of confidentiality, or surety or sympathy.

On second thoughts,

STFU REFRY, you fucking buzzkill!

Kiwias wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2023 12:15 pm

Line6 HXFX wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2023 10:52 am Be very very careful what you say online.

Most people are not your friends (even though they may pretend to be).

Get professional counselling, or get into proper group support where there is at least some semblance of confidentiality, or surety or sympathy.

I understand your general concern about disclosing personal details online but both this and the stopping drinking thread feature an astounding degree of openness and honesty from all participants going back several years (on PR), with there having been no problems or issues, just complete sympathy and support from all other posters.

In pretty much every poster's case, they are getting counselling, are in support groups, and are on professionally-advised medication.

You should just post “STFU REFRY, you fucking buzzkill!”

Nice one Trog

It's you guys who should get the compliments and congratulations, not me.

If it weren't for this rugby community, none of that would've been possible. I needed to be alive and have support for everything else that happened after "that day".

You guys took care of that.

I will never forget.


(Especially the part where Yank13 phone everybody in Pretoria with my surname )

Nice one Trogs!

Good stuff

troglodiet wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2023 7:25 pm It's you guys who should get the compliments and congratulations, not me.

If it weren't for this rugby community, none of that would've been possible. I needed to be alive and have support for everything else that happened after "that day".

You guys took care of that.

I will never forget.


(Especially the part where Yank13 phone everybody in Pretoria with my surname )

Good stuff

Was it you that used to sell pipes and guttering ?
I like to think I helped :)

Fair play Trog!

I have a friend who works at Releaf, and I know they offer cannabis-based treatments for depression. Although I haven’t personally had experience with their services, I’ve learned that they specialize in using medical cannabis for various conditions, including managing depression. It could be an interesting option to explore, considering their cannabis-based approach.

I suddenly started getting anxiety about 12 years ago - before that I really never experienced any issues. Now, almost any small thing can set it off - especially if it is health related. I also find travelling very stressful - which is very odd as I used to travel all over the world, for work, on my own, with no issues at all.

When I get anxious it makes me feel very ill - nauseous etc., and can last for several days. It is also a 'chicken and egg' problem - being ill makes me anxious, being anxious makes me ill - so sometimes hard to know what the root cause is. It's become a bit restrictive as I no longer want to do things I used to really enjoy !

CBD oil has been a god send for me in dealing with anxiety. It just turns the brain down and stops it going off piste when stressed/depressed.

Insane_Homer wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 12:53 pm CBD oil has been a god send for me in dealing with anxiety. It just turns the brain down and stops it going off piste when stressed/depressed.

Can you take it with other meds - like mirtazapine ?

edit - not recommended.