Third Wheel Designs Donations

By Gretel Girl Join Me

This is where it begins

I still remember how frustrated they were with me. They couldnt understand why I wouldnt just call them if I was feeling down. But when the ugly hand of depression comes and slaps me in the face, all I want to do is crawl into a dark cave. I want to pretend I don’t exist. To call a friend would expose the pain I was going through and make me aware that I did exist and I was drowning in darkness. I hated myself and assumed that the friends in my life would eventually end up seeing me as a burden. It was better to hide.

I had a person that totally got it. When I called they knew. They offered help without being offended if I said no. They made me feel normal. There was such a sense of security knowing that someone was there if I needed.

Third Wheel Designs (https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/ThirdWheelTees) is an apparel brand created to both raise awareness and support organisations like Black Dog Institute. Why “Third Wheel”? ‘Cause sometimes depression feels like that unwanted companion that seems to follow you everywhere. It’s totally been a third wheel for me.

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate – it affects 1 in 5 Australians every year with symptoms like depression and anxiety. The impact can be devastating, not only for those living with it, but for those around them.

Black Dog Institute is the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan. Their aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.

That’s why we’re donating a portion of sales to Black Dog Institute. Every dollar raised will support crucial mental health research and support services that help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide.

You can also donate online right now to show your support.

Thank you.

My Updates

Not Today Thanks

Friday 28th Apr
I wouldn't call myself an introvert, but....
There definitely are some traditional characteristics of an introvert that I lean towards.
- I'm reflective
- I'm very comfortable in my own company and appreciate alone time.
- I often feel tired after being in a crowd
- I like to use my imagination to work out problems
- I retreat into my own mind to rest

But this last one is a killer for me. It actually makes me feel like a crappy person... I am not "refuelled" and "re-energised" by being around people. Arrrghhh! (To all my wonderful friends out there, please don't take this personally). Why does this annoy me so much? Because I love being with people, I love connecting, I love being part of a team, I love being part of a community, I love my friends and my family.

I feel I am more 'complete' and fulfilled when I spend quality time with others...but it also makes me feel drained.

Having struggled with depression and PMDD for decades, I know when I reach my limits and need to withdraw. There are many times I just need to say no even though I am tortured by letting people down. Saying no to a friend's party... Saying no to a night out... Sometimes its just saying no to myself when I am tempted to offer help that wasn't even asked for! It's okay to say no.

Last week I felt completely burnt out, empty, emotional, hollow, a shell of a person. Literally, my tank could not have been more empty. I tried to keep going, putting on my party face and pushing through, but I eventually crumbled. This is not a great place to be when you not only have a family who needs you and a full-time job. Thank god I work for an incredible company who truly care and support their employees. And even though I didn't want to let my team down, I knew that they would understand my request for a mental health day.

It's okay to say no. But more importantly, we need to say yes to looking after ourselves, being self-aware, and understanding what re-energizes you.

This latest Third Wheel design "Nope, Not Today Thanks" is a reminder to look after yourself and if possible, be aware of those around you that might need support. $5 from every sale goes to Black Dog Institute who do incredible work in the mental health arena.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$5.22

Lucinda Boddy

$5.25

Laura Aparicio

$10.40

Elizabeth Donaldson

$10.50

Lauren Lovett

$5.25

Gina Anastasopoulos

$5.25

Laura Poynter

Thank you for helping Third Wheel Designs raise money for Black Dog Institute