Introductions

[Oaktree]

@Azalea 

Tell me more about your son. Sounds like he is your world! Yes teen moods do suck. The years pass quickly though and he will be grown before you know it. Kids are staying longer at home though because it’s so expensive to move out and be independent. I love it when my kids come home to visit.

[Azalea]

@Oaktree I've heard some great things about EMDR from friends who have had it.

My son is a gorgeous, funny, empathetic guy who loves his footy, isn't a fan of high school work but is a fan of hanging out with his mates there haha! He's very in tune with my moods even though going through puberty, I've explained a lot of psych type stuff to him, so he understands if I have something coming up I'm going to be stressing about I might be a bit cranky and is so good at diffusing my moods with humour 

How far away do your kids live from you? It must be exciting watching them thrive even though you miss them

[Oaktree]

@Azalea 

My first son used to live really close to me. About a 10 minute drive away. He and his fiancee recently bought a house and are now about 45 minutes away. My second son lives over an hour away on the other side of the river and my daughter is studying in Hawaii

[Breakfast68]

@Oaktree 

loved reading your intro and extremely similar to line. 
joined at 17 but took early discharge for a number of reasons. 
Married 22 years and adult children also. 
have moved into the MH space to provide as much lived experience support as possible. 
looking forward to engaging in the forums more regularly 

[Magpie22]

Hi all

I joined initially as a reservist in the early 90s. I reckon I only survived recruit course because of all the people who were like “you’ll never get through recruit training”. I was female, quirky, into alternative music, tiny and very outspoken. Despite all that I did make it and served over 30 years, doing quite a bit of full time service in those years.

Unfortunately, I never got to deploy - my husband wasn’t supportive and I had young children when I was offered the opportunity. I don’t think it’s something you can do without your family on board (kudos to all ADF families). 

I had some shitty experiences - an indecent assault by my WO2 (never reported), bullying and unacceptable behaviour, really poor leadership at times. But I also feel really proud of the work I did - and I made great friends. It set me onto the career path I’m on now. My army service has made me the person I am today. 

I have two grown up kids, one at home and one moved out. They are pretty awesome people. My son may end up in Defence, but he has the neuro-spiciness that he inherited from me. I was diagnosed with ADHD a couple of years ago and it has made SO much sense. 

I live with anxiety and have previously experienced depression, but I’m in a good place now where I know how to manage them (mostly). 

looking forward to connecting in this space with others who understand 

[Oaktree]

Hello @Breakfast68 @Magpie22 

Thank you for your messages. I have read them but I haven’t had the time to respond. Sounds like indecent assault by someone in your chain of command is not uncommon unfortunately. 

[Oaktree]

@Breakfast68 

I am currently studying cert 4 mental health peer work. I am hoping that I can give back to the MH community and advocate for improvements to the system. There is a lot that needs to be done. I think I am a bit of an activist. I was one of those kids in the peace marches in the 80’s. I grew up knowing that I needed to fight for my rights. Pleased that you are here in this space