Speaking to professioanls is OK. I initially saw a clinical psychologist, who was OK, but after a while (say 2 years), it gets stale and you have heard it all.
Moved on to a psychiatrist, (continuing the psychologist) who unlike the psychologist prescibes drugs.
I was much more comfortable speaking to the psychologist, mainly given he was a white male of similar age to me.
The psychiatrist was an asian lady much younger than me, eminently qualified, but she had no idea what my normal life would be like, much less my abnormal ife.
Maybe 10 years down the track, after several gaps with seeing the psychologist, I haven't been since Februarry, because it got back to "I've heard it all before"
Seeing the psychiatrist every 2 months, because I have to as she controls the drugs, but making an effort to make her talk more. It is good because the psychiatrist visit is only half an hour so you don't have to think of as much to talk about.
**** the stigma, you should be applauded for seeking help.
There is nothing to be ashamed about by admitting life as you have been handed is impossible to cope with.
And I'm about 10 months in to being better than I have been in years
Select to expand quoteNozza said..
Pretty good
Nice set up, Nozza. Easy to get them on the van from there, instead of bumping out from under the house and bumping through the gate like I do. (BTW... van update is overdue. 
)
I guess there's an extra tie-down or two involved when that Victorian weather decides to turn it on.
That SIC Bullet board has served you well! It's still lookin' good too. 
This guy popped up on my Youtube feed. He makes some interesting points (re managing one's relationship with booze, keeping in touch with your passions, connecting with nature). Some of the comments are good too.
Select to expand quoteGreeney said..Nozza said..
Pretty good
Nice set up, Nozza. Easy to get them on the van from there, instead of bumping out from under the house and bumping through the gate like I do. (BTW... van update is overdue. )
I guess there's an extra tie-down or two involved when that Victorian weather decides to turn it on.
That SIC Bullet board has served you well! It's still lookin' good too.
Best looking production board ever made
Select to expand quoteGPA said..
G'day Jakdog,
Mate, very sorry for your loss and recent medical issues. For what it's worth I am 59yo and after also not looking after myself properly for over 20yo got very overweight and hit 120kg. Although I was fit and still surfing, my BP was through the roof at 150/110 medicated. This year becoming a GrandFather something clicked and I started taking my health more seriously. I had previously lost and kept off 5kg... but have since lost another 18kg over the last 10 months by cutting nothing out, but reducing everything. Beer, bread and meal size all down - and trying to increase the protein, particularly in the morning for breakfast. My BP is now 118/77 and I feel better paddling the board around. Guts are down from a 40" waist to 35".
Take the time to do some reading on insulin resistance and metabolic health, and make it a lifestyle change rather than a diet.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and return to the surf.
GPA
Thanks mate! Yes I did study insulin resistance and now I am down about 15 % in body weight. Wow what a difference . I am back out on my paddle board but still not on my surf board just jet but soon I think. Being a grandfather like yourself is one of the most joyful things ever in my life thats for sure and so lucky to have them in my life!
