Hello, everyone!

[noisechannelrocker]

Not really new here, but I joined almost a year ago and just started being active here. I am loving this site so far and everyone is super nice!

It's nice to meet you all!

To break the ice:

I'm a digital artist, my artwork can be found on my deviantArt.

I have PTSD and I'm Schizophrenic. If you would like to discuss/learn about those mental illnesses, I am always up for talking about it as I believe the stigma around mental illnesses is disrespectful and people need to know we're not scary, bad, or "edgy" people.

I'm a dude! I just turned 20 on 10 November.

I'm Pansexual. I'm interested in anyone and am accepting of anyone of any gender, gender identity, or those that don't align with the gender spectrum. I love you because you're human, not because of your bits!

My favourite band is Twenty One Pilots. My favourite actor is Rami Malek. Favourite TV show is Mr. Robot. Favourite game is Pokemon Sun!

[Diana]

I already posted in your hangout, but I will give you an official welcome!

As I extend to everyone, if you ever need anything, please feel free to PM a staff member or post in the help/support forum.

I like to ask each user at least one silly question when they join, so for you:
If you're in a vehicle going the speed of light, what happens when you turn on the headlights?
Or, alternatively:
How dense must someone be to have the world revolve around them?

[Lemon Cheesecake]

welcome back! You can probably appreciate the changes on the site since you were on last year! Did you purchase yourself a pet yet? The snome's it looks like will only be available until Feb 2nd (unless I misread the announcement!?!?).

A couple people I know love Mr.Robot, I watched one episode but found you had to concentrate to follow it. I probably should give it another chance.

[okios]

Welcome (back) to Windlyn! I probably commented on another avi site, but I'll comment again: Awesome art! ^^ 21 Pilots is one of my favorite bands too.

[noisechannelrocker]

Diana
Thank you for the welcome!
Can do! If I ever have any questions I'll be sure to let you know!
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If you're in a vehicle going at the speed of light, and you turn on the headlights, nothing out of the ordinary would happen. It would look the same as always, although those observing you would see something different.

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Lemon Cheesecake
Thank you so much! I had no idea you could purchase a pet here. I'll get right on that.

Mr Robot is my favourite show for that very reason! It's very realistic, the way they portray everything. I love Elliot, the main character, as he deals with a lot of the same mental issues as me, and we both really enjoy working with computers. I love the plot of that show so much I've re-watched it over 5 times.

You should definitely give it a try if you're interested!

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okios
Thank you so much for the welcome and complimenting my artwork! I'm so glad to meet another fan of twenty one pilots! Do you have a favourite song by them?

[Watery Star]

Welcome back!
Your art is cool. Always love seeing more artists.
I have a friend with schizophrenia and I have fibromyalgia. She's been there for me and a very generous.

I haven't watched Mr.Robot yet. There's so much to watch even with all the free time I have lol. I started the OA today and it's pretty good. Do you watch any anime?

[Bassy]

Welcome back! I love the windlyn community! Your art is really great! Love to see more from you!

[okios]

@noisechannelrocker: omg pickling a favorite song from them is like picking a favorite child for me. i love them all tbh because the lyrics for each are so meaningful. ;v; How about you?

[noisechannelrocker]

Watery Star
Thank you so much!
One of my familie's friends has fibro, I heard it's extremely painful. Is that true?

For a long while I watched Anime non-stop! My favourite is Kiznaiver and Coppelione!

Bassy
Thank you so much! I'm working on a big project right now codenamed "DIB I, II, III, IV, V."

okios
I think my favourites are Addict With a Pen, Guns For Hands, HeavyDirtySoul, and Migraine!
I relate to the lyrics of all the songs a lot, so I definitely understand what you mean. For Christmas I got a record player and the Blurryface vinyl! I plan to get the Vessel vinyl when I can. Those are my two favourites.

[galled]

Welcome back to Windlyn!

I like your art--the 3D effect (like what you see in the old red/blue glasses 3D) is quite interesting.

Regarding PTSD (and I hope I don't come across as insensitive), what are your thoughts on art therapy? Of course all art is therapeutic in some manner, and art is most typically a reflection/expression of who you are, do you feel it also influence who you are (the reverse)?

What I'm getting at is art therapy is used to help people express what they're feeling, etc., and guiding people to create art that focuses on themes counter to their bad feelings/issues helps change their state of mind. Call it brainwashing, positive influence or what have you, but as much as the mind influences your body, and your body influences your mind, I believe there is a powerful connection there. My observations from the pieces of art I've seen on your DA show a sense of isolation, starkness, and perhaps anxiety. And if I were to draw conclusions knowing about your PTSD etc, I wonder if creating art that would reduce those feelings (counter them) would be therapeutic.

I don't want to get too personal as I know that can make (understandably!) uncomfortable. It's just a thought and I wish you well and great happiness (which is another discussion!).

Anyway,I hope you have fun here. Everyone is super-friendly and super-supportive!

[noisechannelrocker]

galled
Thank you so much!
----
You don't come across as insensitive at all. I always am excited to answer any questions anyone has, and I love discussing these things as it really helps open people's eyes about the disorder. You can ask as many questions as you want! Don't be discouraged if you think one may not be appropriate. It takes a lot to get me uncomfortable/mad, so there's nothing to worry about. c:

Art therapy is nice but it doesn't always help. While I love drawing when there's a purpose behind it, sometimes the whole process of getting these things out in a digital canvas or even traditional means is the most stressful part. I chose to focus mainly on how things affect me, and focus on negative aspects in my artwork as sometimes my weaknesses become my strengths, if only temporarily.

That's very true! I only have one friend RL, they're my best friend, and I isolate myself from other people. I'm in an abusive home currently, planning to move in with my friend as soon as we find a place that we can afford. I don't trust people but I'm trying my very best to open up. Anxiety is a key thing and at times if I know I have to go somewhere the next day I won't be able to sleep. Because if it I rarely sleep anyway.

I would say making art that could counter those feelings in a positive way would be helpful. Sort of like day/night. For the symbolism in my artwork, I hallucinate often and I see the red/blue glitches very often in my vision. Sometimes it makes it hard to see because things are distorted. Nearly everything in a piece that is made for the purpose of expression has those components in it. I also see people as colors and shapes.

I hope that makes sense! If I need to clarify, please let me know!

Thank you again!! I love this place so far.

[Watery Star]

There's different severities to conditions and illnesses. There are people I know of that are only occasionally bothered by fibro. Mine is severe with constant aches and pains. With medicine it's mostly tolerable. It feels like I've slept wrong and haven't slept at the same time. The exhaustion I feel is usually the worst part though. I don't feel refreshed when I wake up. I always feel like I could use more rest. Sometimes I don't get up until I feel so achy that I need to move. If I'm in a good mood I could look past all this and find something to entertain myself with.

That turned out to be more about me then me getting to know you. How are you doing?

I haven't finished Kiznaiver, I got distracted and then started watching other things ^^; I'll have to finish it. Are you too busy to watch anime now?

[noisechannelrocker]

Watery Star
Are you on any medications for it? Well, I don't know if there's any medication for it, but I hope if there is that it works. I know I have a low pain tolerance so I know I wouldn't be able to handle feeling pain to that severity all the time. I have Scoliosis and sometimes my back hurts so bad I throw up, but it's not a constant thing.

That's perfectly fine! I love getting to know people and I really appreciate you opening up to me about that.

Currently yes, I watched some of Yuri!! On Ice and that was the last anime I watched besides Nanbaka. I'm mostly working on art and going to constant therapy and doctor's apps because I have to stay medicated and "in control" as much as possible.

[MonkeyGirl18]

Welcome to Windlyn! :o nice artwork!

[Watery Star]

Yes I am.There are specific meds for fibro but they're still new and expensive. I'm on meds that are for other things but also relieve my type of pain. I just saw a pain management specialist this week and trying some things to better manage it. It was rough at first because the doctors I first saw when I had these pains were only giving me anti-depressants. But I finally saw a doctor that really listened to me things improved from there. Usually it's just annoying aches that wont go away and just when I think it may have gone I feel it again. I don't have a high tolerance to pain either and now it's worst. I have to be careful what I do so I don't aggravate my body.

Thanks, and I appreciate you reading and responding.

Everyone seems to have watched Yuri. I was watching This World is Still beautiful. I was anticipating March Comes in Like a Lion though so I'm watching that now.
Is the therapy helping? I hope it is and that your medication(s) are helping too. It can be hard to find the right approach. I'm have a referral to take aquatic therapy. The pain management specialist has it noted for 2-3x a week and I don't know if I can manage once a week. I get so tired when I leave the house. I use to do physical and occupational therapy at my home.
That's an awful feeling how often does that happen?