They

Create a new post for topic
Join the Conversation on
41 people
0 stories
8 posts
Explore Our Newsletters
What's New in
All
Stories
Posts
Videos
Latest
Trending
Post
See full photo

That moment when you're binge watching a new favorite TV show and realize #They 'rejustlikeme #MentalHealth #LGBTQIA

Since coming out on a public scale, both as a gay man but also as a genderqueer, nonbinary person not many TV shows can hold my interest long enough for me to stay. Unless that list includes shows I've already seen like the original Charmed, Sailor Moon (again original), or any LGBTQIA shows that are as inclusive as possible like my most recent find, #Heartstopper

Quick synopsis, young man Charlie, who is quirky, nerdy, and musical in British all boys school falls for "rugby king" Nick. What is subtly mentioned or sometimes overtly mentioned depending is eating disorders (subtle) and coming out of the closet in any way, be it lesbian, gay, bisexuality, transgender (overt). What I hadn't anticipated when first watch through, nor second or third, until I researched the graphic novel basis, and watched with my husband, was the wave of memories all the way back to that time in my life. I have suffered with eating disorders and was officially diagnosed at one point with anorexia nervosa when I was admitted in hospital for mental health. We don't talk about it much in my family considering my very own grandfather is a hallmark of that disease. This show also deals with bullies, panic attacks, and mental health in ways that are subtle enough for a teen and tweens show but overt enough to make it across. Not to mention that I am gravitating to this show above any other when I myself am having to be put back on Xanax for stress and panic, I'm treading water at work with just my head above the choppy water every day, and trying to get my husband his license in cosmetology, and attempt to achieve a better paying position.

I love this show because in all sense and practice I am Charlie and my husband is Nick with how our dynamic works, he's my savior, protector, and guardian and also a football boy, which is in theory rugby with a whole lot of padding. But none of my high school, college or cosmetology school friends knew the extent of the eating disorders and didn't at a time when mental health was only just coming to the forefront, understand my struggles nor really seem to care unless it was really bad.

The only people who know especially about the anorexia are my husband and someone I recently confided in at work. I didn't even remember that diagnosis. But the fact that it is also a learned behavior in my family, you eat once a day at dinner and if you don't like what's being served you don't eat, that makes it so much worse. And as a assigned male and still use male pronouns though will prefer nonbinary ones, we're taught not to talk about this, ever. Don't cry, don't show emotion, don't show weakness. And that's not okay. I should be able to approach my own family and be able to speak about such matters but I cannot. I should be able to even say them out loud, be able to be seen holding hands in public with my husband etc, but I can't.

This is the very level of not only toxic masculinity but also toxic feminity, and toxic positivity that pervades our society as we see it today. I'm not saying guys have it worse, not by a freaking long shot, in fact what I'm saying is the fact that the only safe "space" I have to put voice to my thoughts is on an app with complete strangers, with none of my family or friends on here to see it should say a whole hell of a lot. This app has been the only space where I have found both men and women are truly and completely equals. No one is more justified, or gets upset. Everyone is here for support when we all have limited support. Everyone who has ever commented on a thought I've shared, or reacted to it, I appreciate you all so much, you have gotten me through some pretty rough times. And this is no different, just again long, vague topic posting, and need the support as we all do.

#LGBTQIA #MentalHealth #AnorexiaNervosa #PTSD #SchizoaffectiveDisorder

Most common user reactionsMost common user reactions 7 reactions
Post
See full photo

Know you are loved...

#MentalHealth
I woke up this morning wondering what I’m doing here.
#Life ? #Love ? #Giving ? #Understanding ? What?? I asked myself..
ALL of the above! ( I heard myself)

We have a #Choice .
Live with memories of #traumatic childhoods,
Or
#live with a #Determination of #yes ! #They can’t hurt me anymore! The past is over...let’s get on with healing..

#freedom is ours, it’s always knocking to come home,
Turn the key friend, OPEN THE DOOR!
Your #heart is still #lovingly beating for you. For you #preious One...
They never managed to take your #heart
For many winters, you’ve survived with a #Broken heart- yes
Now, come out, open the door, and #listen to the #Birds
Listen to your heart
Know you are loved.

Post
See full photo

#They just know#

I had my thyroid removed it's amazing for being a puppy he could sense something was off.

Post

#lost #

#I have stayed to myself basically I don’t do much especially since the Depression # .And my fibromyalgia ,The pain is harsh. I feel so bad. #well got on tictoc and there he was I never , since my marriage wanted to talk to any other man #They all could not comepar to him.! # Then like I said I saw him and it was craze he stirred something in me that I never felt since my husband #.And I try to talk to him, I think it was ok.at first,Now you have to understand that I have been with my husband . #Sinces 1990 that’s when we got married I thought he hung the moon #we have grown,apart ,we think differently if I don’t agree with him, well I try to stay in my room . When I got on tictoc I was hoping just to talk to,someone#I was hoping this person would maybe find me special ,and we could talk about anything but no I don’t think he has said maybe 6or 7 words to me. #I think his special and I feel like a dumb ass for even thinking that he might like me . #So my Depression is really bad.I was so stupid.And now I feel, am ,less than nothing I feel LOST😢☮️🦩✌️

4 comments
Post
See full photo

Holly Berries #They add a seasonal flair and the old barn here is very very cold and I am thinking about moving to the West Coast and even told John

Sick of where I live as have very very little in common with most of them and also like Montana and Idaho Lily Bushkin says she is game:-)

Post

I'm the black sheep of the family

#CheerMeOn #everyone was invited to Easter celebration in my family except me. #I 'm the Mom and was excluded. #They are scared of me because I've been unsuccessful in my suicide attempts. #I 'm stronger now and they were a part of the pain and reason. #They continue to hurt me and my feelings and wonder why I don't go out of my way to be around them!

1 comment
Post

Answers to life's problems#They are there

Every problem we have has the solution at the same time, but may need some effort to reveal it.
#CheckInWithMe

1 comment