Hi there! I'm looking forward to connecting with this community. My biggest challenge is loneliness and not seeming to be able to forge meaningful connections in real life. I assume I am not alone.
I grew up with one alcoholic parent and another high control religious parent. I was bullied by students and teachers in public school and was terrified that anyone would discover my secret, that I was gay (though I refused to apply that word to myself until i was in my twenties).
I've struggled for decades from the effects of various traumas, in all aspects of my life: career, education, socializing, and relationships. I've been in trauma therapy for almost two years now. I feel some improvement, mostly in emerging from debilitating depression.
I laugh all the time to cope. I honestly think it has saved me in many ways. I'm always trying to find something funny to laugh about.
:heythere:
Welcome to the forum Cheesy :heythere:
Correct, you are not alone here with loneliness.
This forum is a really supportive place. I hope you soon feel the support.
Hello, and welcome. I'm glad you found us.
I also use humour to cope.
Cheesy,
A very warm welcome to the forum. :heythere:
I resonate with your struggles at school and with the life-or-death secret that you had to keep.
I'm glad you found us and I hope you find the friendships and support you are looking for here.
Thank you all for the warm welcome!