Feeling trapped and depression is getting worse

[KC12]

Hi all,

I have suffered from depression and anxiety for the last three years. I moved here from Spain to be with my partner and it has been extremely difficult for me to be so far away from my family which has probably triggered the depression. I have also struggled to find my place here but I was lucky enough to have a job and find some friends which have helped but with the COVID 19 situation I lost my job and I have barely had any social interaction.

My intention was to go back home in Christmas time before all of this happened and it has been very hard for me to be away from my family during this challenging time especially knowing what they have gone through. All I want is to be able to see my family this year and all I keep hearing in the news, articles, social media etc it's that they won't let people out of Australia until next year. I am Permanent Resident here but still, I am a citizen of another country and the thought of not being able to leave for so long is continuously in my head and making my anxiety and depression get worse every day. I try not to think about it but it has become very difficult to focus on anything else especially being unemployed and alone all day.

[Helen72]

Hi KC12,

What a brave thing to do - moving to another country is daunting enough but then covid!!! Have you talked to your partner - he/she is probably only partly aware of how hard this is getting for you.

Do you talk to your family much?At least you'll know what's actually happening and how they're coping.

Is there some sort of Spanish friendship group - talking to others in similar boats might be helpful - or maybe not - what do you think?

Helen

[Doolhof]

Hi KC12,

I too welcome you to the community here. I have just read Helen's reply and she has mentioned what I was thinking as I was reading your post.

Beyond Blue have a Corona Virus mental health wellbeing support service. You may find contacted a support person helpful. Talking to someone about how we are feeling can help to ease the struggles we have.

Are there options for you to return to your work once restrictions start changing more with this pandemic?

As Helen mentioned, are you in contact with your family? It must be very difficult for you just not knowing when a return trip to Spain will be possible.

None of us knows what will happen next in this current world situation. I hope you are able to find some help and support to see you through. Would you consider some counselling if it is available?

Regards from Dools

[KC12]

Hi Helen,

Thanks for your response. I have a group of Spanish friends and some are also in the same situation and others still have a job which I guess it helps to keep their minds occupied. I do speak to my family often but not knowing when I will be able to see them again it has become extremely difficult.

My partner is aware of what is happening and he does support me but he feels guilty and frustrated as he can't do anything to help.

[KC12]

Hi Dools,

Thanks for your response. I will definitely check out the support and hopefully, this helps. There are no options for me to return to work as my contract finished with my last company so that is adding a lot of stress to the situation. I have considered counselling but I don't think I can afford it at the moment which makes things a bit more difficult. I did complete a wellbeing course from the Mindspot clinic which I found very helpful and I am planning to review it.

[Doolhof]

Hi KC12,

It is good you found the Mindspot clinic helpful It sounds like you learnt a lot through your contact there, good you can review and continue to use the resources and strategies you may have learnt there.

Lately I have been calling the support people at Beyond Blue and Life Line and have found it helps when I talk with these people.

My husband tells me he doesn't know how to help and I understand that, so talking to others can be beneficial.

I don't know what it is like to not have a clear idea of when you can return to see your family and friends. I did live interstate for a while but that was my choice. It must be really hard for you.

Sorry to read you don't have employment to return to. My husband has lost his employment as well so I understand in part what it is like to not have the regular income. I am only working casual hours so it can be a strain.

Are you able to find ways to keep yourself busy during the day? When I don't have plans and strategies in place, I don't cope so well.

Hope you find connecting here helps in some way.

Regards form Dools

[Doolhof]

Hi again,

I just had a thought. I am wondering if you may be able to advertise yourself as a tutor for people wanting to learn Spanish? I am not sure how that kind of thing works.

Would it be something you would consider if it was possible?

Just trying to think out of the box!

Cheers from Dools