I don't know what to do anymore

Vashta_Nerada
Community Member

I'm nervous and self conscious around people all the time. I feel like people are watching me and judging me. I worry that my hair is a mess, or something is on my face or i smell bad. I was always teased and bullied in school. My father was very abusive as well, mostly verbally.

I seemed to start getting better in my last job. Over the course of about 2 years i started to feel less uncomfortable with customers and even started to hold conversations with them. however after about 2 years, business really started to pick up. Far more customers than usual. I was stuck on the over night shift on the weekends and sydney just started the lockout laws for bars. So people would get drunk at the local bar instead of going into the city. a bunch of drunk people would come in every saturday night and scream at me and hurl insults at me, etc. After 1.5 years of that I think that set me back far worse than when i started. I used to throw up almost every day in the shower and get panic attacks at work. Not all the time, but sometimes. I'd also be rather irratable even to the nicer customers at night. I dislike being around people even more now. I'm afraid someone is just going to snap and start screaming at me for no reason. I don't want to work in that kind of place anymore. But retail/hospitality is the only thing I'm really "qualified" for and as we live in a remote area it's the only thing that's really available to do anyway (because I really want to work in a bar after all that...) It's been over a year since i left that job but it's still affecting me. i don't know what to do anymore. I feel completely useless not having a job, but i just don't want to go back to work.

And this is causing problems in our marriage, which is causing even more anxiety/depression.

My wife and I had an arguement a couple days ago and I'm still unable to sleep well because of it. It takes hours to fall asleep. When i do fall asleep, i sleep for 12 hours or more. I have no appetite. I have to force myself to eat.

It feels like everything is just falling apart. If she leaves me, I'm screwed. If the depression doesn't kill me, I'll probably be living out on the street. I have no one to help me. I left all of my support system behind when I moved to Australia. I don't even have her family to help me since we moved all the way out to the middle of nowhere.

I'm going to make a doctor's appointment tomorrow to talk all this out if I can but I just needed to vent a bit.

2 Replies 2

smallwolf
Community Champion
Community Champion

Welcome. I am very sorry for the way you are feeling. Sometimes writing it out on the forum can help clarify where things are at and clears the mind - hopefully.

I would ask how much of what you are going through is your wife aware of? I am not trying to be smart here, but it took a coffee and explanation from to let my wife know what I was going though. Admittedly, at that point I already seen a doctor and visiting a psych. Have you reached out to your wife asking for help? Admitting that you are not coping? I know that it is hard! The most important thing is communication. And if argument is affecting you negatively, you need to talk. (Admittedly, I dont know what the argument was about, but...) I also find these discussions better in a public place, as all parties then cannot argue or shout at each other.

Also note there are resources on the Beyond Blue web site for partners as well.

The thoughts that you expressed in the 2nd last pargraph, I would hope/think is what you mind is telling you. We tend to the make things much larger than they really are with anxiety.

Between now and your doctor appointment, you could try virtual hope box and relax melodies. these are 2 apps my psych. recommended to me to get, which I use. Helps to get the anxiety under control. Deep breathing also works but doing it very slowly. I put a post on the mindfulness thread here about that.

Going to the doctor is a smart move. Your doctor will be able to give you guidance for the next steps...

The road will be long, and it will seem like you have setbacks, but you like the rest of us here are on the same journey to find that little ray of sunshine. And if you need to speak with someone urgently there is always lifeline and related services as well as people at Beyond Blue.

Please come back, and let us know you how you are getting on.

blondguy
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hello Vashta

Thankyou for having the courage to post and good on you too!

Smallwolf has provided great support above...When I read your post it reminded me of myself and what I was going through and yes it hurts big time

Firstly if I can mention how proactive you are by making that appointment with your doctor. This shows great character and strength

Not liking being around people is a common sign of a tired mind. When we have too much 'on our plate' we often prefer to have the safety of being on our own....just for the peace and quiet

I understand where you are coming from as I have had the same symptoms for a while now even they are under management with my super kind GP

The forums are a very safe and non judgemental place to be Vashta. You are more than welcome to post back when its convenient for you 🙂

My kind thoughts

Paul