Hey team, trying to confront depression for the first time

[Brig]

Hey guys,

in a rough patch at the moment

I'm trying to actively do something about it but I'm really finding it hard to know where to turn.

Unrelated to what's bothering me, I'm an active serving member in the ADF, and while we have squillions of resources available to us, attempting to use any of those would have me unable to participate in the only part of my life I still find meaningful.

I investigated using an alias and paying cash to see a GP and then get a referral for a psychiatrist. Doesn't seem to be feasible.

I want to hang on to what is really important to me, but am on the verge of not being able to white knuckle it anymore.

This post is just the first step for me, not a lot in it, but I needed to start somewhere to believe that there is a road to feeling better.

Thanks for reading.

[Emm78]

Well done for speaking out and seeing there’s a problem that needs fixing, pity seeking help from your work would cause so many problems! Coz their probably the best people to talk to.

Have you got some adf mates that you trust that you could at least talk to they may be feeling the same things????

Surely after all the media on suicide & mental health of people on our defence forces, police & first responders they would work with the issues without compromising your position (unless your a danger to yourself/others).

Definatly a gp is a great place to start , good luck and all the best 👍 ps you won’t need an alias as gp have to abide by confidentiality and only you can allow that!

[geoff]

Hello Brig, and welcome.

We appreciate so much in what you do, I'm sure it wouldn't be easy at different situations or on any occasion, but know, that no matter what you do, you're still human and susceptible to this illness, I'm really sorry.

Depression is hard to understand because it's never consistent because you can be in depression and still laugh at a friend’s joke or have a good time at lunch but once that's over, back comes that heavy feeling, that only someone who has been through it themselves knows about.

That's what we have also been through and there are many people on this BB site who are still struggling but want to reply to others, so please feel as though you can trust all of us.

Look forward in hearing back from you.

Geoff.