I'm not sure?

[Andy82]

Hi all,

Just did the typical 'Dr Google' and typed into the text box, "I don't have anything that interests me" - top hit - this website.

I'm not entirely sure if I have depression, however here is my story.

A few years ago I suffered a shoulder injury which required surgery and a lot of rehabilitation and has not returned to normal function. A year or two later my wife and I welcomed our beautiful daughter, and I subsequently took a new job elevating to Management in a large company and we purchased our first home. Sounds like a good progression right?

Now two years later, I don't have anything that interests me, or motivates me. My job is very demanding and I feel a void moving away from the engineering role I was previously in. I work long hours, and look after my daughter on the weekends (which I love, however can be exhausting after a long week). My wife and I also have another girl on the way which is exciting, however I don't feel the same excitement I did with my first daughter, I'm not sure whether this is because I'm so busy or not!

Prior to all of this I was happy, motivated and generally enjoyed things. I feel it's the job I'm in which is possibly bringing me down, however it's making me feel terrible at times. I find myself lazy, taking shortcuts not doing day to day things like organising a car service - it just seems too hard.

Sorry for the long post. Not sure who to chat to before I see someone.

Thanks.

[Anon_1448]

Hi Andy

I'm glad to see an update, and that you're getting better. I have battled depression my whole adult life, from severe depression when I was only 16-18, to now at 27 it is not as severe but is always reappears. I haven't had the guts to go to counselling to deal with the real issues, which is why it always reappears, I think. It's great you've been so proactive and have gone to therapy and are now sorting out this chemical imbalance with medication. They are huge, and brave, steps to take. You should be proud.

After my daughter was born 2 years ago (literally on the date you initially first posted) it really made everything much harder to manage. I also felt like completing little tasks outside of works and parenting duties was simply too much. For eg, it literally took me 4 months to lodge an insurance claim when someone hit my car. I hope your partner is aware of this delicate time, and although I know she'll be busy too, having someone who supports you and will do those little things (like appointments etc) can really lift a huge weight off your shoulders so that you can focus on building yourself up again.

And just remember that with medications there is an adjustment period. You can feel worse, before you feel better, so tell your partner to watch for signs in the first 4-6 weeks.

Best of luck with everything x

[Guest8901]

Hi Andy, thats fantastic news about you now feeling the best you have in ages. Good on you for persevering with your MH issues, and your efforts now finally reaping some rewards. Its really nice to have you come back and post your good news story here too. Way too often we only get the bad news from members. So thank you.

And I really hope the good news continues. I know its still very early days with the medications, but certainly it sounds very promising. Perhaps you could continue to post here and update us all occasionally as to your progress. As Anon pointed out, there are likely to be some ups and downs still to come for you. By posting your story here it may well prove to be beneficial to yourself, and will definitely of benefit to other readers.

Amanda

[Guest8901]

Hello Anon_1448, and welcome to Beyondblue. This is a very caring, helpful and supportive site to be a part of. Mental Health sufferers supporting fellow sufferers, so everyone understands what its like.

I see this is your very first post, and it was directed to an existing member. That was very thoughtful of you, and your post was very supportive as well offering very sound and knowledgable advice. Obviously spoken from experience. So thank you for that. As you can see, you are welcome to post to any existing threads that interest you. Your insight and support will always be welcomed by the thread owners.

I hope you will also consider introducing yourself via your own thread. I'd suggest you do that either in the Welcome and Orientation section or else the Depression section, whichever you prefer. Then that thread becomes your personal support thread where you can discuss anything you choose to. I will keep a look out for you there.

Amanda