How do you go on?

[TigerMum]

What is your thing that keeps you going?

How do you go on when everything is unbearable pain and darkness?

Having a day and trying to hold on from getting sucked down, could do with some ideas pls.

ta
beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

[White_Rose]

Dear Tiger Mum

Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. Your post is short but very expressive. Pain and darkness is part of depression, which I am guessing is what you are struggling with.

I wish I had an answer that would change all this overnight, but sadly I do not. It's a matter of taking baby steps and looking ahead to the next step only. I know it's not what you want to hear.

Let me explain a bit further. Depression is walking in the dark and feeling your way. There is always a tiny light you can grope your way towards but sometimes we lose sight of that light. When you feel like this you need to ask for help from those people around you. No need to explain everything to them. Just ask for their company and let them be with you.

How much do you know about depression?  Try searching the BB website for their literature. Click on the blue tabs above, especially The Facts and Resources. Read about depression and how it operates.

One very good thing to do is to phone the BB helpline. The number is 1300 22 4636 and is available 24/7. Alternatively contact Lifeline on 13 11 17. Both organisations have expert help available.

Can you write in again and tell us a little more about yourself? I would like to talk more with you.

Cheers

Mary

[h_bomb]

Hey mate I have some good news for you, the answer is very simple here, and I know it sucks and I know it hurts a heap, trust me I wouldn't be telling you if I didn't understand myself, believe me. Know your worth as a person and learn to love yourself is the first thing you need to do. Then, surround yourself with positive people, if this means joining new sport clubs, community radio stations, going to watch comedy regularly or what ever it is to do that makes YOU happy. Believe me mate, I have been there 110%.

Find something you love and happiness will follow. The right people will follow as well, once you find this what ever it maybe, you will begin to experience happiness I promise. Feel free to message me any time mate, I would be more than willing to help you.

Henry

[Sophie_M]

Hi Tigermum, thanks for posting.

It sounds like things may feel pretty low and even hopeless right now.

As White Rose said, reaching out to those around you, contacting support lines, even getting information you can trust can be so helpful to re-focus on how you can get through. Reflecting back on times when you did pull through each day, and even sharing that with others as part of that reflection, can be helpful as well.

Of course, if things feel more serious like you are thinking about hurting yourself, your local mental health team can also talk you through your options to stay safe. We hope that the online community here provides you with helpful support that also empowers you to continue moving forward. Take care and don't hesitate to contact our support service if you would like any information, referrals, or brief support to do with depression and anxiety. They can be reached 24/7 at 1300 224 636 or online via webchat daily from 3pm-midnight.