Acceptance of what is. And peoples experience of the same.

[Beaser]

 I hope im posting in the right section .   I have started to accept that my anxiety and depression are not my fault and in a way its a bit of a comfort.  It has cost me so much ,relationships,employement and family ties..  Im scared of where its taking me but im 56 and have fought hard for so long and yes im tired of it. 

Do i  have to explain it to everyone who asks why im not working or functioning well? I was wondering have others found themselves at a similar stage.

Love and best wishes to everyone.      Brett

[smallwolf]

hello and welcome.

Firstly, I think you are posting in the right section. If not, the post would have been moved. 

my short answer to your question is ... NO.

The longer answer is ...

Acceptance can indeed be a comfort, as it helps us recognize that these struggles are not our fault. It sounds like you've faced numerous challenges due to your mental health, and that can be really tough. Feeling tired after fighting for so long is completely natural.

As for explaining your situation to others ... how much you want to share is up to you. Some people may be understanding and supportive, while others might not fully grasp the complexities of mental health. You don't owe anyone an explanation if you don't feel up to it.

Part of the reason I am here on the forums is that I have found my tribe here. People who understand what it's like, have an understanding of what I go through. While I have not been in the same situation as you, there maybe other who are in the same boat and relate to what you're going through. Keep reaching out for support and take care of yourself.

Listening to you.

[Beaser]

Thank you Smallwolf.

Youre response makes a lot of sense.  I guess people from all different walks of life may at times feel judged or  that there is a  lack of understanding from others. 

I have always been a pretty quiet sort of person anyway so not opening up to people may not surprise them.   Brett   

[Fairmaiden64]

Hi Brett

Oh I know how tiring it is. At times, it's overwhelming and debilitating at that. I'm 59 and remember my depression, anxiety and even my OCD at 4 years of age. I am looking forward to getting to retirement so I don't have to explain anymore about not working here and there because I'm not coping. No family connections for me. Always the black sheep, despite never doing anything to anyone. Relationships....I'm so hearing you. It seems at times that noone can possibly understand you unless they are feeling it themselves. Even my social phobia gets remarks of 'arrogance' because i can't be around people for too long anymore. It's not a place of arrogance I am coming from, I just can't manage people for any length of time, so much so that nowadays I shop online, but that's another show lol. I hope you're hanging in there and doing ok. 

[Beaser]

Thanks for your kind reply Fairmaiden.

You seem to understand what  im trying to say. Sadly for you, you have had a similar path.

I am hanging in there be it some tough days. 

Im offf to the footy today so that will get  me around some of my tribe.  

Im hoping youre ok and hope to hear how your weekend  goes or just  how you are going in general .

Brett

[David35]

People only understand what they want to understand. Society loves to judge. No one in their right mind would choose to struggle in life with anxiety and depression. But as much as you try and explain that to people, they just don't get it. It's because they can't see the problem, so they don't believe you. You don't have to justify yourself to anyone.

[smallwolf]

It also OK to be a quiet person. Life would be boring if we were all the same. 

what football team do you support?

[Beaser]

Hi Smallwolf.

Thanks for the kind reply.   I am a Western Bulldogs member/supporter and also heavily involved with my local club.   Its a bit of a saviour for me as i do some volunteerig there ad get around good people.     Brett.

[Beaser]

Thank You David for your reply.

You make a very valid point that no one in there right mind would want too experience anxiety and dpression.  I would never wish it on anyone either.   

Ive been through my share of physical pain playing contact sport and scrapes and scraps but would take that anytime before my mental heath issues..

 Bestt wishes    Brett.

[David35]

Society has no compassion for things they don't understand. Just my experience. Even though mental health concerns are often more permanent and debilitating than physical injuries. So don't listen to the guilt that other ignorant people project onto you. I've never apologised for catching a cold. I don't see why we need to "apologise" to others for feeling like crap.