'You can't see it but I have a medical condition described as chronic depression. I had my first breakdown in January 2001, followed by another in April 2002. I could no longer cope with work pressure and my work environment was toxic.
No part of my life has been unaffected by the breakdowns and their ongoing effect.
With medication and supportive, positive people that I can trust and share my problems with, I am getting well.'
Dale's Story
Hi folks! To those who are suffering and hopefully reading this for some support, HEY YOU ARE NOT ALONE OUT THERE IN YOUR TWISTED WORLD OF TORMENT ANY LONGER. We are there to just listen to you or your carer's problems; I joined up only some weeks back, and I now have the comfort feeling that we so desperately need when ill, knowing we are not alone. THERE IS HOPE, believe me, I had just about ran out of hope. DON'T PUT UP with the TORTURE ANY LONGER, whatever you are going through. We ALSO have gone or going through the same, if we get cancer we seek help, SO what's the difference, we have an illness that can be treated. IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT THAT YOU HAVE THIS ILLNESS, IT'S NOBODY'S FAULT, IT IS THERE, IT IS TREATABLE. Contact us, pick up the phone now, GIVE YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES SOME HOPE AND QUALITY OF LIFE ONCE AGAIN. OH!, I WISH THIS GROUP WAS ABOUT 12 YEARS AGO, I feel real good now and have PURPOSE back in my life, and can finally see through the FOG and HAZE, am making some great friendships through DSN, get your life back again. Phone NOW. Hope to see you all on Monday for a cuppa and a laugh. Cheers, Dale Robinson, Toowoomba.
Janet's Story
My first contact with DSN was in early 2007 just prior to the move to the Bell St Mall. At the time I was very ill. I had just left my job as a primary school teacher working with students with disabilities, most of whom had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. I was unable to care for myself adequately. At DSN, others would make my coffee, listen to my story, allow me to be however I was on that day and provide a safe place for me to fill my day and meet people. They were able to distract me from my own issues, helping me to see a little of the world beyond my own illness. As time went on I was gradually able to take a more active role and I remember the day I attempted to make a cuppa for others. I got their orders very mixed up, but they drank it anyway with good grace. At time went on, and with their support, I was able to take a greater role and am now the secretary of the Management Committee and enjoy my work as a volunteer in the Resource centre. I go into the Resource Centre almost every day and find as I support others, they in turn support me. We gain strength from and give strength to each other as we progress along our individual roads to recovery.
Janet Jones, July 2009
Clare's Story
I first became aware of the Toowoomba Depression Support Network when a girlfriend of mine asked if I would go to an information evening on depression because she didn't want to go by herself.
It was a forum that DSN put on where they had a pharmacist, a psychiatrist and a lady who had suffered from depression were all speaking. I found the evening good and could tell by the questions from the audience that there was a lot of information people wanted and a real need for more of this kind of education in the community.
My friend and I went along to the support group meetings in the following months and we felt very comfortable about getting involved with the organisation and the individuals who were part of it. 18 months later, she is now married to one of those people.
My depression had been stable for a while but when I started to struggle with it again, it was more than helpful to have these relationships and support already in place. As I was able to, I took on small jobs helping out that came up in the office and other areas of DSN and now I am a part of the management committee and also facilitate the Friday support group meetings.
One of the things that impressed me most about the Toowoomba Depression Support Network was the character of the people who were involved and the culture of authenticity, responsiveness and the healthy relationships that had been established within the organisation. This ethos has been carefully maintained and is central to how we function. IT IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN GO TO, NO MATTER HOW THEY ARE FEELING BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Clare Linton, July 2009
Emma
‘My experience of depression varies from day to day, however the feeling remains constant. I must always remember though, that if it gets too much for me to handle on my own, there are people I can call or go to who will help me deal with it.’
Bill's Speech at Grand Opening
If you wish to contact any of these people, please send an email to dsntoowoomba@gmail.com
DSN is very grateful to many organisations in our community for their generous support.
Without this support, we would be unable to continue to provide a much needed service in our community.
Below are some of the organisations who have supported us.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Join Forces QRAA Qld Gov
Qld Health Chic Funding
GP Connections
Cornetts IGA
Explorer Grant Self Help Qld
Max Employment
Officeworks
Dept. Environment & Resources
T.R.I.C.K. Car Club
Middle Ridge Uniting Church
Red Leaf Gift Store
South Street News
Town & Country House Wash
Tim Anderssen Plumbing
Jocelyn Price
Robertson Scannell
Deb’s Bakery
Home Ice Cream
Betros Bros.
The Sausage King
Taylors Removals
Twmba Older People’s Action Program Inc
David Fredericks Web and Graphic Design
