getting out of bed

[Reality]

Hi...have just registered with beyond blue though I've know about the organisation for a while.  I'm coping okay at the moment. I lost my job in May and at 54 on the search again! My age appears to be a barrier, as most organisations/employers want experience though someone young! (though who knows with the Budgets incentive payment to employ over 50 yr olds, perhaps that may help!) The black hole has always been a part of my life, my journey. When it hits I often have difficulty getting out of bed and sleep a lot! I imagine common to many. The thing is, at the moment, I am not bouncing out of bed and am sleeping in, and I am catching my inner critic saying "Your hopeless, worthless, cant even get out of bed, should be grateful for the life you have!" I then acknowledge my inner critic's voice and choose to soothe and respect myself (most of the time).  I am not defective or worthless.  

[Neil_1]

Hi there Reality

Welcome to Beyond Blue and thank you for coming here and providing your post.  I've also gotta say that I find your name an absolute ripper - I'm actually writing to "Reality".  I love it.

I also LOVED your last 6 words of your post - damn right you're neither of those things.

As you said, the Black Hole has been a part of your life for a long time - and while it's not good that it's hovering and is back, it's very good that you seem to be able to recognise it and it's effect on you.

A lighthearted moment here - I firmly believe that staying in bed at around this time of year is a damn fine option I think - no harm in doing that at all.  Winter is never good - well, I'm not a fan anyway.

In the area that you live, are there many options for possible work options?  Is the jobs vacant sites healthy or is it a bit lean pickings at the moment??   Due to your age, I reckon you'd nail the experience criteria no worries for a particular job that you had a background in - and also you would meet the reliable, mature worker option no worries at all.

Just in regard to your black hole, and I'll guess that it's depression that's afflicting you - do you have professional assistance along the lines of GP, psyches, and/or anti-depressants that you're on??

Again, thanx Reality for posting here and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Kind regards

Neil