Struggling

[Rebecca94]

Does anyone else feel like it will never get easier? I've felt like this since my teens, I'm 26 now and it just gets worse. I've tried speaking to people, counselling, antidepressants but nothing helps. What's the point when nothing changes. I don't mean to be rude as I know help is out there but it isn't working for me. Does anyone else feel like they will just never be happy?

[Sophie_M]

Hey Rebecca94,

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us here. It was very brave of you to do so and we are so sorry to hear how much you are struggling right now. We can hear that these feelings have been really tough to cope with in many parts of your life, and we understand that this must be difficult. But please know that this is a safe space for you to express your thoughts and feelings, and our caring community are here to help support you through this.

We understand that finding the right mental health support can sometimes be a difficult journey, but w'd really encourage you to keep reaching out. Sometimes practitioners with different skill sets, and even particular personalities, can meet your needs and expectations in different ways. If you feel up to it, we'd really encourage you to get in touch with the friendly counsellors at our Beyond Blue Support Service anytime on 1300 22 4636 or through Webchat (3pm-12am AEST) here: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport

We'd also encourage you to reach out to our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), whenever these feelings become overwhelming, or things feel like too much to cope with. The lovely counellors at there for you 24/7, day or night, to help support you through this.

Many in our community will be able to relate to these feelings and hopefully a few pop by soon to offer you words of support and advice. If you would like to post further, please feel free to tell us more about what's on your mind and how we can best help support you through this difficult time.
 

[Tay100]

Hi Rebecca94

We are sorry to hear that you are sitting in a tough headspace right now- we appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us, especially in your first few posts. I second what Sophie_M said, the mental health journey can be hard, but it's important to reach out as much as we need. You can use this thread to voice your experiences in finding the right service for you, and people can leave their insights for you to consider too. Please keep us updated if you feel up to it.

Tay100

[Rarra]

Hi Rebecca94,

Like you, I too have felt feelings of hopelessness since I was a teen. I get frustrated because I know that I am trying so hard to fight them off, and going down the avenues I need to go down to get support and help (Eating healthy, hobbies, meds, psychologist) but sometimes those reoccurring feelings get so exhausting and heavy and that little 'whats the point' will creep its way in. It is almost comforting to hear when someone else experiences the same cos it can be an isolating feeling. However I still have good days,like days where a song in the car will just have my endorphins pumping, and I just think 'this is the point'. If only our brains could naturally just give more attention to those simple little moments, rather than getting bogged down in overthinking and negativity.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that yes, I do feel that way also sometimes and I am thinking of you and anyone else who feels that way right now. I hope you can find some beauty in your day 🙂

[yggdrasil]

Hi Rebeccah - I know exactly the feeling you're describing. I've struggled on and off with serious depression since 2010 when I was about 20. When I'm really, really depressed I feel like nothing is ever going to change and I just want to give up. And then something changes. Sometimes it takes six months or more, but eventually a tiny little switch flips. I'm 31 now and I've had some major lows throughout my 20s, but each time it happens I'm able to deal with it a little bit better. A lot of people in my family have suffered major mental health issues, and your 20s appears to be the worst time for many people. Maybe because that's when you're having to do intense study, or start a career at the bottom rungs, or are struggling to get employment or find meaningful things to do at all. Maybe it's because your brain and chemistry or whatever are still developing and haven't quite settled down yet. I don't know. But keep trying and moving forwards and you'll find things bit by bit get more managable and you can enjoy your life. For me it's not 2 steps forward 1 step back but 10 steps forward 9 steps back. Sometimes it's even more like 100 steps forward 99 steps back. But over the scale of years, things very slowly drift forwards.

Are there any hobbies or strategies you use at the moment to get you through the worst of it? Anything that works like a circuit breaker is good IMO. I do a lot of exercise which helps but I know that's not an option for everyone. For me the counselling and meds are part of the story but very, very far from the full story. Sometimes talking and ruminating about stuff just makes it all bigger in your head. Sometimes being less intellectual about all this stuff helps too - that's why I like exercise. Also doesn't have to be hardcore exercise. Before the lockdowns I played heaps of pool. I've known a few psychs who swear by pool as a mental health therapy. Currently I'm back on the skateboard now the skateparks have opened. I pay for it with sore knees and elbows but the threat of injury really forces you out of your own head. Plus I just bought a bunch of pads and helmet hopefully to avoid the worst of the pain... Cycling is good for me. I did UberEats on my bike for cash during my masters, and I still do it now and then cos riding on the road also forces you to focus on the hear and now, and the small financial incentive to exercise also goes a long way to get me moving! Anyway I swear things get easier slowly 🙂

[Tay100]

Hi Rebecca94

Just thought I'd stop by and see how you were doing since you last posted? Has anything on the forums resonated with you, even if it hasn't been directly about seeking the right help for you? We are here to listen should you want to expand on your story.

Tay100