OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: Tim754 on July 27, 2009, 09:02:39 pm
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Thanks to all that have emailed or messaged me about my apparent lack of posting lately. Well I have discovered that ... even men that love old MXers Trailies sidecars and speedway... can suffer the lows and highs of depression and it is not comfortable at all. Cheers and thanks again Tim754
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Keep plodding Tim.
Been there, still dealing with that.
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Hi Tim,
Keep your chin up, don't be backward in seeking profesional help if you are having trouble getting out of the hole. Remember youv'e got a heap of people here who may have never met you but really care for you and all our VMX brothers.
Cheers
Stewart
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:-*
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I've sent you a PM Tim...Best wishes mate.
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Hi Tim. You're right, just because we are blokes doing manly things, it doesn't stop us from being followed by the Black Dog.
The fantastic thing here is that you have recognised the problem - so many NEVER realise that they have depression and even worse, fail to seek professional help.
I applaud you in coming out and letting us know, because that is one of the most difficult tasks to perform.
"Love Life"
Tony.
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Hey Tim. Know how you feel. I've been there. I found working on the bikes and talking with good mates helped me get through it all.I know it seems to last forever but hang in there this is one race you can win. Darcy #674
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Yair Tim,
Oldstuff has a handle on it exactly. I've been there, and it's surprising the number of blokes our age who own a black dog. In my case it was a combination of a lot of different things but it is definitely reversible if you keep talking to mates and keep chipping away.
I'm not a fan of medication of any sort so have developed a lot of simple, home grown tricks. If you thought it might help, please drop me a PM.
Take good care of yourself old soldier, I'm sure everyone on this Forum ( yes mate, over 1100 of them ), is wanting you back on top and back ' on yer bike ' again. ;).
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onya tim were all here,even we that dont know you personally cheers wally.
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Hey Tim-
Did you have a good week.. 8)
Hope that Holden one tonner is going ok and ready to transport a few items ;D
cheers
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Alison A very good week here, did seek Pro help awhile ago and the black dog is being corralled and caged! And oh boy the amount of VMX friends that have sent personal messages to me is a healthy tonic of huge proportions :D :D :D :D :) I have two one ton trays I am fiddling with , a HZ 6 cylinder to be finished and used soon hopefully and an earlier model V8 with an extra lazy axle to make it a 6 wheeler. Pushrods ,carbies, iron heads, stuff all plastic covers and no bloody computers what a joy to tinker with!!!! Cheers to you sidecar angel Alison ;) Tim
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:-*
one serious ute :P
cheers
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Good stuff Tim. There's nothing as therapeutic as getting stuck into a good meaty old Holden. Take it one day at a time old mate and you'll come out the other end a happier and more enriched person.
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i'm picking up my one tonner hj this arvo from my mate merv ship who is touching it up ready to sell. unfortunately my vs waggon transmission just started making a noise like a million quid so i have to sell the ute now to pay for a reco trans. its amazing how much s*** can happen in one month, washing machine stopped, drier died, half price special 6 days away up the coast supplier bankrupt now not on, plus no $400 back. slider engine blowing oil every where ,RT1 still siezed. no spare cash left in my hiding spot ! what next? oh yes and my sons bloody court case adjourned again [4th time],and he didn,t do it. cheers wally.
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Hang in there Wally, you'll survive, I went through a string of bad luck myself recently and it's OK at the other end.
It won't be the same with no Wally at a Nepean vintage meeting!.....We'll have a drink for you tomorrow night mate..
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Yeah keep going forward Wally.
Disappointing that you can't make it this weekend as you appear to be one of the stalwarts for Dirt Track.
I'll make sure Firko has at least 2 in your name on Sat night and I'll probably squeeze one in for you as well.
Maybe I will catch you at the nationals?
Tim
hope all is well mate.
P.S. Shit I find it hard to say Dirt Track instead of Short Circuit.
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me to curly!
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How are those ute/one tonner restorations going people ? 8)
cheers
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my 1 tonner looks a bit better since i asked ace body shop Merv Shipp to hold proceedings with his pretty-up job on it 'cause i needed wheels since my vs waggon transmission stopped 'transmissioning'. The plan was to prepare it for sale to pay for the vs. Merv has an EK panel van to restore and i'll pay for my ute work by doing the mechanicals on the van. when i find a good trans' for the vs the ute will go then. the ute has a 253 motor overbored, a mild cam plus a holley 4barrel. its got a trimatic trans also extractors of course. i got the eng&g'box from my son. the reason it has a trimatic is because in its time in my sons van it destroyed two diffs and 3 or 4 aussie four speeds. when i put it in my ute i also took the mad cam out of it and put a more civilised one in. it goes ok cheers wally.
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You OK Wally?
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Evil combo that Wal. It's good that you're there to help her through it. I've sent you a PM mate..
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thanks mark, i tried to send a reply to your p m but i think i might have stuffed it up. any how i'll ring in a couple of days cheers wally.
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Here too Wally ;) Tim754
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I hope your all going okay, it's a support network.
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Firko and others thankyou for your concern things seem to have shook into place and look positive.cheers wally.
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You, me and Winston Churchill mate. I'm lucky I have the same mates since I was 13 and my wife is professional councillor so they know whats up when I am ready to load the gun.
From what I have read and I have read quite a bit you will get the same response from cognitive therapy (counciling) and drugs/ you may find you respond best to one or the other or both. Shop around as there are a lot of alternatives and you need one that suits you or it will never change.
I find building more than one bike at a time helps. ;D
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The old saying "Healthy body healthy mind" is never more true than when dealing with depression. It's an eye opener when you find out that years of eating a bad diet, which is usually one that you thought was good. Can leave residue toxins in the body that cause side effects such as depression. Not to mention a host of other ailments and diseases.
Unfortunately a lot of doctors don't pay much attention to this and find it easier and quicker to just prescribe drugs. Which in turn are another toxin that just bandaid the problem and in some cases compound it.
You wouldn't put crap oil and fuel in your bike, yet we do it to ourselves. I suffered depression years ago and got over it for good using alternative methods.
I hope you manage to shoot the black dog. If not there are other ways to skin him.
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Shed times usually pretty popular in the winter due to racing and you consume less liquid refresments ;)
Was wondering how the beyond blue ute projects were coming along, they must be professionally trimmed,ready to roll and pick up some hot babes ;) ;D .
any pics to share ?
cheers
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The suicide of Chris Drake really brings the old Black Dog back onto the radar. I wouldn't have thought he'd be the type to suffer from depression so it goes to show that we need to really look towards those close to us and look for signs that things aren't right. Quite often people on a low just need sympathetic and non judgmental ear to talk their problems through with.
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Here here. Think of Firkos words next time you are going to utter words such as or similar too " Just toughen up you wuss" The Black Dog thrives on that and can really take huge unforgiving bites on a person.
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Anybody know of a psychaitrist on the north shore? This is bad..
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Anybody know of a psychaitrist on the north shore? This is bad..
as in Brisbane north shore ?? hang five buddy 8)
http://www.physicians.com.au/directory/psychiatrists/
or
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/gettinghelp/supportgroups.cfm
or
MensLine Australia is a unique telephone support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.
1300 78 99 78 Available 24/7
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Sydney..
Will explain later
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Sydney..
Will explain later
blackdog looks like the go then in NSW.. http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/gettinghelp/supportgroups.cfm
Dont have to explain to anyone as long as its all good :)
cheers
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Marriage on the fritz, parachuted into Aus to dig a large parastatal out of the crap, machine shut down and made redundant (fourth time in 10 years), visa issues and I've screwed up the most beautiful relationship I've ever had..
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Anybody know of a psychaitrist on the north shore? This is bad..
Hi Tim,
Often psychiatrist will need referral from GP, try psychologist, cognitative therapist in the phone book.
BRG Marc
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Marc, I need medication. I abore chemicals but I need to calm down.
Recommended I visit an emergency dept at a hospital.
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HI Tim,
I agree, if you feel that bad, for your own sake, go straight to the nearest emergency department.
They will help you with more than just chemicals…
Good luck,
Jeff
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Marc, I need medication. I abore chemicals but I need to calm down.
Recommended I visit an emergency dept at a hospital.
or try the chemist for nautropath stuff-plenty of it on the shelf.....caution St John Wort is addictive. :(
cheers
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Marc, I need medication. I abore chemicals but I need to calm down.
Recommended I visit an emergency dept at a hospital.
I agree.... chemicals have their place so don't sweat that, the best thing you could do right now is visit the emergency dept if you have got to the point of melt down.
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Tim, if you’re an ambulance subscriber maybe give them a call if you are not in a state to drive. That’s what they are there for.... All the best mate...
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or try the chemist for nautropath stuff-plenty of it on the shelf.....caution St John Wort is addictive. :(
cheers
Sorry Alison,
I have to respectfully disagree, if somebody is in real distress self medication isn't really the answer.
Tim's idea to go to emergency is a great one… seek professional assistance, they will help.
Keep your head up.
Jeff
I am in northern Sydney, near Hornsby. If I can help in any way give me a call 9875 1033.
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PM sent Tim.
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Remember, you've got lots of people on your side around here, Tim!
Do whatever it takes to get over this in the short term. If that means an ambo trip and a sedative from a doctor, do it! Then you'll have the opportunity to work on long-term solutions down the track.
Good luck mate.
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Recommended I visit an emergency dept at a hospital. Do it take this step please . From a fella that has total empathy with you. Tim754
VMX42 will get to you just call him even for a talk.
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Guys, back from RNS. Turned out I was having a panic attack but my stress levels are on the stupid side. I've been put on some anti-depressant. Doc wanted to prescribe something that would keep me manic (with apologies to the bipolar crowd) I said I needed something would keep me even but numb the (emotional) pain.
I'll write more later when I can get to terms with what has happened.
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Glad to hear that Tim, stay positive.
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P.S. thanks to all for your messages of support. I'm really not up to talking to anybody at the 'mo and would rather be in bed bawling my eyes out. Sadly "real men" don't cry.
The whole situation stems back to South Africa where I was made redundant. It was the reason I left that country, that and the future of my sons. Two years without a job can scar you. Moved to NZ and I was made redundant there too. Picked up on the job I had (actually, officially, I still have it) but the redundancy has cut me to the quick.
Problem is I'm middle management and oddly qualified so getting another job is gonna be difficult. There are options available but they will only transpire once the visa has expired.
My marriage really conked out about ten years ago, it just too me 9 to realize it but we still live under the same roof. It's a bloody acrimonious co-existance.
Then I met Her. But my increasing stress levels have resulted in me buggering it up.
Christ, what a mess.
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Turned out I was having a panic attack but my stress levels are on the stupid side. I've been put on some anti-depressant.
Try to google the anti depressent and become familiar with what it will do and what the side effects are. You may have to tweak or change what you are taking or use a combination of things. Anything with 'ene' or 'rin' on the end should get the job done.
If you are having anxiety attacks then you may have to treat it over an extended period of time, as you accumulated your anxiety over a period of time. Its also pretty surprising the physical effect anxiety attacks can have, but don't panic most of them are just scary but won't kill you.
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Try to google the anti depressent and become familiar with what it will do and what the side effects are. You may have to tweak or change what you are taking or use a combination of things. Anything with 'ene' or 'rin' on the end should get the job done.
Whatever you do, don't google anything. Self analysis and self diagnosis are extremely dangerous even when you are feeling 100% [and that assumes that the google information you recieve is actually accurate].
If you have any doubts or any side effects that are worrying you, go back to the doctor immediately and discuss it with him [or her]. If you aren't happy with what you hear, ask for a second opinion. Don't ever take matters into your own hands - a little knowledge can be a very dangerous thing when you are dealing with medication.
Really good to hear that you have sought treatment. It sounds trite, but that first step is really important. You have a lot of supporters here, don't be afraid to use them.
Jeff
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Whatever you do, don't google anything. Self analysis and self diagnosis are extremely dangerous even when you are feeling 100% [and that assumes that the google information you recieve is actually accurate].
Jeff
[/quote]
Don't agree, you need to become familiar with what you are taking, be informed and take an active role in figuring out what works. It is likely that whatever you were prescribed after 10 minutes discussion in A&E may not be where you finally end up.
Self analysis and empowerment is very much part of the process both of drug regime and cognitative therapy, nobody else is inside your head except you.
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Be informed, but don't assume you're an expert.
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Be informed, but don't assume you're an expert.
Exactly.
Keep up the good work, and keep us up to date with your progress, there are a lot of people looking out for your around here.
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Be informed, but don't assume you're an expert.
Google and the internet is a quick and easy way to get a quick grasp on any subject, but proceed with caution.
I trust conventional medicine in every regard, but I have a 'weary eye' to the convenience of conventional medicine and an open mind to the alternatives.
Good luck Tim. I think your openness here bodes well for you and is helpful to all of us. Thanks and all the best.
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Slept well last night. Must have been the valium they gave me at RNS. Feeling battered and bruised this morning. As if I have a mild hangover. Much calmer.
Social worker at RNS said they might be able to intervene re: visa issues. It's not like I'm unskilled.
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Morning TooFastTim,
Thanks for dropping into the forum. 8)
Hope the procces of the visa favours you well :P
Good times ahead.
cheers
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Tim,
Last week I spent two days with a switched on young bloke based in Sydney who may be able to help you with the job situation. From what I saw he would also have a good handle on the black dog and the relationship issues.
The ' Job ' would involve self employment and the ability to earn good money legally :). That could mean using your middle management skills and never having to worry about redundancy again.
If that could be of interest drop me a PM and I'll see if He's able to call you. Keep your shoulder down Tim, tomorrow's a whole new game. Cheers, Mike.
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Tim mate count your limbs all still there , the sun will still come up tomorrow and with it brings a new day :) can you hear that noise ? mate that oppertunity knocking ;) its all out there for you mate . Your obviously having a shit time at the moment but that will pass :)
Your obviously a good Bastard (inspite of being a Saffie ) cos your a VMxer ;D
A bloke once told me as one door closes another one slams in your face ::) good news is he was full a shit :P mate the world is your lobster :)
Its great that you are able to share the bad times with your mates on here as well as the good times , and look at the support you got.
Mate your not on your own :) i know you have been to NZ if it goes tits up over there for you come back here for a bit ( must be a cheap flight coming this way cos every buggers going over there ;D )
Sod the medication come spend some time with me in Taupo , ill show you some herbal medication gaurenteed to make you forget your troubles ;)
Seriously though hang in there Tim mate it all works out in the end :) you gotta remember life aint a MX you dont get a practice ;) this is it the real thing , were doing it and as another fella told me were theres a will theres a relative ;D
Mate tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life ;D enjoy , come to Taupo well go riding , drink piss and play up and its all on taupo time ask Jeff :)
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The ' Job ' would involve self employment and the ability to earn good money legally :). That could mean using your middle management skills and never having to worry about redundancy again.
At the mo' Mike I have to be employed. The money ain't the issue. I got a payout for them breaching contract. Piss-off is that it was written into my contract that they would sponsor PR. They bailed on that too.
TM, I have PR in NZ but the job situation there is worse than it is here (for me). Depends how I slant my CV. There are three, possibly four, jobs in the offing. Three in the big smoke and one up in Brisbane. It's just timing.
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Tim mate thats the key :) slant your CV ;) if you believe it they will beleive it :) in a perfect world we would all play by the marquis of queensbury rules , but the reality is its a street fight and you gotta punch low in todays job market .
I dont know your situation but try to be flexible and above all believe in yourself ;) Iv'e buried to many good mates who tipped over early stressing about women and the mighty $ ::) fork it , remember mate YOU are the most important person on this planet and you have a shit load to offer employers and anyone around you :)
Try to think outside the box , Mate its all out there waitin for yer :) and it will come right ;)
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Hey Bill,
I reckon you have missed your calling sunshine. Ditch the tow trucks and hang out your shingle as a Self Help Guru.
You could be Taupos answer to Anthony Robbins [or whatever that knobs name is ;)].
VMX42
and Tim I can vouch that 'Taupo Time' is pure magic… if I could bottle it I would make a fortune. Acutally a lot of it was already in a bottle!!! ;)
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'kin crystal danglers. Charlatans and snake oil salesman dressed up as new age mystics.
Bill, only been to Taupo once. Probably chose the wettest day in Taupos history. Yup, it was the penultimate day of the ISDE. What a priviledge to see guys like Salminen. Man that guy is fast.
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About 15 years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. thankfully thats all fixed. At that time one of the specialists said to me 'good luck'. simple words but they meant a lot to me at the time. So GOOD LUCK TIM. remember bad things pass. cheers.
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Hi fellow vmxers just found this thread . TooFastTim you have bigger balls than me , two years ago after another blue (verbal) with the now seperated wife it was the last straw . long hours at work, stress , you know the usual simptoms I tried the dnf way out . 2 months worth of heart pills then 2 months blood pressure pills . result one trip to hospital over night observation ( I didn't ring for help I was found slumped in my car ) getting better no drugs no docs . but now every time that bloody dog comes near me I try to kick it to death . enough deep and meaningful . ride on Iain
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I'm over due for a progress report to you. So far no change but great pills ;D. I'll give more deatils in the morning.
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Not Today :D Home now after having had some critical cardiac "repairs and servicing" and it really has made a marvelous difference! :D
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Not Today :D Home now after having had some critical cardiac "repairs and servicing" and it really has made a marvelous difference! :D
Good for you man, nothing like a good illness to refocus things.
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Cheers Buggers! ;) :D
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Cheers Buggers! ;) :D
cheers to you and hope all is good after your not good post..
Not Today Home now after having had some critical cardiac "repairs and servicing" and it really has made a marvelous difference!
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We are all in this world but at the same time in our own world. So many years lost but still not found it is a true friend one needs and the love of many others along the way. Jimson
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We are all in this world but at the same time in our own world. and a lonely forbidding place that can be. Have a chat to a friend or colleague today you may do a wondrous thing you will never know about, like save a life.
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The Black Dog has never gotten hold of me, but I see plenty of it around the place, in friends and family. Even so, this was a very sobering read, especially after the first page or so:
http://www.dirtbikeworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=96006
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Just been checking FullNoise site , can't seeapost about AJ , pretty poor IMO.
Its a reflection of society on the topic of suicide.Not something people wish to discuss.
But we are above that :)
cheers A
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Protocol says that suicides are not to be reported, unless they're in the public interest.
Plenty of suicides are announced as "died suddenly" or "unexpectedly taken from us" for this reason.
The theory is that it reduces copy-cat suicides - particularly from those feeling alone and ignored who could see it as a way to find some (posthumous) glory/recognition.
It also has the effect of keeping suicide out of the public consciousness, meaning it's something we talk about too little.
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Protocol says that suicides are not to be reported, unless they're in the public interest.
Yet its ok for gay marraiges.No wonder its a crazy world we live in. ;D
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I don't think that many people would be inticed to become gay because someone else gets married.
I know that the consequences of gay marriage are infinitely better than the consequences of suicide.
And yet there's been a hell of a lot more discussion about gay marriage than suicide. THAT is the crazy bit...
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And yet there's been a hell of a lot more discussion about gay marriage than suicide. THAT is the crazy bit...
Exactly :)
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If it's made compulsory Hooney, you'll be Screwed !! ;D
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If those young ladies from that hockey team that I see on the internet want to tie the knot, then I'm more than happy for them. :)
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And yet there's been a hell of a lot more discussion about gay marriage than suicide.
the gay marriage thing doesn't bother me as long as its optional, but if its made compulsory i will be pissed off
think of it this way Hoony ,if you married your best mate you'd never get in trouble for spending too much time in the garage or getting home late from a boys night out :o
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For other reasons I just had a look at the 'Who's online' section of the forum and noticed that eight different observers were reading the 'Beyond Blue' thread. Eight out of sixty four different readers might seem insignicant but to me it seems the one eighth of those on the forum right now have an interest in the Black Dog. Depression is not something to make glib jokes about or to dismiss as "not my problem'. It's real and it can hit anybody when least expected.
Yep, I know this isn't about old bikes but in this case I think it needs to be discussed. I've seen the worst results of depression and it ain't pretty.
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yes i agree on the comments about depression, i was by no means not taking this serious. someone in my immediate close family suffers from depression. happy to pull my earlier post.
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I wasn't referring to you or anyone directly Hoony. I was merely making the point that there's nothing funny about it.
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A long time back I went through a nasty divorce and needless to say ended up depressed.
One day I dragged myself out of bed and said "stuff this it's depressing what will I do instead".
So I forced myself to join a m/cycle club and went enduro racing.
Worked a treat.
35 years later if I feel the clouds rolling in I grab my mates and we go riding.
Nothing like being out of control at high speed in the bush with ya mates to put things in perspective.
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I wasn't referring to you or anyone directly Hoony. I was merely making the point that there's nothing funny about it.
i didn't read anything into it Firko, no prob, i totally agree !
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sorry Hoonsta..my fault for mentioning the words gay and suicide in the same topic on an open forum :-\
cheers A
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Walters comment about this were well out of line and he can go F556 himself . perhaps one day he will suffer and it can screw his life up.The dickhead just lost a paying customer also! well done!!!!!
I hope the rest of you who suffer also buy elseware
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I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but I do agree totally with all your other comments asasin.
The strange thing is I think he thought he was being funny & witty.
I've got a close mate going through a tough time right now and he was the last person I would've thought of, he's living away from his wife and 2 kids and I'm glad that I've been able to help him out, he had no idea that I'd struggled with it and there in lay's the biggest problem, we don't talk about it enough.
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Walter, have you ever heard of a bloke on the radio called Alan Jones?
They reckon that at any given time, one in six blokes is suffering from depression - you HAVE met plenty of people who suffer from it.
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/FactsandFiguresfactsheet.pdf
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You would be surprised who suffers from it on here......he only appologised because he's lost a customer....pretty weak if you ask me.
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Maybe one day he'll realise how many customers he's lost thanks to his many and varied poor-taste comments?
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Come on guys, it's not any better by not accepting someones apology...... whether it's meant or not.
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I'll accept it, let's move on.
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I certainly sympathize with other sufferers of Depression. Especially Chronic cases.
Personally, I have been seeing a shrink for about 2 years now, and if I had never done this, I may well have trapped myself into doing something stupid.
If you dont seek help, it will wear you down to the point of not being able to function in society. Even to go an buy some lunch in a shop, becomes a major task.
If people are feeling tired all the time and everything seems to be getting to hard with Insomnia, I would recommend to see a Doctor, because this maybe the start of it.
When people live in misery for to long (years), the Brain starts to shutdown the chemical "Serotonin".
Without Serotonin, I guarantee that no-one will want to know you.
I try to post on this Forum when I am on my good days, otherwise I dont come across to well. Such as the other day, I went back and read something I wrote, and couldnt believe the garbage.
Take it easy.
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Guys over the years the dog has been with me on and off , this site and the backhanded compliments we give each other have given me some great times . Walther don't worry about it I didn't take offence , Christ if I can't laugh at my own expence I might as well kick the bloody bucket . Iain :'( now ;D
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Yeah no offense taken here either Walts.
If I need shocks I will still drop in, and hopefully receive a discount :D
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I don't think you'll find too many depression forums on the Internet where anyone will ever say "hey so do you like old bikes too??" and even if there was lets face it not many of us would be logging on to that kinda forum would we?? My point is i think it's fantastic that a common interest forum such as this makes people so comfortable that they have felt "safe" to share a little about themselves and what they might be going through when otherwise maybe they wouldn't tell anyone at all, or maybe the wrong people who want offer anything to help the scenario, good on all the guys who've been brave enough to let us know that the black dog is with them, or maybe just visits a little too often.
This week my father lost a friend he has known for 50 years, the best man from his wedding and a good family friend to us all. Although it was apparent and admitted to everyone that he was suffering major depression nobody thought to the degree it turned out to be. Eddie decided that he would be better off in a noose than on this earth anymore, so very sad to think anyone can ever end up with a thought process like that.
So if it helps, say it, if you're feeling down, tell someone. But most Important of all for the rest of us who are LUCKY enough to have our black dogs on a leash and under control DO SOMETHING! Just ask your mate "are you ok?" and when he says what most of us blokes will say "yeah I'm fine" that's when you step up as a friend and say "no, really, are you OK"??
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I don't think you'll find too many depression forums on the Internet where anyone will ever say "hey so do you like old bikes too??" and even if there was lets face it not many of us would be logging on to that kinda forum would we?? My point is i think it's fantastic that a common interest forum such as this makes people so comfortable that they have felt "safe" to share a little about themselves and what they might be going through when otherwise maybe they wouldn't tell anyone at all, or maybe the wrong people who want offer anything to help the scenario, good on all the guys who've been brave enough to let us know that the black dog is with them, or maybe just visits a little too often.
This week my father lost a friend he has known for 50 years, the best man from his wedding and a good family friend to us all. Although it was apparent and admitted to everyone that he was suffering major depression nobody thought to the degree it turned out to be. Eddie decided that he would be better off in a noose than on this earth anymore, so very sad to think anyone can ever end up with a thought process like that.
So if it helps, say it, if you're feeling down, tell someone. But most Important of all for the rest of us who are LUCKY enough to have our black dogs on a leash and under control DO SOMETHING! Just ask your mate "are you ok?" and when he says what most of us blokes will say "yeah I'm fine" that's when you step up as a friend and say "no, really, are you OK"??
Too true, its reasons like this that I work in community services, too many friends and family are no longer because in past times people were not as open or up front.
In todays society the issue is growing......
So R U OK guys, talk to someone, it may just turn things around,
Lifeline, Beyond Blue and the Black Dog institute are all great resources too, I worked for and also used a few of them over the years.
Cheers,
Kim 8)
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I don't think you'll find too many depression forums on the Internet where anyone will ever say "hey so do you like old bikes too??" and even if there was lets face it not many of us would be logging on to that kinda forum would we?? My point is i think it's fantastic that a common interest forum such as this makes people so comfortable that they have felt "safe" to share a little about themselves and what they might be going through when otherwise maybe they wouldn't tell anyone at all, or maybe the wrong people who want offer anything to help the scenario, good on all the guys who've been brave enough to let us know that the black dog is with them, or maybe just visits a little too often.
This week my father lost a friend he has known for 50 years, the best man from his wedding and a good family friend to us all. Although it was apparent and admitted to everyone that he was suffering major depression nobody thought to the degree it turned out to be. Eddie decided that he would be better off in a noose than on this earth anymore, so very sad to think anyone can ever end up with a thought process like that.
So if it helps, say it, if you're feeling down, tell someone. But most Important of all for the rest of us who are LUCKY enough to have our black dogs on a leash and under control DO SOMETHING! Just ask your mate "are you ok?" and when he says what most of us blokes will say "yeah I'm fine" that's when you step up as a friend and say "no, really, are you OK"??
well said rookie,
As someone who has been in this area (theres always light at the end of the tunnel)
postive thinking , feel wanted and needed and try and talk to someone may be a friend or family or even the neighbour
It is hard a lot of people dont like you talking about it, seems to be a no no in some cicrles.
try and slowly change things in your life that you know is not helping the way you feel ( stress , work etc )
some days I felt I needed someone to give me a smack up the back of the head to snap me out of it...
Try and and keep away from the bottle etc it wont help at all...
and yes as said on other posts just needs some to say ( you ok ) 8)
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No drama here Walter . Take care ya silly bugger. :) Tim754
Looking at this (lets face it's a motorcycle forum!) off center topic I started one day whilst being belted by the black dog, I am staggered by the amount of friends met or not as yet, that genuinely understand what a debilitating thing unwell mental health can be.
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With the suicide death of a local 21 year old on the weekend and mental health issues still in our community.
This gentleman's thread needed a reboot, with a HOOT that was had at the Bridgetown Grass Track on Sunday.
Pony Express Teams where made up and the racing was on,who could change there undies fastest. :P
Monies being raised on the day for Prostrate Cancer. 8)
Superb donations and team sports the winners of the day.
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r259/vmx247/1384121_247325475415149_2085829712_n_zps9b11e885.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/vmx247/media/1384121_247325475415149_2085829712_n_zps9b11e885.jpg.html)
even the kiwis where doing it !!
http://www.blueseptember.org.nz/news/Undies-on-the-outside-deliver-a-serious-message-45.php
thanks to pre85mxwa fb page for photo
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Good stuff Ali. Sad to hear about the young bloke though. It seems depression knows no boundries of age, wealth or standing. Good on you for giving this thread a bump along with the article otherwise I never would have got to read it. And thanks to all who had posted their experiences with the black dog.
The bastard has been walking with me for a few years now and it seems I'm stuck with it. I'm classified by the quacks and psychs as being "chronically depressed" from having acquired brain injury syndrome. It seems you can't hit ya head too many times without repercussions. I'm not ashamed to talk about "it", but life can be a battle out in the world. I try to stay positive even though my life has changed dramatically. I lost my business, a lot of supposed friends, my old club, the other half, Shit, for a while it seemed as if even my dogs didn't want to know me. I used to get agro at the drop of a hat and didn't understand why. I honestly thought it was somebody else's fault. Luckily for me I got tired of being cranky and having melt downs and went and told the Doc about it. Now I'm just tired and lack any enthusiasm for life. At least the medication I am on now stops my agro, and the hounds seem to enjoy me again.
My shed and working on and restoring/building bikes keeps me kinda sane, even if I don't get to ride/race as often as I dream of doing like I did before the dog attached itself to me.
While ever I'm alive, there is hope that everything will be roses again.
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Good on you guys talking about this topic.Im a Psychiatric nurse by profession so know a thing or too about it.The best cure keep on riding,racing and restoring whatever era bikes and be social........you mad bastards LOL :-)Richard.
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The best cure keep on riding,racing and restoring whatever era bikes and be social........you mad bastards LOL :-)Richard.
Absolutely.....an idle mind is a perfect mixing bowl for bad ju ju. Avoiding black dog attacks can be pretty damn difficult but by keeping your mind on the positive and your hands on your projects the pain can be greatly softened. The shed and a Sidchrome in hand are the best dog repellent I know.
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Its good to re read this thread . Iain
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Re: Beyond Blue
« Reply #94 on: October 05, 2012, 05:51:57 PM »
Quote
I certainly sympathize with other sufferers of Depression. Especially Chronic cases.
Personally, I have been seeing a shrink for about 2 years now, and if I had never done this, I may well have trapped myself into doing something stupid.
If you dont seek help, it will wear you down to the point of not being able to function in society. Even to go an buy some lunch in a shop, becomes a major task.
If people are feeling tired all the time and everything seems to be getting to hard with Insomnia, I would recommend to see a Doctor, because this maybe the start of it.
When people live in misery for to long (years), the Brain starts to shutdown the chemical "Serotonin".
Without Serotonin, I guarantee that no-one will want to know you.
I try to post on this Forum when I am on my good days, otherwise I dont come across to well. Such as the other day, I went back and read something I wrote, and couldnt believe the garbage.
Take it easy................Worth repeating.p
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I too have suffered severe depression and have been prescribed anti depressant drugs. I was sort of functional but angry as 10 men. While they did shut my mind up and allow me to get some sleep, they also flattened me. Months of unopened mail, absolutely no enthusiasm for anything and a general total lack lustre. The biggest thing I found was that I lost track of time. Clients would come and ask how their job was going to which I replied but it's only been a week or so, when in reality usually 3-6 months had passed! I then sat down and actually read the side effect chart in the drug schedule & managed to tick most of the boxes. Much to the counselor & doc's disdain I decided to discontinue the drugs. I initially stopped cold turkey and I strongly suggest NOT to do that. I couldn't stand up & was afflicted with severe vertigo from the chemical imbalance in my brain, this happened only a day after stopping the meds. With the doc's help, I wound down over a month and I believe I am now better off for it. I am far from "cured" but now have my full faculties back and am moving forward to the point I now sort of look to the future. My pure anger has subsided but I retain much contempt for the Australian "system" which is a joke unless you're one of the elite. So while the meds did play an important part in my case I believe they are not the be all end all. This is my experience & no doubt differs from others. Just saying anyone suffering with depression should constantly be assessing things on a regular basis.
K
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The best cure keep on riding,racing and restoring whatever era bikes and be social........you mad bastards LOL :-)Richard.
Absolutely.....an idle mind is a perfect mixing bowl for bad ju ju. Avoiding black dog attacks can be pretty damn difficult but by keeping your mind on the positive and your hands on your projects the pain can be greatly softened. The shed and a Sidchrome in hand are the best dog repellent I know.
Spot on Mark. An idle mind is the devils playground as my dear old Nan used to say. It's not easy keeping the mind on track to be positive but having those Sidchromes in hand working away is, as you say, an excellent dog repellent.
Bigk
I've been down the road of trying life without my medication. I really detested the fact of having to rely on chemicals to keep on functioning. The reality was though, I kept on going back to the dark side, which I positively hated. I hear everything you say about the side effects of some of the medications they prescribe. The key is, not all the meds fit every person. It's taken a good 2 years of trial and error to find a medication for me that doesn't induce some very uncomfortable side effect or another. For me, the tablets are the lessor of two evils. I don't ever want to go back to being as agro and confused as I once was. It's a wonder I didn't end up in gaol or a psych unit bouncing off walls in a little white suit.
Unfortunately, it seems that with acquired brain injuries getting the chemical balance back in the brain without drugs is not going to happen so I'm resigned to having tablets every morning for the rest of my days. It's ok, I just treat it as another multi vitamin.
Yep, the Aussie system is a joke. Well, it would be a joke if it wasn't so serious. It seems if you're a single white Australian male in this country, you aint worth much! But, do yourself a favour, stay away from the news channels and watch more motorsport! I can't watch the news. The bullshit "they" try to feed us only gets me yelling at the TV ::)
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One of the first hurdles is to admit to yourself that you're depressed and to seek help. If the warning signs BigK spell out describe where you are at the moment it'd be a good idea to have a chat to your doctor or call Beyond Blue or Lifeline.
Right now a few of us are dealing with a mate who's going through what appears to be a very black period. He's always grumpy, has pulled away from most interaction with his mates, avoids social events, race meetings and even visiting his mum and blames others for not reminding him. His only interest is work and that's to the point of obsession...it's all he talks about. He hasn't been in the shed for months or ridden his bikes in a couple of years and would rather surf facebook or Twitter on his phone than have a face to face conversation. We've tried to help him but he's in denial, reacting defensively if anyone suggests that he needs to chill "I'm All right, fluck off and mind your own business". Ironically when I was going through my own meltdown last year, he was my main 'go to' guy and was pretty quick to tell my what I needed to do . By nature he's a control freak who likes to be the decision maker which doesn't help him in accepting advice or seeking help.
This has been pretty upsetting for me seeing a mate of 55 years cut himself off from his friends to the point of pissing nearly everyone off. I've run out of ideas.
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I cannot say how encouraging it is to find this thread. To be honest, when I saw the title, I thought it might have been a play on words about life after a beloved IT Yamaha or Bultaco or something. Glad to see such mental health issues being openly and sensitively discussed.
Medication is a part of my daily life too. My own affliction is a brain that no longer produces dopamine, one of the "feelgood' neurotransmitters like serotonin. I share similar misgivings about our medical system, particularly about the scourge of "career" doctors - those who become doctors because they won the high school gradings farce rather than having a particular aptitude or care for medicine. After many years I have finally found a GP who is actually interested in me - my genetic profile, my blood test results, my diet etc. - and is willing to experiment and monitor rather than just perform the standard "faux care / write prescription / charge fee / repeat as many times as you can in a day" process as is found in most clinics.
My own small contributions:
Diet is paramount. The chemical building blocks we need to heal ourselves and operate effectively and come from our diet. I feel much better when I get some good fresh juices and some quality proteins and vegetables into me. Lots of brightly coloured vegetables / anti-oxidants / leafy greens etc. Insert favourite cliché about running your bike on Motul vs running it on old chip oil...
Take charge of your own health. You live with your body, your doctor is just a mechanic who gives it a once over every now and then. If your own mental model revolves around the doctor being the expert, then your body will only get the occasional once over when the doctor can spare some attention and you can afford to visit him. If you take some time to learn about your condition and how your body works as a whole, you are in a much better position to monitor your condition between visits, and to intelligently discuss what works for you when you do see him/her.
Plenty of good info out there on the interweb. Plenty of crappe too. Think reputable sources...
Hope the above is a worthy contribution. Very worthwhile thread.
Cheers,
Geoff
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some good stuff and good to see people talking about the Black dog. It is not a practice run,you get 1 shot at life,so if you can get help and enjoy life ,that should be top of your bucket list.
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Firko,
If someone is in denial as you describe your old mate, there isn't much you can do, apart from being there for him when/if the proverbial hits the fan. It's hard for anyone to admit that something ain't quite right between their ears. Hopefully your mate will recognise that he isn't his usual self and will seek help. Until then, all you can do as a mate is grin and do your best to stay positive whenever he's around.
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The weirdo that started this thread is here, feeling pleased and well enriched that others are sharing their being. I have the evil black mongrel chained up and locked in the kennel. Honestly hope all here your friends and family can corral the beast. yours Tim754
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I had a similar "moment" on a ride a few years ago when the topic of prostate cancer and testing broke through... (the support truck was lost ok !!) out of 15 guys over 30, only 4 had been tested or even thought it was an issue. a couple of guys had scares and the rest suddenly understood that this wasn't playschool anymore.... at least 5 guys were adamant no doctor was gunna poke his finger where the sun don't shine .. until the reality of it hit them :o I mean fr Christ sake there is a blood test now b4 any physical groping...when I said I asked the doc to kiss me before he slid his ..... just kidding!!!!
life can be serious and no one BUT no one gets out alive! the journey is one of the best you will take...depending on the road you travel!
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Any bike minded blokes who feel they don't have any or enough of "their own" kinda people to chat with about these issues could most certainly benefit from becoming involved in this great group/cause
http://www.blackdogride.com.au
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I really hope Wally has found a way to move on from the loss of his Black Dog.
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Thanks for the link Rookie. I did have a squiz. I did hear about the cause on the radio but forgot the name of the website. Shame I had to sell my R1200GS or I'd be right up for the ride around Australia they're organising.
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Good onya fella's ;) lost a couple of mates to the black dog