On sick leave again

[peacock]

I had a week off work on sick leave due to depression. I came back to work for a week and felt great. Then I had a tough time again mentally and am now on another week of sick leave. Feel guilty not being at work and wondering what people think of me. Has anyone else experience this and how did you cope? I do feel my company has a very good policy about mental health in the workplace though.

[peacock]

There are treatments available for anxiety and you don’t need to suffer like that. Your GP is a good place to start and can refer you to a psychologist. I suffered from anxiety myself for years but am getting better at handling it. It is very common and nothing to be ashamed of. I hope you get some help.xx

[SherryY]

I am glad that you managed to get some help, it is really important for you in battling the anxiety / depression. You've got all the time in the world to yourself only. Don't waste it.

[peacock]

Hi, I’m really struggling today with depression. Since I left my job I’ve been feeling so sad and lonely and alone. The days seem so long and I find it hard to get enjoyment from anything. I feel so hopeless and sad and can’t seem to cheer up

[Sophie_M]

Hey peacock,

Thanks for keeping your friends on the forums updated on how you're feeling. We're really sorry to hear that you're struggling today and finding it difficult to get enjoyment from anything- do you think you might feel up to talking these feelings through with a friendly counsellor?

Please know that support is always available to you, whether it be from our Support Service (1300 22 4636) or our lovely friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467). You're always welcome to call these services as often as you need if ever these feelings or thoughts feel like too much to cope with.

We hope that you can find some comfort here on the forums and feel a little less alone- we're all here to help you through this.

[peacock]

Thanks Sophie, I did ring Lifeline and that really helped a lot. The guy I spoke to was so understanding and kind. I feel a lot better after that conversation

[peacock]

Hi Sophie, having a terrible day today. Have rung Lifeline twice and can’t stop crying. I’m feeling bad about the effect my depression is having on my husband but he says he loves me and is no5 going anywhere, he says he has seen me much worse in the past and that I have recovered, today i feel I have hit rock bottom. I would never harm myself and never have but today it is like life has nothing positive to offer me. I will ring my doctor on Monday to talk about this. I am finding it hard to hang in here but I know I have to. 5hanks for listening

[Sophie_M]

Hi peacock,

We're so glad to hear that you've been reaching out to Lifeline. That's exactly what they're there for. Please feel free to reach out to them whenever you need to. 

Thank you for confirming your safety with us, we really appreciate this on the forums. It's great that you will speak with your doctor on Monday, it sounds like you are doing your very best to look after yourself right now and we're so sorry that today is so rough. 

Maybe there is something nice you can do for yourself today, like a long bath or shower, reading a book or watching a movie, eating your favourite meal? We hope you can take it one moment at a time today, we think you're being so strong and doing really well to hang in there. Please feel free to reach out here anytime to let us know how you're going.

 

[Ggrand]

Hello Peacock...

I’m sorry you are crying dear lady...

Its good to hear that your going to reach out and see your dr on Monday...Well done...knowing you need professional help and your reaching out for it...That takes a lot of courage and I am proud of you..

How lovely is it that your husband is very supportive of you and loves, cares and wants to support you..That is really beautiful and he sounds like a very special person..

Is it possible for you to both go for short walks in the evening to help settle your mind a bit...

I don’t work...but I am a volunteer at a well known charity shop that has helped me feel a little bit needed..is that something that you would consider doing?

Doing things we like is a good distraction from our thoughts, because it requires our full concentration therefore the negative thoughts have a break for a while...Our minds can only think of one thought at a time..Do you have something that you enjoy doing?

Talk here anytime you feel up to it lovely Peacock..wecare here for you and want to help you through this hard struggling your going through right now...

Sending you my kind and very caring wishes lovely lady..

Grandy..

[peacock]

Hi Sophie, thanks for your support. I’m feeling much better today. It’s really weird how my mood can change so dramatically in a day or so. Is that normal with depression? I’m just taking it easy today and will go for a walk later. Thanks for your reply, you don’t know how much it means to me, it is really a life saver

[PureHoney]

hi peacock, i think i am going through the same thing you are. I am however unable to take time off as work is mounting and there are so much pressures.

I go through the day feeling heightened anxiety and full of depression. Most times it makes it hard for me to be productive. Many times i asked myself if i should just quit my job as i have no interest in it anyway.

It is hard for me to talk about this to my boss or to my team. My boss is not the most accommodating person, we hardly speak as such, the relationship is very transactional.

How do you initiate a conversation like that?