New around here? Or old timer? Please READ

[JSGeare]

One thing we've always wanted is a sort of "welcome center" for folks who have recently joined, are thinking about it, or who are just observing for now. Please be good enough to respond to this post and just briefly introduce yourself: a name or nic-name, age, where from, what brought you here, what you hope to learn, have to offer, etc. Just a couple of lines. Don't worry, we won't bite!

If you are already a member, please check here every so often to greet new arrivals and visitors. Who knows, maybe a long-lost friend or family member may drop in. One of MINE did -no kidding!

JSGeare and Greenlydia are your "Community Leaders" (CL, for short) and our job is to make this place as helpful and comfortable as we can. You'll see little purple whirrly-gigs by our names to assist you in locating us if you have questions about how the forum works.

Enough said for right now -so please introduce yourself or say "Glad you're here" to a newcomer.

Thanks!

Greenlydia
JSGeare

[JSGeare]

Just setting this at the top of the stack so newcomers may see and respond.

[suzi-q]

Hello!  I am suzi-q.  I have been around this site since November of 06 and stumbled upon it by accident while in another forum.  I have suffered with anxiety and depression for 13 years now.  It is pretty much under control and I am enjoying life to its fullest!  However, there are times I do slip back and get anxiety.  When I first started feeling so sick (13 years ago) I didn't know what was wrong with me.  It was terrible.  Every symptom was mine and this lasted every day for more than six months.  Doctor to doctor....it was terrible.  Finally, after get the help I needed I started getting my life back.  It was a long road, but it has definitely made me stronger.  I feel that I have a lot to offer while I still get lots of advice from this site.  I wish I knew about this when I was going "through it".  It would have been such a relief to know that there were others just like me!

[eeuuhija02]

Hi-
I'm Mia and I'm 39 and from Virginia. I'm a single mom with 13 year old son. I found this group a couple of days ago trying to ask a doc a question about my ptsd and it said not taking any more posts for the day.  I'm not sure i'm in the right place b/c I have so many issues right now (ptsd,ocd,adhd) but i hope that maybe I can get some answers to some of my problems and get to the point where i'm not dealing with EVERYTHING every day. Finding out how you all are managing can help me figure out what to try next.  
Mia

[Whazel]

Hello,
I'm Amy and I've had anxiety and depression issues for years. I'm 32 and I'd say my depression started at puberty and the anxiety stuff happened more into my later teens.
I won't leave a long note here as I plan on being fairly active in the forums and in my journal so if anyone cares to know my story (as we all have one) It will be in my journal over time I'm sure...
I hope to give and get some support through this site.  I have A LOT of knowledge when it comes to issues of anxiety, depression, chronic pain and insomnia, among some other medical stuff.
I'm grateful that I've gone through what I have though, because with out all of it I wouldn't be where I am now...or rather, WHO I am now, and I like where I stand when it comes to my values and beliefs...Always using positive self-talk! :D

Alrighty,
Hope all are well and I'm looking forward to getting to know some of you!
Amy

[RubyWitch]

Sorry I'm late...........I've been busy beating the dust out of the welcome mat! (SNORT)
For all you "old timers," what can I possibly add to JSGs words except to let you know that I am giving ALL of you a standing ovation for all the awesome help you've given to folks on the forum. You have no idea just how much help you are to JS and I. This is a busy little place and we couldn't do it without you! Serious!
For all the "newbies," we are REALLY happy that you've found us and I know that you will find the help, support, understanding and friendship that all of us with anxiety issues need so badly. We are truly a "family" here, and like all good families, we help each other, which means that YOU can help US as well. You may think you have nothing to give, but you DO! I hope you will stay with us so that you can help other "newbies" who might need YOUR hand extended. Recovery can be a long and arduous journey, but when we help someone else carry their load, if only for a short distance, we have actually helped ourselves in the process.
JSG is the techno dude to go to, but here's a little secret: he knows squat about menopause!
Peace
Greenlydia  

[eronski]

Hi,

I am Erin (Eronski) and have really enjoyed this forum,  I have suffered with anxiety for most of my 43 years and still have managed to have a wonderful life.  I came here this winter when my anxiety came back full force after leaving me alone for many years.  I decided to take medication for the first time and was very, very scared.  I have learned allot by talking with the others here and have gotten through this transition well.

I am feeling very good now so I haven't posted any concerns lately - but I always check for someone who may need some encouragement and feel very blessed to be able to reach out and let people know that life goes on and living with anxiety is not the worst thing and so much can be learned from it.  I have also developed some great friendships which I am able to keep up with here - and it's a pleasure!  Take Care All, Erin