Quote Originally Posted by Pretty Boy View Post
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Speaking from a personal point of view I certainly still sense a stigma. This thread has been great as it affords a relative anonymity (despite the fact I've met numerous people on it in the last 2 or 3 years). It's still a subject I'm wary of mentioning in company (in person) and I'll never speak up if someone makes a joke about mental illness for fear of being 'mocked'.

Tbh I'm having a bit of a wobble at the moment. I'm going to be a Dad for the 1st time in August. Whilst I'm absolutely delighted and it's hugely exciting it has been stressful and I'm feeling it. We have just moved house and I've loved where we have been for the best part of the last 5 years. It's coincided with the best state I've been in mentally in a decade or more and I quite literally burst into tears when I handed the keys over. I know the improvement in my mind goes a lot deeper than a house but all the same.... Unfortunately when I have a bad time it tends to manifest itself in me being increasingly argumentative which means I withdraw so as not to piss people off and it turns into a bit of a circle. Got a few days on my own as my girlfriend is away on holiday so trying to settle in to the new house slowly and planning to enjoy Saturday. On the plus side such a downturn would have turned into a total meltdown 7 or 8 years ago whereas now it's manageable if annoying.
PB, I'm a new dad 20 months now at the age of 51, new job, new house and it has been really difficult given my mental health but!!! my wee girl has made me so happy, yes I still have issues but the time I spend with her is an absolute joy, I have even (whisper it) missed Hibs games on the telly (don’t live in Scotland) when looking after her. It’s a huge change but rewarding. This from a confirmed “I’ll never be a dad” person. Enjoy