Coping with Depression

[Darcy2020]

Hi there, I'm a 23 year old with chronic ADHD, anxiety and depression. I am currently experiencing the worst burn out of my life after months unpacking trauma in therapy. Turns out they weren't joking when they said trauma work gets worse before it gets better. I'm trying to hold on hope, and when I do manage to get a few hours of sleep and leave my room (I WFH) I can believe that things will be better on the other side. The issue is that I am in my final semester of uni with one month to go, and that month feels impossible. I have no motivation left, I can't concentrate and I just have nothing left in the tank. My doctor thinks I need anti-depressants but because of the side-effects I shouldn't start them until after exams, so I'm on my own there. I also don't have any support system where I am. I took longer to graduate than all my friends and they've all left now. My doctor asked me yesterday about a suicide plan and if there was anyone I could trust to go to and I had to answer that there wasn't. I have a few friends but they're all overseas and I've withdrawn from them almost entirely because I feel like a burden on them, so I hide how I'm feeling and end up feeling misunderstood. I also don't have anything to look forward to after graduation. I've been so depleted that i can't make any decisions about my future and part of me isn't fully convinced I'll make it there anyway. Basically I'm really struggling, and all I can do in this next month is just cope, survive and scrape through. If anyone is going through something similar, or has any tips on how to do that, how to pull through when you have nothing left to give, I would love to hear. 

[Happylife]

Hello and welcome to the forums Darcy2020,

Thanks for reaching out and sharing your feelings, you have come to the right place. Really sorry to hear about your mental health struggles and that you are going through a challenging period. Anxiety and depression can really drain your energy, leaving you feeling empty and fatigued.

Glad you are seeking help through therapy. Also, happy to hear that you have trust in hope and believe that things will get better, that's a very good sign.

You mentioned about managing to get a few hours of sleep, is your job very demanding?

A good night's sleep is extremely important both for physical and mental health.

Looks like you are doing a lot, studying and working long hours. While its commendable, managing both at the same time can make you feel extremely overwhelming especially if you are suffering from anxiety and depression. This will also reduce your motivation making it more challenging for you to do anything.

If I may ask, do you have any time for self-care, even if it is just taking a walk outside?

Also, I think it is extremely essential to have a support system and connect with family or friends with whom you can trust and share things. Please remember you are never a burden on anyone. Please try and re-connect with your friends overseas. With so much technology today, it is very easy to stay in touch with people anywhere in the world. 

I totally understand it's hard to talk to someone in the beginning about your feelings, but even if you have one person you can trust, please share your feelings with them. If he/she is a good friend, they will definitely understand, listen and support you. This will really help you during tough times.

Hope this helps. Please don't feel alone, here to listen if you feel like unloading...

Take care

Happylife