originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:24 PM

@FItzChivalry We're in a similar boat then... working in the trades industry its sort of fit in or get lost

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:25 PM

@j95 unfortunately you're right 😞 But we can be the driving forces of change in our own industries 😄

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:29 PM

i remember earlier this year, word got out in my workplace of my mental health issues and that sometimes I self harm to cope... As a "joke" I was called a heap of names and made to feel pretty small because of it. I know its not any of my work friends nature to be like that, but its the gender stereotype thing happening, its not cool to be going through a difficult time. 

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:34 PM

that's awful to hear @j95

 

seriously, sometimes people just don't understand mental health and have no idea how to approach it. It sucks that you had to go through that. Have things improved with them since then?

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:34 PM

@j95 ah that's really rough 😞 It's good that you're not blaming them personally, but it's still not cool, especially in the workplace. People love to bring other people down to make themselves feel superior

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:31 PM

@j95 people use "jokes" to get away with a lot of things don't they. happens a lot with racism too I find, especially in this country. How do you deal with the jokes? (if you don't mind me asking)

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:36 PM

@copse I agree, it does happen with racism.

I took a huge toll on me and I didn't really feel comfortable going to work, but I did go and I did my job the best I could.

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:37 PM

@j95 good job staying strong!:)

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:37 PM

it has come up from time and time and I just say "yeah whats your point?" or something.

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:18 PM

That definitely helps me. Accepting myself for who I am was the most difficult but worthwhile thing I have done

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:13 PM

@benjamin_ I agree
and an example would be tonight, once one person felt comfortable enough to let their guard down, it almost sent a message to everyone else thats it ok.

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:18 PM

That reminds me of my tafe class, @j95

Right at the beginning of the year, when we were all getting to know each other, one person opened up with their experience of things and then next thing you know, the whole class is opening up, guys included.

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:14 PM

@j95 I'm glad to hear you felt that way about tonight's GR! I couldn't agree more. We need more of this happening in our social circles!

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:14 PM

@benjamin_ i meant at footy training but yeah I agree with that too!

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:16 PM

oh whoops @j95

 

I forgot about that! That must have been an awesome experience for you

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:15 PM

@j95 that sounds really great, I hope they keep doing things like that at your club and all other clubs, gotta keep working to break that mould!

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:12 PM

@benjamin_ In my experience this is the best way too! I think everybody wants to be open and honest, but the invisible barrier stops them. All it takes is for one person to break it down and the rest will follow 🙂

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:13 PM

Be the change you want to see in the world 🙂

originally posted on 17-08-2015 9:13 PM

I like that line @FItzChivalry!

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:06 PM

Welcome @stephRO!

 

You're so spot on with that post! It's definitely hard to be open when we're worried about stigma and I totally get what you mean about having your guard up. 

 

 

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:09 PM

hey guys!

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:10 PM

Hi @Troy ! Welcome to the chat tonight 🙂

originally posted on 17-08-2015 8:10 PM

Welcome @Troy !

 

Thanks for joining