General Help Needed

[Dabrown92]

Hi there,

I’m not quite sure where and how to start here. I’m a typical male who never ever thought mental health would ever effect me. But the last two or so weeks my mind seems to have other plans.

I’m a 26 year old English bloke who moved here about 18 months ago. I always thought “what do I ever need to be depressed about?” I have a loving girlfriend, strong family and friend group, home etc. But I’ve been feeling rather worthless here recently and I can’t quite pinpoint how or why. Maybe I’m feeling lonely, homesick, I can’t figure it out.

I’m usually a fit bloke who enjoys going to the gym 4/5 times a week as well as playing football once a week but in the last few weeks I’ve found myself getting home from work being totally deflated from what little and unproductive work I’ve done for the day. I’ve found my appetite suddenly plummet to where I often won’t eat an evening meal as I’m simply not hungry. And I simply don’t have the energy that I used to. My head is telling me “just get up out of bed, go on a drive, get back to the gym, go explore Australia” but I simply don’t have that “get up and go” mentality which brought me to Australia 18 months ago.

As a job, and no disrespect to anyone out there who may also do the same job, I’m a general labourer on various construction sites. It’s pretty skull numbing (in my opinion). This was always a short term job for me as visa restrictions have made it pretty hard for me to nail down any solid work. I do have a goal in my life to better my career options. And I’m working towards them within the next 6 or so months. But my mind can’t seem to see any further than the next few days.

I sometimes feel anxious when thinking about my future goals as they could be a risk which won’t pay off for me. I had a semi breakdown for maybe 45 mins before writing this. And I find it very hard to tell my loved ones how I’m feeling.

I’m aware that there are people in far worse positions than I am right now. But I feel like this was the only way I have to get things off my chest.

If anyone at all has been through something similar I’d greatly appreciate some advice and hopefully I’ll be back to being the old me in no time.

Thanks in advance

[PamelaR]

Hi Dabrown and very warm welcome to our forums and Australia

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry to hear you've just broken down. Life sounds difficult and this could be for a number of reasons which you seem to have tried to work through yourself. If you find it hard to talk with friends and family, perhaps going to a GP and getting a referral to a health professional. I believe that Australia has reciprocal Medicare arrangements with the UK which might help you out. Alternatively call one of the help lines or chat on line, e.g.

• Lifeline 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/Online-Services/Crisis-chat
• Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 224 636 or https://online.beyondblue.org.au

Going to a doctor will help to find out if it is depression and not some other cause for how you are feeling. You're not alone, have a browse of our forums and do a search if you're up to it. One really good thread I like is - Depression: Fight It or Embrace It.

Something to think about -

• you say you do labouring jobs, go to the gym, play footy. Do you have anything to keep your mind active? For example - reading, writing, doing courses, complex puzzles? Sometimes when our brain isn't active enough we get bored. Boredom can be linked with depression.
• being here only a short while, perhaps you haven't built up a network of friends like you had back in England? Relationships, e.g. sharing time with others (not just your girlfriend) helps to maintain our balance. So being new, it may take time for this to happen for you.
• and as you say - a little homesick on top of all this.

I can completely understand why you are feeling down. It's okay. Keep reaching out here if and when you want to.

Kind regards

PamelaR