Living with Depression

[BALM]

Hi There,

I was diagnosed with depression and acute anxiety around 8 years ago and went on a course of medication for around 2-3 years after that. I also had counselling at that time and also a prolonged period of counselling when I again felt I had relapsed around 3 years ago. The desire was that I would be "cured" but as I am learning this is a life long challenge to be managed and even celebrated at what I am able to achieve. I'm currently under no direct treatment.

Its a stressful period in life as I have also in the past few months moved into an Executive position (at a good/supportive workplace) and as well my wife and I have three children (5, 2.5 and 1).

All the same lately I have found my motivation and general satisfaction with life to be up and down and in fact become more down - I have days like today where for someone who can be super productive and motivated I just cant be bothered being at work, and I know that if I have a day where I am slow it'll be fine, but I feel guilty.

I also feel guilty because, you know I am lucky enough to be educated, have skills that are employable, a beautiful family, but I feel this way and doubt that others understand fully.

I've never posted here before but have used BB resources before.

Thanks,

Ben

[QldMouse]

Hi Blam,

That is fantastic mate, very pleased. Put a smile on my dial!!

My next appointment is Wednesday, tune up for the old head. Tracking ok, road a bit lumpy but hanging in there.

All the best.

[BALM]

Mouse & Anyone,

Just checking in. Also to just share how aware I have become of personally looking after myself physically helps mentally - my week has been so definitively up and down based upon the previous nights rest:

Monday - Poor day but had little sleep because one of the kids was a complete turkey overnight and ended up looking after them all night.

Tuesday - Great day, began well rested.

Wed - Poor day, this time my own fault for having 'just polished off some leftover wine' on Tuesday night - only 2.5 glasses but didn't help me sleep or feel rested and then doubled down by knocking over 3 coffees before 10am!

Thursday - Great day, began well rested.

Today - feel reasonably well rested and more positive on what the day holds.

Generally I have cut alcohol back (wasn't excessively drinking but just enjoying it too regularly), I've become a fan of peppermint tea so most days I live off a single coffee with breaky and more natural energy sources.

[QldMouse]

Hey BLAM !!!

Great to see you back, awesome to hear about you looking after yourself. Yes, is we don't do it then nobody else is going to take over our bodies and take them out for fresh air. Pity.

After years of neglect I have to grudgingly admit that all those health nuts do have a point, I find that rather annoying myself but I find taking "me" time and working on my health has made me feel much better. I hate to think how much I paid psycho's to tell me that before I actually tried it and found to be true!! Doh!!

I have sworn off the grog many years ago, it just made me sick basically. I was not a regular or great drinker, but feel much better without it. And I'm crazy enough without the demon drink to assist!!

Anyway, good to hear your on the path, well done and can't wait to hear more.

Awesome mate!!