First time poster, sharing my experience

[helpingmyselfandothers]

Hi everyone. My mental health challenges mainly started in 1-2 years ago and the worst of it lasted for at least half a year (Iam keeping the numbers vague to protect my own privacy). I had recently quit tafe, moved into a new house with my family at the time and this is when my issues started arising. I couldn't sleep in this new house, it was near the train line, however I believe there was other factors that caused the sleep problems. 1 week later i drove out to a bay and had a panic attack in my car, this was my first and only panic attack of my life. I was vegan at the time as I believed this was a healthy way to eat but I believe it may not be the way to go long-term. I was slowly losing my mind, I would constantly think about the train noise and how I cannot sleep, my brain fog, at times the brain fog would turn into feeling like my brain is being fried and imploding. I even acquired employment during this time but I was a complete and utter mess, I would break dishes etc, use the POS machine with inaccuracy and couldn't remember any new knowledge in this job. god damn it i was so messed up. I would look in the mirror and have thoughts that I look so tired. Things that helped me improved my mental health would be eating a balanced diet. I would caution vegan diets, feel free to continue however if you experience negative health effects while on a vegan diet please reconsider it, how is it ethical to not eat animals when you are damaging yourself in the process. Now I am not sure if I have self-esteem issues, this experience feels like it has damaged me psychologically in some way. I feel like I am less productive and less functional than other people who are able to maintain well paying jobs while the only job I have able to keep is a hospitality job. I am somewhat optimistic but pessimistic about my future at the same time. My girlfriend has moved in with me, I genuinely worry sometimes about the future, How will I able to work consistently and provide for her and potentially kids and even if she leaves me, how do I provide for myself if I constantly have a mindset that is avoidant to working and employment? I am trying to get back into working again after 3 months out. Iam grateful for what I have but sometimes I feel like I learn slower than most people, so Iam at a disadvantage. Some information may be missing so feel free to ask anything. I still respect the vegan point of view, I was one myself so don't take that too seriously.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

Many if us here can relate to your situation and the internal adjustment required. A future during higher education thwarted due to mental health issues landing you back to what you feel is employment in mediocre jobs which suppress your intellect, sensitivity of noises, concerns of the future etc yes- all very common among these pages.

That commonality has solidified many thoughts here about processes, precautions and adjustments we recommend so let’s look at this further. (Some of this is cost depending so please adjust them to your financial position

• Go visits, find one that fits well with you
• proper diagnosis
• acceptance of your unique mental health (and no comparing to others of their success)
• seeking sound sleep (a real requirement with mental health)
• relaxation and meditation
• Diet

You already have a sound evaluation of your diet so no point over thinking that now imo

So to kick start the above, below I’ve listed some threads covering the topics of most concern. Simply copy and place in the search bar at the top or add beyondblue to them and use google. You only need to read the first post if each.

a good nights deep sleep

anxiety, how I eliminated it

worry worry worry

do we expect a smooth road in life?

Focus and never give up

the balance of your life

the best praise you’ll ever get

The library here is extensive so the search bar is valuable.

Focussing in your capacities is important which means ignoring societies (and your own) expectations and setting realistic goals.

Reply anytime

TonyWK

[helpingmyselfandothers]

Thank you for your reply. This gives me something more to think about, and whether I need to take more action to help improve my mental state and wellbeing. Thanks mate 🙂 ill consider your suggestions, I have thought about perhaps talking a health professional about it but kind of not sure where to start and if they'll actually help my situation. I feel much better now, making lifestyle changes and moving away from the house where my mental health got worse. Perhaps I need to explore more options to making my mental health that little bit better.