Feeling Helpless

[Setti]

Depression for me seems to be a circle of problems. I'm always exhausted, so I can't work more than a few hours a week. Because I can't work, I don't have enough money to see a psych or go on meds, and I can't get any Centrelink support unless I'm looking for full-time work. Then the person I live with criticises me for 'sitting around all day' which makes me feel worse, and we loop back to the start... I just wish things weren't so expensive, or that psychological help didn't come with a huge bill. I was on the medicare rebate, which dropped my fee down to $25 a session, but I had to quit my job (because of the depression) and now I can't even afford that. I guess I just feel stuck.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation, or have any tips on how to get out of it?

[sisu100]

Hi Setti,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story with us. We are so grateful that you've posted here as I know that it can be really tough to do so in times like these.

I'm hearing that you've been experiencing a constant cycle of problems stemming from depression, which has impaired your ability to work and access psychological help. I imagine you must be managing a lot of different emotions right now which must be really overwhelming, particularly when it's so difficult to work through these times with psychological help right now. It sounds like you're feeling stuck and are looking for a way to break out of this never-ending circle. You may already know this, but Beyond Blue has a support service that you can call on 1300 22 4636 which is available 24/7 for free who can help to talk through these feelings. We're also here to provide you as much support and conversation as you need, and help you get through this. Please do feel free to reach out and let us know how you're travelling.

[SarahZ]

Hello Setti,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for reaching out. I love your profile pic by the way! Super cute 🙂

I'm so sorry to hear how your depression is impacting other aspects of your life. I'm also really saddened to hear that the person you live with criticises you a lot, and can't imagine how upset and hurt you must feel when you hear them say such words. Does this person know what you are going through?

I really recommend that you get in touch with the friendly Beyond Blue counsellors via the phone number @sisu100 has provided. Alternatively, please feel free to get in touch with the lovely counsellors at Lifeline (13 11 14). Also available are the Beyond Blue Support Services on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST found here: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport

Feel free to give us an update if you feel up to it!

Wishing you all the best and sending you positive thoughts ~

[Setti]

Hi Sisu!

Thank you for taking the time to respond! I really appreciate knowing that there's a support network. Where I am, I'm really isolated, and sometimes it feels like I'm on my own. Talking on the phone gives me anxiety, but I will definitely try to sum up the courage to call the support service! Thank you for the advice 🙂

[Setti]

Hi Sarah 🙂

Thank you for your kindness. Things can be really tough, and it's comforting to know that there are people out there who get it.

The person I live with does know about my situation - I was offered a job by them that let me work from home for a few hours a week that let me get out of my previous situation, and thanks to that I was able to get a dog (the one in my profile pic ^^) who has been a godsend for helping with loneliness and getting me out of bed in the mornings. Unfortunately this person also doesn't really understand depression. When I try to explain things, they always say that sometimes they get really depressed, but they mean that in a one-off sense, and not the mental illness sense. They always insist that there has to be a concrete reason for the way I'm feeling, and me not always being able to give one doesn't satisfy them. I appreciate all the help they've given me, but it's still hard sometimes.

I tried the webchat before I made an account here, and was told about a service that lets you talk to psychologists online, but when I looked into it there weren't any in my state... I will definitely try to call the helpline sisu100 mentioned, though.

Thank you so much for your support! 🙂

[sisu100]

Hi Setti!

I completely understand and I'm sure the covid situation isn't helping with the isolation either. Please do know that you aren't alone and that you do always have a supportive community here for you! I can relate with getting anxious with phone calls, I hope you find the helpline helpful if you do end up giving it a try 🙂

How's your week been? Any plans for the weekend? Hope you've been well and that getting lots of quality time with your dog 🙂

[SarahZ]

Hello Setti,

Thank you for taking the time to respond 🙂 How are you feeling recently?

It’s unfortunate to hear that the person you live with doesn’t truly understand what you are going through. Mental illnesses are often hard to explain and for people to understand unless they have experienced it themselves. Hopefully they are open towards being informed and educated about it. However, please do remember that these forums are always here to listen and support you! Heaps of people on these forums (me included) can definitely relate and understand the struggles of mental illnesses. So please feel free to reach out whenever you feel down or just want to have a chat!

I’m really glad to hear that your puppy has been a source of joy and positivity 🙂 Animals are always one of the best companions to have. It’s great to hear that you have been getting in touch with some of the numbers provided as well.

Wishing you all the best ~