Overwhelmed and exhausted

[Emmers]

Hi everyone,

I have never posted on an online forum before, so here goes. I am 32 yo woman who has recently been diagnosed bipolar. I have had manic episodes in the past which have upturned my life. I have a psych degree but have been working in retail for the past 10 years because of consequences of mania and low motivation, as well as having to move to a small town with little opportunity due to having to care for my mum, who passed away a few years ago now. I am now studying to be an occupational therapist, but juggling work with study is really hard and on top of that I am medicated now so I get tired really easy and keep having depressed feelings and depressed days where I can hardly get the motovation to do anything. I got a not so great grade today from uni (I am studying online) and I know it sounds stupid and petty but it just felt like the last straw. I don't know how to keep going. I am just so tired. With the work and the study I have hardly any time for me. Before I started studying I was doing better but at the same time I want to do something different with my life. Going to see a psychiatrist on monday so maybe different medication might be the answer I don't know. I try to talk to my partner about it but because she is not depressed it is hard for her to understand. Just wanted to put my thoughts out there, thanks for listening.

[pipsy]

Hi Guest. It must be difficult for you to 'keep a stiff upper lip'. With everything in your life that you've mentioned. There is some information regarding depression on the forums at the bottom of this page. Perhaps if you download this and give it to your partner to read, it might be of some use in helping her understand where you are emotionally. Going to visit a psych is a good idea, as you say, new AD's might help. You need support with depression, your psych can help you with working through some of your issues, but having a supportive partner means you're not alone when you go home. Would it be possible eventually, for your partner to perhaps sit in on some of your sessions with the psych, more for the emotional support than actual input. Once your partner fully appreciates your situation, she may be more supportive. I'm sure your psych would be happy for her to be there. Once you feel comfortable opening up, ask her how she would feel about being there.

Best of luck

[pipsy]

Hi, sorry about ending that post before introducing myself. My name is Lynda.

[Gruffudd]

Hi Emmers,

Welcome to the forums. I can identify with what you say having been in my own version of it. I live in a country town and have had pretty challenging mental health to deal with. It took me 10 years to get through uni. I even took a break for a year and did a carpentry apprenticeship (for entirely shallow reasons, the boys decided they liked having a queer kid in the class too). There were loads of moments through that when I thought it was hopeless and the last straw. I want to say, it got better, it does get better. And I did graduate.

I would love to have the chance on these forums to chat about your life, and share stories with you. There is the community forum for the less specific conversations and the other ones are great places to talk and ask questions.

Thinking about depression and in particular bipolar getting help is the thing. You seem to be on the right track there. Many manage most if not all the time in a way that still lets you live life. I got through uni eventually and have been in work since. I probably do have to spend more time caring for me and my mental health than others but it is worth doing.

Love to hear more of your thoughts.

Rob.