Work life depression balance

[Lweezuk]

Hi I'm 28 and have been suffering with depression since my late teens.  I'm currently on medication but just in the process of switching.

I've been in Australia for just over a year and thought a move away from my old life in England would make me "better" but hence feelings have just travelled and I feel isolated from my friends at home. 

I've been in a really bad place for about 3-4 months now really urging myself to think positive but struggling to drag myself out of my "pit". Sometimes I feel like I want to scream and cry all at once and still this won't represent my thoughts. My work are great but I've been taking a lot of time off recently  unable to motivate myself to get to work or bursting into tears at my desk.  I feel like a burden.  

Some days I feel good and on my "down days" im worried my colleagues think I'm overreacting or being dramatic.  

I have my sister here in Melbourne but I push her away a lot not wanting to drag her into my mood.  I'm going through through a relationship breakdown because he doesn't understand my depression.  

I wish I knew what to do for the best. 

Louise

[Doolhof]

Hi Louise,

Thanks for sharing your story. I am not sure about the access you can receive while here in Australia if you are on a working visa or what ever.

Can you see a Dr to discuss how you are feeling and ask for assistance. Maybe look in the phone directory for free or low cost counsellors. Sometimes they are available through community houses, Churches or supportive organisations.

You could try using the phone lines for Beyond Blue or Life Line and talk with someone over the phone about how you are feeling. Beyond Blue also has a webchat service you can use as well.

Try to get out and do some exercise every day, get the mind thinking about something else, join a club or a group, look for something you are interested in so you can meet new people.

Be open with your sister, tell her you are struggling. Try to catch up with her, even if it is for a short period of time to start with. Go somewhere you like with your sister.

Try and think of fun things to do with your partner if you are still together.

Look up how to cope with depression on the internet and try out some of the suggestions.

Do you have someone at work who you can talk to about how you are feeling?

It is a shame that some people just don't understand depression still or don't know how to act around a person who is suffering from it.

Do you keep in touch with your family and friends in England? Unfortunately we do need to deal with our issues so they don't follow us around!

You could start up a journal where you write down all the good bits of your day. Even if you try for three things you are thankful for. If we look for the good, we can find it.

Wishing you all the best and hope some of this is of help to you.

Cheers for now, from Mrs. Dools

[Cestro]

Hey Louise.

It sounds like you're having a really hard time at the moment, well done for remaining strong and fighting you're depression. I realise that it is often very hard to see the bright side of things, but the most important thing you can do is continue to push forward.

Firstly, I find it always makes things better when you are doing something, it keeps you're mind away from stressful and depressing thoughts that often circulate around you're mind when you have nothing to do. So make sure you get out there (even if you really don't feel like it) and do things that entertain you, whether that be making/finding hobbies, exploring some new stores and shopping areas or just catching up with people you may know.
Also, getting exercise like cycling, jogging or even a brisk walk is a great way to make yourself feel better and more in control.

Realise that it is a sign of strength that you're pushing yourself to get out of bed and go to work. During times like this, it takes a tremendous amount of will power, determination and focus to do anything, three characteristics of a strong person.
Don't feel like you're being a burden to those around you because your going through a difficult time and showing some emotion, it's only human. A good person will always be understanding and supportive, so don't let those who aren't worry you.

If it makes you feel better, you could try going for a few short walks during the workday to freshen yourself up a little and give you time to relax.
Most of all, realise that when it comes down to fighting through you're battles, there is no such thing as over reacting or being dramatic. The fact of the matter is, any decent person wouldn't think you're being either of those things.

Lastly, talking to people about you're problems can really help allot, and also help them to understand more what your going through. Perhaps try to talk more with you're sister. I'd say that t would mean allot to her if she could truly understand what's going on. You shouldn't feel like you're dragging her into anything, it's always wonderful having family support and I'm sure she would share her problems with you if she needed you're support 🙂

Keep being as determined and focused as you have been. Life is a bumpy road, but you will always find flat ground, as long as you keep pushing forward 🙂

Be safe, be healthy, be happy 😉