Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

People with mental illness should meet?

Options
  • 14-01-2012 10:58am
    #1
    Ironmaiden11
    Closed Accounts Posts: 40 ✭


    Hi all. I am just wondering if anyone has any advice. A close friend of mine has had some mental health issues in the past. These are largely resolved but he's on meds still and missed the boat a bit in terms of getting his life together. He's 36 and a decent looking chap but on social welfare but not a drinker or drug user. He's generally a normal bloke. He would like to meet a girl but doesnt feel v confident in this realm as hes on meds etc. Plus alot of girls seem to want men with money- that's natural. Not sure if there's an appropriate social group. Does anyone know of one? Otherwise any advice from people in the same boat or knowing someone in the same boat? He lives in south co Dublin. I looked on meet up and there was nothing specific for this cohort of people who might be on meds or attending psychiatric services so feel on the back foot In the game. It's kind of sad as am sure there is his female equivalent out there!
    any advice?


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    Odysseus
    Registered Users Posts: 6,754 ✭✭✭Odysseus


    He could try some support groups like AWARE for example. From this he may met people who could help him get his social life back in other. However, any group may do, join a night class or the , as well as picking up another skill they can be used to met new people etc. I would see the socialisation as the important thing, whether the other people are in the same position med wise would be secondary.


  • Options
    #3
    nesf
    Registered Users Posts: 27,645 ✭✭✭✭nesf


    Shine run drop in centres and similar: http://www.shineonline.ie/?gclid=CNfN3uHv0K0CFYEa4QodG3V2lw

    They could be excellent if your friend needs to make social contacts and get himself out of the house every day. Some people can get a lot from these kinds of services.


  • Options
    #4
    Ironmaiden11
    Closed Accounts Posts: 40 ✭Ironmaiden11


    Hi thanks for that. He wouldn't be keen to go to an organisation where they focus on mental health. He's grand now and it's the last thing he wants to be constantly reminded of. I think something else would be better. Shine online looks good if you have a difficult chronic illness with poor functioning? Am I right or not?
    What do people talk about at aware meetings ? Depression? That could be very depressing esp if high expressed emotion isn't your thing.
    Thanks alot for the tips anyhow. Much appreciated.


  • Options
    #5
    nesf
    Registered Users Posts: 27,645 ✭✭✭✭nesf


    I found Aware hard because of the number of depressed people there when I went (I wasn't in a bad depression at the time). This will vary from group to group over the country though and some people won't be bothered by this like I was. Shine was a bit different, you had quite a few very high functioning people (i.e not that ill at the time) when I went. It's for chronic mental health problems sure but not everyone who goes is very ill.

    It sounds like your friend might be best joining a regular club or similar for a hobby that interests him.


Advertisement