Just a quick post to keep things moving along at a cracking pace, to follow up on a few previous posts and to just share a couple of articles that are well worth reading.
Firstly, I have still not managed to buy a single gaming item from a charity shop so no review forthcoming on that front. I have however just purchased, from Ebay, a copy of White Dwarf 40. This was the first WD I ever bought back in the day and I am looking to do a deep dive into it when I get a few hours to spend, so look out for that in the future - spoiler - it's actually quite good!
On the miniatures front I have managed to assemble one (1) of my Orks, which has since been undercoated by my son - maybe some painting going forward, who knows.
And in other, more serious, news please refer to these couple of links
From Musings of the Welsh Wizzard
http://mikehobbs.co.uk/index.php/2018/07/08/the-devil-in-your-head/
From Chance of Gaming
http://chanceofgaming.com/blog/uncategorized/thoughts-on-depression-and-anxiety/
There is lots of food for thought here.
By now everybody in the world knows exactly how challenging mental health issues can be and should all know that help is available, that we are not alone, that there is nothing to be ashamed of in admitting that we have a problem. So all this having been said why is it that we often don't seem capable of making sensible choices and in fact often make decisions which from an outsider probably seem utterly counter-productive? The reason is that men are, by and large, quite stupid, stuck in their ways and very likely to behave in a stereotypical ""stiff upper lip", boys don't cry kind of way.
I can only go by personal experience when I say this. I have had "issues" for many years (won't bore you with the details but safe to say medication has a place in my life and has had for a while). For a lot of this time my wife has been advising me, trying to help me and encouraging(/threatening) me to seek help, and to make lifestyle choices that will make all the difference to my mental health. Now in my work life I would take all such input onboard and make clever, well thought out decisions that make my life better and more productive. In my personal life - not so much. I know what I need to do, how I need to act and what decisions will improve my lot but for reasons that can only be described as middle aged man obstinacy I frequently fail to make these right decisions - Why? Who really knows, but maybe with time, with more input and with support and encouragement things will improve. I don't consider I will ever be a 100% fully functioning normal member of society but I am getting there, little by little, and I would advise anyone who recognises such traits in themselves to seek help, even if it is just a chat with a buddy or significant other. The more self aware we are the more likely we are to improve things.
Don't suffer in silence - Help is closer than you think, and while there are no quick fixes, it's always better to take steps in the right direction.
Sorry for the stream of consciousness, I wanted to write a better informed and eloquent article but I'll just go with emotional and hope for the best.
Take care of you and yours,
Until next time
Carl
