Is this real?

[WaterVeil]

Hi All,

I'm new here. I've had depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. When I'm well, I'm a zainy, intelligent, creative people person but I'm going through a particularly long patch of depression.

I just really needed someone today but discussing this is pretty exhausting, especially when it's in person, so I'm posting here instead. I'm tired of being sad. I'm tired of carrying it. I'm just so tired. The most difficult thing is that I feel like I have no options. It's not like there is anything tangible to point at to say, "See, look, there you go I'm actually sick". Half the time I think I'm just making it up and that, if I weren't so lazy, I could be happy and productive if I needed to. I feel like the people around me expect so much and that on the days where I'm sinking in it, which at the moment is most days, I just can't do it. I think they will think I'm incompetent, lazy or negligent. I want to have a big open wound to point at so I can say, "Look that's why I couldn't get that work done over the weekend" or "See that's why I couldn't pick up the phone when you called".

So I guess my question to you all is.

Is this real? Is it as tangible as having pneumonia or cancer or breaking a bone? and How do I keep going on with so much weight on my shoulders?

In sincerity,

WaterVeil

[Doolhof]

Hi WaterVeil,

Welcome to the community here. Yes it is real! The problem is that some people just don't understand mental health issues, event he people who are suffering from it.

There is a lot of information of the Beyond Blue site, it may help to check out the information section. Yo may find greater understanding on how to express to others how yo are feeling and better understand it yourself.

Yes, an open wound or a broken leg is so much easier for people to comprehend. Sometimes all we need is for someone to accept what we say is true, to have validation that life can be hard mentally and for acceptance that we are not crazy, we just need some understanding and empathy.

This is a safe place for you to share how you are feeling. Some People here have similar experiences, may be able to offer you some advice, suggestions and ideas on what might help you.

To keep going, think of one thing that you need to do right now to help you get through to the next day. Tomorrow work on one more thing that is achievable.

Trying to tackle everything at once can be over whelming.

It might help each night to think of 3 things you are thankful for. Write them down if you like, at the end of the week read all the things you have to be thankful for.

Recently I have realised there is more that I can do to help myself, so I just need to get motivated and do those things. Not always easy I know!

Cheers to you from Dools

[WaterVeil]

Thank you Dools

[Summer Rose]

Hi WaterVeil

Welcome to the bb forum and thank you for sharing your story. I am really sorry that you are feeling so unwell, as I truly understand how disabling and serious depression can be. There are many kind people here who can offer you support, as we all have lived experience of one kind or another.

The answer to your question is, yes. Depression is a real illness that hurts and is exhausting. The good news is that, just like physical illnesses there are treatments available for depression and anxiety and most people do recover.

I'm wondering why you feel you have no options. Perhaps you have tried different treatments without success? If you want to share more about this please do.

In any event it's important you know that there are many treatment options out there. If you haven't sought help in the past or for awhile, I encourage you to make a double appointment with your GP. Talk through how you are feeling and explore your options.

There is always hope for brighter days ahead. With the right treatment life gets better.

Kind thoughts to you

There is hope for brighter days ahead.