Tired

[deprees8]

hi all,
Its been a awhile since I was on here but I'm finding it difficult to try and express how my depression is affecting my life to both everyone and my doctor. Don't get me wrong a doc is meant to help but I have lately been feeling that my doc is thinking that I'm using my depression as an excuse not to do things. And also I'm unemployed and looking for work and I have just started a new case worker for my unemployment obligations and I tried explaining how hard it is to look for work and even if I had a job how hard it is with depression. I would like to work but multiplied problems lie in front of me. I like this doctor that I'm seeing at the moment but should I change or stick it out. Also how do I deal with the case worker. I have only just had a week of good thoughts after 4 months of stress and anxiety due to covid 19 and my work for the dole place being shut down for that time and still closed. Any thoughts?

[Cassie07]

Hi, I'm not a professional but I believe you should consult another doctor, your doctor should believe in you and support you, not shut you down. It's import to address depression as an illnesses- not a decision.

[LS128]

Hi deprees8,

I am sorry to hear that you are going through a lot of challenges at the moment. It is however very good of you to reach out for support, and I hope we can all be of assistance.

Without knowing more about your doctor, it seems that they are not addressing the mental feelings and emotions that you are experiencing. Has your doctor recently, or at any point, done any sort of health assessment with you? This should be done to see if a mental health plan is warranted or not and to ensure you are on the right pathway to getting the support that you need. I hope that this can be done with a doctor you feel comfortable with.

Being unemployed is something that is understandably stressful. However, it seems that you are doing the right thing by acknowledging your emotions and being honest with the case worker. I can't really give more advice without knowing more about the case worker situation. If you don't mind me asking, how have they been towards you so far when you explained your situation?

In the interim in case you are not aware, there are a number of Beyond Blue immediate support services you can use when you are feeling down besides the forum. This includes a 24/7 hotline (1300 22 4636), as well as an online chat function available from 3pm-Midnight daily. You can also email. I have included the link below:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

Also, please make sure you are looking after yourself and doing something that you enjoy to take your mind of things each day. It could be something like going for a walk, chatting to a friend or a mindfulness exercise. Make time to empower yourself each day so that you can feel empowered with the challenges that you are facing.

Of course, feel free to write back with any questions or thoughts that you have. We are always here to help out on the forums too. Take care and stay safe.

Warm Regards,
LS128