Don't Tell Anyone

[Grey1]

I have read many threads and I took these and my GP and pyschologists advise about telling people about my depression. However, when I told friends they gave out an uneasy laugh and stooped the conversation and the ultimate let down was my company that caused my depression won't let me come back to work and offered me a small some to walk away. This has added to my depression and put me right back to where I was 2 months ago. So my advise is to only share with like for like people as others are still in the dark about depression.

[white knight]

Hi Grey1, Welcome good to hear from you

I dont know if anyone has clearly advised anyone else from here to be open about depression to others.  If they did they were doing so from the eyes of another sufferer. Some MI sufferers get fed up with hiding their illness and vent, tell all and sundry about it and "bugger them" attitude comes out. And understandably so.

Then there are the quieter types, that suffer in silence. These souls display a confused persona and can, when questioned, not let out the real reason for their behaviour. Also understandable.

However I agree with you in that exposing your illness likely will lead to your detriment, could cost you your job, friendships and family. In terms of family if they belittled me or couldnt care then why have them around? Friends the same. And yes, stick to your own, those that understand.

Sorry you lost your job.  Have you sought out a workers compensation lawyer? Have you seen your GP? Did you attend your GP regularly for depression before you were sacked from your job? If so payments might be valid.

[HA1]

Hi Grey1

Thanks for sharing your experience.  It is interesting but, unfortunately, not entirely surprising.

I certainly would not share details of my illness with too many people - only a select few that I implicitly trust.  Not because I am ashamed of it, in fact I will admit it to anyone who may have the insight to ask me.  However, I do not volunteer that information for many reasons, including those that WK has mentioned.

I would though be interested in hearing if you were formally sacked, and if so, what reason did they offer?  

Let us know how you are travelling,

Take care

K

[Grey1]

Thanks for replying and understanding of the situation. I have been seeing a GP and psychologist weekly for the past 2 months following a suicide attempt while working on a mine site. We determined that the stress was related to constant bullying and belittling by my superiors which caused a negative response to my work. The result was they directed the insurance company to only pay me compensation if I agreed to resign. Due to mounting bills I had to accept their miserly terms. This also terminates any further payments for treatment and I'm still not ready to return to work. If I had broken a bone the result would have been different. The treatment of depression is only one aspect of recovery, companies must be brought to task to understand depression is a genuine condition and should be supported accordingly.

[HA1]

Hi Grey1 - really good to hear back from you.

I wonder if you are aware of the current Beyond Blue project on insurance discrimination.  Your story might be worth sharing with the project team.  Give them a call if you like.

I am glad that you are seeking help from mental health professionals. How is that going, are you responding to the treatment?

Take care

K

[NicoleP]

Hi Gray 1

This situation with your job sounds very strange. Have you checked out your rights? I would be giving Fairwork Australia a call to get some more information. 

Kezza