Is anybody there?

[Paullus]

Why is it after a number of therapy sessions, trying different therpeutic approaches, research and self analysis, unsuccessful medications, discussions with family and close friends that I feel so misunderstood? I don't blame anyone for this because if I struggle to know self how can anyone else. There doesn't seem to be an answer and I'm slowly losing my grip on the basic realities of life. And that scares me a bit as I feel there is an inevitable conclusion to all this. Does anyone really understand the frigging hopelessness that is depression, the ever present melancholy that won't let go despite concerted effort to shrug it off. There has been recent sportsmen who have "stepped away from the game to deal with mental health issues" and the world goes awww, poor things, only for these guys to appear next week and get on with it. If only it was that easy as its not the depression I know. I've tried everything in order to get a grip on this black dog but nothing seems to work. I'm not after sympathy at all, it's my lot and I'm responsible and I get that. I guess I'm just looking for someone to acknowlege what a bummer this involuntary condition is. I know I'm not the only sufferer, but in my world no-one gets me or it. Thanks for listening.

[Guest_128]

Hi Paullus, I am here,I'm sitting right next to you.

The big guns,meaning those that write well,will be here as well shortly.

I truly think you are going to find so many people that DO understand YOU.

Chin up , when you feel up to it join in the social threads, that helped me a look to feel like a normal mental health person. Your not alone,they will be here soon.

Later

[solabear]

Hi Paullus,

We understand what you're going through, we've been there and done that. So you came to the right place to vent and as Later said the big guns will be with you shortly. There are so many caring and understanding people on here and some of them are really talented writers and give really good advice. You can ask anything in a safe and non judgmental environment.

Please look around and read other member's posts, and we also have our virtual BB Caffe, which is the place for small talk and humour sometimes.

Welcome and good on you posting

Sola xx

[Dorian_Gray]

Hey Paullus,

You’re right it sucks,

Re: “Does anyone really understand the frigging hopelessness that is depression, the ever present melancholy that won't let go despite concerted effort to shrug it off.”

I would say the answer is both yes and no, other people do ‘get it’ but they only ever get it for themselves. That is everyone’s depressions, its causes, its cures (if any exist at all) is unique to that individual you can ‘get’ your own depression, but no matter what you do you can’t understand fully anyone else’s an no one can fully understand yours. Maybe they can understand a few pieces in common but not the whole, or at least that is my experience.


If I can understand one thing in common it is the frustration from repeated attempts to defeat your problem yet still find no resolution, you do all the things a counsellor or therapist suggests and yet to no avail. Perhaps the problem is the finite list of strategies they offer, once you’ve used them all up what is left, or if your
depression is caused by external factors impacting you what can you really do to remedy that.

Wish I had the answers for all of us on here.

[Paullus]

And perhaps that is the answer Dorian_Gray, there is no answer and that in itself may be a comfort for those looking for a definitive solution. I agree with you that everyone's depression/anxiety is unique and comes from who knows where. Perhaps the approach is not to try for an elusive curative solution or a groping explanation, but to accept the chemical imbalance is just that and difficult to address. CBT therapy and mindfulness has its place to promote calmness of mind but it is not an antidote for the marauding black dog. Thanksfor your reply, it helped put things in perspective just a little. Cheers:)

[Paullus]

Thanks Later, for getting back so quick, appreciate that. I have replied to Dorian_Gray as I connected with her/his post. I have so much compassion for all who struggle with mental health issues that negatively impact day to day life. Cheers 🙂

[Guest_128]

No probs, stick around,

Later

[Paullus]

Notwithstanding what has been said in this thread, I continue to struggle with a lot of the expert or lay person commentary around Depression. I am trying to understand properly the role and purpose of institutions like Beyond Blue when it comes to definitive explanations, research and progress in defining Depression. I am often bemused and indeed cranky when I listen to some of the inaccurate discussion around this mental health scourge. It is given lip service by the Political class, chuck some money at it and move on. The stigma of mental health remains and the cause is largely unknown. Commentators attempt to provide a cause such as a variety of life events. I don't see it that way at all. I personally cannot pinpoint anything that makes me continually question the purpose of life and therefore leads to my depressed state. I've led a relatively conventional life, country upbringing, good jobs, enjoyable social life, loving family and so on. Depression is unique to the individual and is very very complex and its this complexity that appears to be air brushed by organisations and professionals. I might be way off message here and I by no means wish demean the work organisations do in this field. I just feel the smoking gun of Depression complexity is put in the too hard basket with a focus being on surface mental health issues and glib commentary. I don't see real progress in understanding and dealing with Depression.

[Guest_128]

I'm sorry,

stop worrying about all those

You need to help your self ATM.

Wait please

[Guest_1055]

Hi Paullus,

You are right living or rather existing in that dark well of depression is awful, well beyond awful. I was going to say sorry you are experiencing it, but I was unsure whether you would like that. But anyway I wish I good take it all away for you.

You seem like you have a very analytical mind, and think very deeply and perhaps passionately about this issue.?

Are you just plain sick and tired of everything? And perhaps yearn for some kind of quiteness within?

I noticed you mentioned some thing about the purpose of your life. I have asked that question many times in regards to my purpose as well. And is a very deep question isn it? It is a challenge to find the reason for our very own existence, like why are we on this earth at this particular time in history? I don't know the answer to that, however I do know there is a reason and purpose for your life. Just as there is one for all of us.

I am not sure if what I have said has helped you or anything. But I do care. And I am hearing you.

Shell