Changes are on the way

[Struggling2]

Hi all,

A bit about me.

I am a 51 year old women and have suffered major depression for most of my life. From early on in my life I felt "different" to every one else around me. I had a very very bad temper and wasnt pleasant to be around. At 31, I was finally dignosed with major depression and was prescribed anti depressants and have been taking these now for over 20 years.

In the past few years my depression has worsened. This is because of my job in the public service, who know by the way of my illness, I have been bullied and harrassed and treated dispectfully by others that I work with. I have never been given or shown any empathy or respect because I have a mental illness.

Recently I decided, for my own mental health and well being, to resign and find a job I really like with nicer people surrounding me.

The ironic thing is I work at the department of health.

[Mary_Ploppins]

Hi there, it sounds like things have been really rough for you and im sorry that has happened. Have you found a new job or still looking.

Have a great day 🙂

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Struggling2,

Many of us here can empathise with your struggles even if our experiences aren’t identical. You have clearly been through a lot in your life and especially in recent years...

I would think that you must have felt very isolated, misunderstood, unsupported and “targeted” at work. What a toxic work environment; bullying and disrespect is not okay. How I wish things had been different for you and that there was more empathy and support, which is what you need and deserve.

I think it’s a brave step you took to resign for the sake of your mental health. Good on you 🙂 I hope things look up in your job hunt and something shows up...

Oh and I smiled at your irony comment (I hope you don’t mind). I can see what you’re saying. Then again, I think working in a certain field doesn’t grant anyone “immunity” to health problems.

Take the mental health field, purely as an example, I think that a lot (not all of course) of psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and social workers are drawn to the mental health field because of their own mental health struggles. I feel they are not “immune” to mental health issues any more than anyone who works in health is either...Sorry, that’s just an aside comment of mine.

More importantly, I hope you feel welcome on the forums 🙂

Kind thoughts,

Pepper

[demonblaster]

Hi struggling great you're opening up, you're strength is rising & admirable you being proactive to get into a happier healthier work enviroment.Hope that works out well for you

Some not all people can be real mongrels & clearly are clueless & completely lack compassion. Karma will sort them

Do you see a psychologist or anyone on a regular basis they can help with coping strategies & understanding.

Again i say good on you leaving a situation thats causing you pain & deterioration in mental health. Takes courage.

All best ☺

[quirkywords]

Struggling2

Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing your story.

Mary Ploppins and Pepper have written great comments so I i'll try not to repeat myself .

I know you were not shown respect and you were bullied and that is no way to treat a fellow worker no matter where you work.

I was wondering did anyone in HR or any individual show you any understanding or compassion at all.?

It is sad when we think we have come a long way in regards to creating a positive image for mental illness that someone can be treated like you were.

Have you left your work or are you waiting till you can transfer to another job or will you leave the public service all together.?

I tend to ask questions, I hope that is ok.

Welcome again and I hope to hear more about your story.

Quirky