Loneliness and depression

[Noodles1968]

Hi lovely people,

I’ve been lonely and depressed for a few years. I’ve tried to make it obvious how lonely I am but it feels like no one is listening. I ring my sister at least once a week but she is really busy and never rings me back. I speak to my niece who I am close to. One of my dear cats had to be euthanised last weekend and my sister put up a nice reply on Facebook but hasn’t rung me since and I’m always the one who rings her but thought it would be nice of her to check on me but she hasn’t. I hate feeling like I have to beg for compassion or someone to care. Sorry, this is probably a stupid post. I’m a bit desperate and if it wasn’t for my other 3 beautiful cats.  I am so tired and sad.

[Sophie_M]

Dear Noodles1968,

We are so grateful you found the strength to post about your beloved cats and your wish for people to acknowledge you by ringing you. We are a very supportive community, and our members will, hopefully, find this thread soon.

It is often so difficult when people don't react the way we desperately want them to respond. It doesn't make sense to us when we know this is how we would react, so everybody must think about reacting the same way. Unfortunately, other people don't think about things the same way we do. And even more frustratingly, they often don't hear our pain when we hint at it.

We would like to encourage you to talk to your GP about how depressed you have been feeling. Your GP should be able to help you put together a mental health plan so Medicare might be able to help you get some sessions with a mental health professional who may be able to help you work through some of the depression you are currently struggling with.

We would also encourage you to call our wonderful counsellors on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Both services are available 24 hours per day, every day of the year.

We hope to hear more from you soon.

Warm regards,

Sophie M.
 

[jenijenjen]

Hi Noodles 1968,

Firstly, it's not a stupid post, it's not easy to ask for help sometimes so I'm glad that you have.

I know what it's like to feel forgotten. I think some people don't realise the impact they have on others. Could you talk to your Sister about this? Maybe not throw everything at her at once but just tell her you need a little more support at the moment. 

[geoff]

Hello Noodles, I am very sorry you are feeling this way, and no post is not warranted not to be posted, every one that is, is so important, especially to the specific person, in other words, you are entitled to make a comment about anything.

The trouble is, and I'm so sorry about the loss of your cat, but to other people, they just believe you can go out and buy another one to replace this one, however, if you have lost a pet it means so much to lose them, something other people don't comprehend, because they can't actually relate to how special this pet has been for you.

They also don't understand why this can cause some type of depression and would much prefer to get on with what they are doing for themselves.

There are many of us who have lost a pet/s we have taken as part of being from our family and know how you are feeling, it's always very sad and I too have been in exactly your position and had to suffer by myself.

Take care.

Geoff.

Life Member.

[HopeDream]

Hello Noodles1968,

I think I relate to this to an extent. I've been feeling depressed for the past couple of months, and it hasn't been easy for me because my mum doesn't talk to me or check up on me, even though she knows something is wrong. She's never been the type to really ask me whether I'm okay, and we've never had good communication in our relationship in general. So please don't think it is a stupid post, because I feel like I somewhat understand what you're going through. And I hope you know that I care about you and am rooting for you, even though I've never met you. 

- HopeDream