Hard time at present

[Ippygirlgr]

Hi,

I am currently having a major depressive episode at the moment that flared up following the 5th anniversary of my late grandad's death (23/08/2012). I was very close to Grandad and losing him has turned my mental health upside down. I am finding it hard to not cry but haven't really stopped since yesterday (23/08/2017). In consultation with my GP, I have increased my medication but it hasn't taken effect yet. Work is very understanding, they have said they want me to concentrate on my health before returning to work. But being casual, I only get paid for hours worked.

Trying to be stronger but finding it very hard.

How do others handle work with depression??

Thank you for any helpful tips/guidance.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hey Ippygirlgr,

Welcome to the forums!

I just saw that you've posted two threads - the first one being here - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/welcome-and-orientation/new-to-the-forum-5F1258D64AD2#qnbD13HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

Sometimes when people have multiple threads talking about the same topic it can get quite confusing for both yourself as well as people replying; so maybe that's something to keep in mind!

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your granddad; it sound's like it's been taking it's toll on you a lot. You've definitely come to the right place.

People can handle depression in many different ways; anything from medication, counselling, exercise, sleep, diet, natural therapies, self-care like creativity and journalling... Sometimes it's just about finding what works for you.

We don't have a specific section for grief but instead it's tied in with PTSD so you can find grief posts here -

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/ptsd-trauma

Depression related posts here -

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/depression

and our Staying Well posts here - (You may find the Mindfulness and 3 Things to be grateful for today and the Coping Strategies thread helpful)

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well

As to your question about handling work with depression, I definately think communication is key. Being able to develop coping strategies and self-care can be beneficial, so that when you're at work you're able to focus just on work.

It would be great to know what sorts of strategies or things that you've tried already so that maybe we can work from there in seeing what else might be worth doing. I also encourage you to consider seeing a counsellor if that's something you haven't done already.

Hope this helps!

[Ippygirlgr]

Thank you romantic_thi3f,

I will remember to use the most suitable forum.

I have ben seeing and talking with a counsellor following my Grandad's death along with my GP. This has been helpful over the years, this episode has just hit me harder than previous years. With work, I am in a new casual position with wonderful supervisors that are understanding. Over the years when I have felt the depression bubbling to the surface, I take myself out of my office and sit somewhere nice and stare at the sky and most times call my counsellor, this usually works but not every time.

Again, thank you 😉

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Ippygirlgr,

Thanks for your post.

I'm really happy to hear that you're both seeing a counsellor and you've got great support from your supervisors. Personally I think having that support is the biggest key in working through this.

Staring at the sky sounds so peaceful! I love to do that too except in the hot summers of course!

Do you find that when you're doing that you're focusing on your breath too? It sounds a little bit like a mindfulness exercise which can be incredibly helpful. I personally use mindfulness a lot to manage my depression; it's hard but taking a moment to just 'sit' with the pain. Just trying to acknowledge whatever comes up no matter how awful it is just to have a little bit more compassion with yourself. I wonder if this might be worth looking into more.

I know in your first post you said you're trying to be stronger but I think you already are. Losing someone is never easy; but you're still making that choice to keep on going, and to see a counsellor, and sit outside - that to me says that you're showing strength everyday in getting through this.

[Ippygirlgr]

Thank you romantic_thi3f,

Yes the breathing and lying down is a mindfulness exercise that usually works but this time it didn't. Thank you for your kindness and support.

Hoping you are ok xox