Hello,

My name is Carly, although many here know me as =TimeFalcon. I am the founder of ~TLC-Artist, a community dedicated to aiding fellow deviants who suffer depression and anxiety disorders.


My story:
A few years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and immediately given the appropriate medications, including Prozac, to stabilize my moods. After about two weeks of taking Prozac, my depression increased, and my mood swings took a turn for the worse, putting my symptoms in the manic depression category. I began to lash out at everyone around me, people that I loved, and who loved me. Slowly I drove everyone away, without wanting or meaning to.

I realized that the medications were making my symptoms worse, and so with permission from my doctor, I slowly began to wean myself off of the medications. It took months to stabilize again, but I overcame it, and it was obvious medications were not the answer to my problems. (Please note: I un-medicated under the supervision of a doctor. I do not recommend self-unmedicating, as it is potentially very dangerous.)

Two years ago, I slowly began to realize that although my symptoms seem very similar to bipolar disorder, they are not consistent with the disorder. After speaking with several doctors, friends, and doing some research on my own, I found out that I have Situational Depression - depression that kicks in during times of high stress, etc. Situational depression comes and goes sporadically, therefore is not medicate-able.

In times of depression slumps, I find that the best medication is simply being able to talk about it without fear, which brings me to my goal of starting ~TLC-Artist.

Rules and Goals:

Those who suffer depression and anxiety disorders often feel lost, alone, and afraid. It becomes difficult to be able to speak to others about your problem, out of the fear of rejection, which in turn, only makes the problems worse, and can lead to reclusive behavior, anger, and even suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

Sometimes, the best medication for any of us , is simply having someone listen. We don't need help, or sympathy, just someone who is kind enough to sit down and hear what we have to say. Just talking about it takes a huge burden off the mind, and a weight off of your chest that you can actually feel being lifted away. It's amazing.

You are never alone.

I aim to provide a safe haven for those who suffer these disorders, to submit their personal stories via note. You have the choice of whether to submit anonymously or not. Each story will be submitted as a deviation. All comments will be screened, so that only supportive feedback is given.

Keep an open mind.

This club/community will be run like an online support group. If you submit a story, please be willing to be respectful of others' stories. We're not here to judge, but be supportive and uplifting for each other.

Uplifting

If you find something uplifting, please feel free to submit it. Laughter is medicine for the soul! Twice a month, I will post journal entries with your "uplifting" submissions.

Be willing to accept help and advice from others.

If someone responds to your submission, please be willing to accept, or at least hear out the advice given. We're here to heal ourselves, not dwell on our pain.


Admin:

So far, staff includes myself, =TimeFalcon
The magnificent and sweet *IrrevocableFate
The wonderful ~LukkiStarr , who will be battling off the evil trolls, and screening comments.
We are currently accepting applications for at least four other staff members for various tasks including comment screening, submissions, and chatroom moderators.

Chatroom:

I aim to create a 24-hour chatroom, for those of more immediate need of speaking to someone. Please be aware, though, that we are not professionals. If you are having a medical or psychiatric emergency, please call 911 (or your country's equivalent) or go to the closest emergency room.

TLCArtistChat

What we need:

~TLC-Artist is a new club with many special needs!

Please note me at =TimeFalcon if you are willing to contribute the following:

Subs! - we need subscriptions so that we can send out monthly newsletters, polls, and create a journal CSS.

Journal CSS

Avatar - we need an avatar that sends out the right message about our community!

Stamps - Help promote ~TLC-Artist!

Pimps - We are a new club, any journal pimps would be appreciated, as my goal is to help out as many people as possible!

Suggestions! - If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to ask!

Thank you,

to everyone!

~Carly