I am a successful professional failure

[Leya22]

Hello BB

I am a 32yo female, a qualified health professional, in a wonderful secure relationship. I live in a nice house, drive a nice car, make good money & have good relationships with family & a handful of close friends. I generally have good physical health, I really have nothing to complain about.

BUT....... That is the exact problem, despite all this I feel like a failure. I feel like I am not good enough, I feel like I'm a useless burden to everyone.

I have battled depression since I was a child, my parents first sought help for me when I was about 9 or 10, & I have seen various professionals since. It wasn't until a few years ago that I accepted depression was with me for life, & was something I would need to tackle EVERYDAY for the rest of my life. I've been medicated on & off for years, but I useto take myself off it as I knew how to do it safely, I have been pretty good for the last 2 years I stuck to my meds & had regular CBT with a psychologist who I really clicked with. I built good support networks, opened up about my depression & even weathered a few 'storms' (difficult times that could potentially unravel me).

The issue is that the negative self talk is winning the battle at the moment, I've had a few challenges lately, but nothing severe, and nothing that should have been so unraveling to my mental health, which only adds to the feelings of failure, 'why am I so emotionally usless?' Is a question that runs around my head frequently. I started a new job & am finding it difficult, because even tho it's in the same field, it's a new skill set & I am not feeling confident at all!

My partner is overseas for work at the moment, he is a huge part of my support network & I guess I underestimated the effect his absence would have on me. I started the downward spiral about 6 weeks ago, I hit rock bottom last week, I have had to take a few weeks off work, am changing medications (having awful withdrawl at the moment) & need to find a new psychologist because the one I saw previously has stopped practicing due to her own poor health (this makes me so sad, she is young with 2 small children and a beautiful soul).

I guess I don't really need advice, I've been on the 'merry go round' for years & have started the process of getting better yet again. I am just a bit lonely & edgy at the moment, I'm alone at home & I guess I want to hear from people who understand what it's like to face the internal challenges again, & again, & again.

Thanks Leya x

[Leya22]

blondguy said:

Hi Leya

Thanks for writing back! You are so right about the 'House Of Cards'. I have been in senior management/staff training for many years and even though I have done well with the financials etc it can be debilitating and exhausting...ugh!

I am really happy that you mentioned you are glad you have joined the forums 🙂 Like you I have worked hard and tried to keep this 'House of Cards' upright so to speak. Success and being lucky isnt a consideration where depression/anxiety is concerned. 'It' can effect anyone. I hear you so well.

Depression to me is just like a physical illness whether it be diabetes or a severe infection. It should be treated as such. I am not a doc/health care pro but its just what I have experienced since 1983 when I was diagnosed initially with generalized anxiety disorder.

Thankyou for the great thread/topic Leya 🙂 It would be great if you have the time to post back with your thoughts/advice. Being a public forum the majority of people choose to read the forums and not post which is fine. You have most likely helped many others already just by posting.

My Kind Thoughts for You

Paulx

Thanks again Paul,

Nice to have someone replying and taking an interest.

I completely agree with you that poor mental health is just as debilitating as poor physical health, it's just that other people don't see or understand when we are 'not well'... I was explaining to my mum just the other day that depression is like diabetes of the mind, and if I start to get slack with the things that keep me stable I lose control of my thoughts, just the same as a diabetic looses control of their blood sugar when eating poorly and not taking medication.

I know what keeps me well, and I have put a lot of effort into incorporating those things into my everyday life, but some days it's just all too much effort, and I don't have the energy, the motivation or the self confidence to continue with that effort.

As always hind sight is 20/20, and I can look back on the last 6 weeks and identify where I started to slide and where I let the 'house of cards' lose it's strength. I am very fortunate that my new job has been incredibly understanding, and allowed me to take the time off work to prop up the supports, bog up the cracks and get back on top of this bloody illness again.

Leya 😊

[blondguy]

I am very flattered and thankyou for the mega compliment...Always happy to receive one..it helps me more than you know.

Its such a small world that you were explaining to your mum the other day that depression is like 'diabetes of the brain' ...while I was trying to articulate my thoughts about the physiology of depression at the same time!

I didnt really want to voice my whole opinion on depression because it may be counter productive to some sufferers, especially people that are new to the symptoms..."Expecting positive thinking to cure depression is like expecting a person with diabetes to lower his blood sugar level by thinking happy thoughts"

I did take great care not to offer you any advice Leya...just understanding with the respect of you being a qualified health professional of course 🙂

I wish I had hindsight too....Sometimes even without a 'trigger'..depression can 'kick' us hard. I wish I had a crystal ball too!

Congrats to you on your new career move too! It might not be much help right now but the words Leya and failure cannot exist in the same sentence:-) (Just a compliment for the innate strength and courage you have)

Kind Thoughts

Paulx

[Leya22]

Paul,

Just my thoughts but I don't think you should hold back on your 'whole opinion on depression' isn't that what these forums are for? And open, honest discussion about mental health. We need peple like you who can articulate the realities of what it feels like.

I didn't want to come here are read a fluffy version of it, I wanted to come here are hear about others to know that I am not alone in this, that there are other people who do understand what it feels like to be pulled down from the inside.

Absolutely 100% do I know how important good food, medications, quality sleep, exercise, meditation, pets, family, alone time, social time, all of it, it all plays a part in keeping us well, but when you are so down you don't have the energy and motivation to shower, speak or leave the house, how do you find the energy to do all those things? That is the reality of this illness, that is what many need to hear, that it's REALLY hard, but it's not impossible!

It is possible to actually live with, and be a successful person who has depression, you just can't switch off and stop doing the things that keep you well, that is when we need the people on here who have all he ideas and suggestions, to keep people well.

Both types of people have a place on this forum, sometimes you come hear because you need suggestions, sometimes you want to know you are not alone, and sometimes you just want to vent and get your thoughts and feeling out.

Don't hold back, let the moderators do that 😛

Leya

[blondguy]

Hi Leya

Thats a great point and always good to get some clarity too. I see where you are coming from. Your knowledge and wisdom is greatly appreciated.

I hope Sunday treats you well

Kind Thoughts

Paul

[blondguy]

Hello Leya

I hope your day was reasonably okay.

I have taken your advice about not 'holding back'. Can I borrow/steal the words you mentioned to your mum?

Depression is like 'Diabetes of the Mind' ?

I hope you have some peace soon Leya

Paulx

[Leya22]

Hi Paul,

Steal whatever words you like, I am happy to share my genius, haha.

Today I was back at the GP for a review, on the way up & back to work tomorrow, bit nervous about that, but the longer I leave it the harder it will be. I don't think I am 100% with the new medication but I am definitely better then I was last week.

How have you been?

Leya

[blondguy]

Morning Leya

Not too bad thanks. You 'sound' better through your words. I hope your day tomorrow treats you well.
I've just walked Prince my dog...he is a Chow Chow german shep cross circa 60+Kilos....It like walking a Clydesdale lol.

Thanks for the permission share your genius 🙂

Paul

[Leya22]

Jeepers Paul that's a big dog, my 3 pups combined weight less than that!..... Wish I could say that I did too!

Today was alright, mainly education today so much less pressure, but it broke the ice and will make it easier to get back into the swing of things tomorrow.

I met my new psychologist today, so far she seems alright, she has a slightly different approach to the last lady I saw but I like the sound of it, I think it's ACT - Acceptance Commitment Therapy.... anyway, time will tell but hopefully I have some success there.

What have you planned for the rest of the week?

Leya

[blondguy]

Hey Leya

Good news on breaking the ice and the Acceptance therapy is a winner (ACT). I have been using calm acceptance for years and it does work.

This week is another quiet one (which I am more than happy with) after being made redundant in January this year. I have a steep block of land and will be re-building some retaining walls....I dont mind landscaping..its a good way to release built up toxins. I just put on 3AW talk...and my dog Prince supervises.

I hope your Wednesday is good to you Leya

Paulx

[blondguy]

Hey Leya

I just read back and saw the word 'Jeepers'...made me smile 🙂 I havent seen that word since I was in grade 4 in Canada where I grew up...you legend you!...Bringing back memories for me!

Sorry....I digress..

I hope your day was reasonably okay Leya

Paulx