As most of you are aware, the miniriders landscape has changed forever due to the loss of two of our finest, DVDRip (James) and thump*140 (Tom). While the losses will be felt for a long time to come, the legacy they leave us is not only in the words they wrote on the forum. It is the dialogue about depression, mental health and suicide that they have opened up for us, and as indicated in the responses to a couple of threads, a dialogue that many are keen to maintain and contribute to. This thread is here to promote discussion, the sharing of stories (both personal and those of loved ones) and the offering of support and friendship from the MR community. More than anything else, above bikes and riding, the most important thing we have, and what makes this such a special place is our sense of community.
This will be a highly emotional thread. Please be respectful of each other and each others opinions and feelings even if you do not agree with them. Please remember that sometimes there will posts from some of our younger members, they may not be able to express themselves as eloquently as others, so be mindful of that before having a go at them. More than any other thread on the forum, this is one where we ask you think about what you post, and review your post before you post it. This is not the place for flaming or any personal attacks on members.
Everyone's view and experience is relevant, even if it differs from yours. Disagreements, alternative points of view and open discussion is encouraged but personal attacks will not be tolerated.
Some links to give a bit of understanding of the issues and illnesses.
Depression http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_%28mood%29
Bi-polar disorder http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder
Schizophrenia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia
Anxiety http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety
Post natal/post partum depression http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_depression
We are going to table a list of resources. Please feel free to post any others and they will be added to this list.
Online
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx? Fantastic resource and initiative for anyone struggling with depression.
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.a...nk_id=107.1007 searches for mental health professionals within a given postcode, whether it be psychiatrist, psychologist or counselling.
http://www.sane.org/ mental health support
http://www.menslineaus.org.au/ also Ph 1300 789 978 for the 24 hour phone service.
http://au.reachout.com/ aimed at young people.
http://www.depression.com.au/ general resource
http://www.dadsindistress.asn.au/ supporting men through relationship breakdowns
http://www.kidshelp.com.au/ partner of the phone servie
Forums
http://blueboard.anu.edu.au/ Not an overly active forum, but a place to have a chat in anonymity.
http://www.thesobervillage.com/ U.S. forum for substance abuse and related depression.
Phone Support
Lifeline Australia Ph 13 1114 24 hour support service - Suicide Prevention, Crisis Support and Mental Health
MensLine Ph 1300 789 978 24 hour support service
Kids Helpline Ph 1800 55 1800 24 hour supoort service especially aimed at kids and young teens
Sane Ph 1800 18 7263 Mental health support for families
Books
Down Came The Rain - Brooke Shields Brave book detailing her journey through severe post natal depression
This will be a highly emotional thread. Please be respectful of each other and each others opinions and feelings even if you do not agree with them. Please remember that sometimes there will posts from some of our younger members, they may not be able to express themselves as eloquently as others, so be mindful of that before having a go at them. More than any other thread on the forum, this is one where we ask you think about what you post, and review your post before you post it. This is not the place for flaming or any personal attacks on members.
Everyone's view and experience is relevant, even if it differs from yours. Disagreements, alternative points of view and open discussion is encouraged but personal attacks will not be tolerated.
Some links to give a bit of understanding of the issues and illnesses.
Depression http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_%28mood%29
Bi-polar disorder http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder
Schizophrenia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia
Anxiety http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety
Post natal/post partum depression http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_depression
We are going to table a list of resources. Please feel free to post any others and they will be added to this list.
Online
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx? Fantastic resource and initiative for anyone struggling with depression.
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.a...nk_id=107.1007 searches for mental health professionals within a given postcode, whether it be psychiatrist, psychologist or counselling.
http://www.sane.org/ mental health support
http://www.menslineaus.org.au/ also Ph 1300 789 978 for the 24 hour phone service.
http://au.reachout.com/ aimed at young people.
http://www.depression.com.au/ general resource
http://www.dadsindistress.asn.au/ supporting men through relationship breakdowns
http://www.kidshelp.com.au/ partner of the phone servie
Forums
http://blueboard.anu.edu.au/ Not an overly active forum, but a place to have a chat in anonymity.
http://www.thesobervillage.com/ U.S. forum for substance abuse and related depression.
Phone Support
Lifeline Australia Ph 13 1114 24 hour support service - Suicide Prevention, Crisis Support and Mental Health
MensLine Ph 1300 789 978 24 hour support service
Kids Helpline Ph 1800 55 1800 24 hour supoort service especially aimed at kids and young teens
Sane Ph 1800 18 7263 Mental health support for families
Books
Down Came The Rain - Brooke Shields Brave book detailing her journey through severe post natal depression