Need short-term advice

[sqzr]

I need some short term advice; should I find a counselor where I am right now or head home and find a counselor there?

I am on a road-trip 'holiday' currently in Hervey Bay. It's a long story but I essentially decided to sell my place, quit my job, take the cash and just go on a road-trip up the east coast in hopes of finding somewhere to disappear to and maybe find a job but really I'm just wandering aimlessly. I've made it from Sydney to Cairns and now heading back down south.

I've just given up, I'm sitting in a holiday park cabin and I'm literally struggling to move out of bed. I'm struggling to do everyday tasks right now. It's ludicrous and embarrassing. I don't want to sound like a drama-queen or stupid but the best I can describe is that I literally cannot bring myself to leave the cabin, to search online for jobs locally, to walk to the bathroom. I am feeling literally empty, not happy or sad or suicidal, just completely empty and given up. As dramatic as I sound, this is literally how I feel and I cannot bring myself to do anything.

Is this depression or something. It would be great to know what the hell is happening to me right now and what I should do?

[150lashes]

Hi there

It's great to reach out on here as you will find there are many in a similar position to you.

I myself recently quit everything, and I can tell you know, I would have easily gone on a similar road trip to you if it wasn't for my young kids that need me here.

My psychologist explained it to me as the "fight or flight" mechanism that kicks in us!

It sounds like depression to me, but I am no expert.

Can I ask if you have let your family know where you are? They may be worried about your welfare so it's important let someone know.

Personally I think it's best to see a doctor where you can get diagnosed and take it from there. They can advise if you may need medication, psychology or both.

Where do you want to base yourself? You've said you sold your house so if you go back home where would you stay? A family or friend? If you have support back home it may be best heading back home.

Once you have things under control and have seen a GP you may still be able to go on a roadtrip. I know my GP actually thought a holiday would do me some good once things stablised and I'm looking to do that soon.

Keep in touch with us here but definitely see a GP as your first point of call

Take care

[pipsy]

Dear sqzr. My name is Lynda. You sound really down and fed-up with the way your life has nose-dived. How long has it been since you sold up and left? You don't sound like a drama queen, but you definitely sound depressed, you need support now. If you do have family, did you give them any idea what your movements were going to be? I would say if they have any idea you have depression, they would be getting worried if they haven't heard. You say you wanted to disappear, what brought you to that point, may I ask? I think 150lashes has it right. I think you should try to get home, so you can see your Dr and ask for referral for psychologist. Possibly antidepressants to help get you to a point where you feel better. It sounds like you feel as though you're falling into a dark, deep hole and you don't want to. It's good to know you're not suicidal, but you need help now. Have you tried ringing BB's helpline, or lifeline to talk to someone. Even though you're not suicidal, sometimes it's good to talk to someone till you can get to a Dr. Perhaps the empty feeling you describe is because your plans didn't work out and you feel as though you've let yourself and family down. You haven't, and you did the right thing reaching out here. You haven't let anyone down, but please phone BB or lifeline if you feel like talking. Don't feel as though no-one cares, we do.

[Lost_Girl]

Hi sqzr,

Welcome to the BB forums. You will find some wonderful people here to support you.

It certainly sounds like depression to me, I have depression too. Take a look at the information on this site about depression and have a think about how that relates to how you feel.

It sounds like things are pretty hard at the moment. I have been where you are, somedays I struggled to get out of bed, to have a shower even to eat. However things will get better once you get some support from a GP. I agree with 150lashes that being close to a support network may help. However it sounds like you are a long way from "home" at the moment.

I would suggest going to a local medical centre where you are to have an initial chat to a GP. It will not mean you're stuck where you are but rather that you have someone giving you some guidance before you head to where you feel is best for you.

I am really glad you posted here, that's a terrific first step. I also want to assure you that you are not being dramatic at all so don't be worried about telling your GP what you posted here.

We're here for you sqzr. I hope you post back and let us know how you go.

Kind thoughts,

Carol

[geoff]

hi Sqzr, great to have you join the site.
I agree with Lashes and Carol, there is no point travelling on when you feel this way only because where ever you go the same feeling is going to ocurr, and your safety on the roads is important.
Doctors are meant to give you a diagnosis, however once anyone has been through depression it's then possible that we can give you our opinion, not that it can be taken as what your condition is, and if you were my brother/sister then I would suggest that you do have depression.
If you look at it this way and able to get the help you need where you are now then your future may change direction and decide to stay in the vicinity.
If the town is small then you may need to go to somewhere with a larger poulation, which means more doctors and more psychologists, but a doctor now maybe able to prescribe some medication for you just to tie you over until you find a regular doctor and psychologist.
It is very important that you get some help, because with depression what it does is to make you feel negative, empty, sad and not happy.
We would love to hear back from you. Geoff.

[White_Rose]

Dear Sqzr

Hello and welcome. Taking this first step took a lot of energy and courage. We are all pleased to see you here. You have had great replies from other people and now you need time to process this information. I suggest you explore this site further and read the information on depression. Being informed will help understand what is happening.

Being unable to get out of bed is a common effect of depression. Sometimes it can be the hardest thing you do all day.

Initially I suggest you visit a local GP. This will give you a diagnosis and information about your current situation.

Whether or not you move is up to you and the GP. If you have family elsewhere and can stay with someone it may be the best solution as on the spot support is important. Staying where you are may become expensive, so you need to consider these options. The GP you consult may advise against traveling, especially if you are driving, because it entails extra risks. So there are pros and cons to weigh up.

Please keep in contact with us.

Mary

[sqzr]

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

Today is turning out to be an easier/better day. My family knows where I am and I could go back and stay with them. I'm considering going to a local medical centre for a referral or something.

[pipsy]

Hi sqzr. I'm so pleased you got in touch with your family. Also the news you're going to a local medical centre. You sound more positive than your original post, you've turned a corner and made progress. Here's hoping the medical centre hears your pleas for help. Perhaps going home would be a good option till you feel stronger emotionally. Sometimes we need the support from family and yours sounds very supportive. Good luck and best wishes.

Lynda.

[Lost_Girl]

Hi sqzr,

That's great news that you're a little more positive today. Both ideas sound great. It's late here now I hope you found a GP to help.

Thinking of you

Carol

[White_Rose]

Great news sqzr. Good that your family know where you are. And the best of luck with the consultation. I hope it all works out well. Please keep in touch.

Mary