As dark as things get, it will get better

[StormChaser]

Hi i thought i would share my story briefly , i have had undiagnosed since an early child/adolescent im in my mid 30's male and have finally hit a major wall in my mental health issues.

my depression has affected my work relationships and well been for many years not knowing how to deal with depression and the stigma attached i tried bottling it in i found myself changing jobs and moving around to try and figure out why i was always so down , the past few years i turned to drugs and alcohol the combination of bottling up my mental health issues and intoxication of drug use lead my two serious offenses  . this was the 1st time in my life i had ever been convicted for any offense and it was extremely out of character and something i will regret for the rest of my life . this caused me to lose my job and my friends luckily my close family have supported me getting help and understanding what steps in life led me to where i am now.

i urge everybody

suffering from mental health issues to talk openly about what your going through and not to bottle it all in, seeking professional help and having time to reflect on my health state and hearing from others about there depression has giving me a clearer mind state in dealing with my own depression, i thank everybody who has opened up to share there story and are grateful of organizations such as beyond blue.

i have a long road ahead in dealing with

my depression and dealing with the repercussions of committing two offenses and rebuilding my life over, i know i have to try and stay positive and turn it all around   . dont let your mental health issues turn your life upside down seek help and as dark as things get , it will get better

[AGrace]

Hi StormChaser,

Firstly, I like your picture, I'm guessing you like music?

Secondly, Thank you for sharing what your journey has been like so far. It's sad that there is still quite a bit of stigma about mental health, however it's certainly better now, thanks to voices like your own and so many others breaking down some of the negative connotations that go with the term mental illness.

I'm glad that you are on your path to recovery. I hear that you have found talking very useful along with self reflection. It's always great to hear positive stories of how people have literally turned their lives around by walking one foot in front of the other and being open and willing.

You've been very brave in your battle, and even more courageous in sharing with us.

AGrace

[StormChaser]

Hi Agrace,

thank you for your reply and kind words and yes i love music 🙂 its defiantly helps heal the soul.

And as hard as it does get with depression all you can do is put one foot in front of the other so to speak it doesn't mean depression for some people will completely go away but there is certainly  ways to help manage it , i just hope that for others they don't leave it as long as i have and many others have to reach out for help.

i would like to add that as much as talking helps in my very limited research so far i have found that taking that 1st step to talk to a trusted gp friends and family, having a counselor or psychologist to talk to and trying medication helps . but most of all i found myself struggling with adapting with antidepressant medication with the vast side effects , i know all medication effects people differently and i am not discouraging taking prescribed medication  , but it helps to do your research 1st and ask your doctor any questions needed . i am currently trying a natural holistic approach through exercise meditation and diet , and i strongly believe there should be more programs funded by our health system to put these kind of things in place so we have a better education on the benefits of such approaches. once again thank you for your reply

Storm

[white knight]

Hi Stormchaser,

Just a simple thankyou for this thread. There are so many amazing people in this world.

[Jo3]

Hi Stormchaser

Thank you for sharing your story and for inspiring others on here.  At times we come on here looking for support when we are so down in that dark dark hole. 

I'm glad to read that things will get better.

Jo

[StormChaser]

thanks Jo and thanks white knight for your reply great to know there's lots of wonderful people out there 🙂

[AGrace]

Hi StormChaser,

You are right, taking that first step in seeking professional support, although very helpful in the end, can be really challenging and confronting for a lot of people.

I also agree that being aware in terms of medication is the most useful tool if you make the choice to take it. Usually Psychiatrists have a better understanding of medications than GP's and yet all too often I hear of people just taking the medication the GP prescribed, even thought they don't feel it's working for them.

You might like to have a look at my mental health equation, A x 3 - B. It should be under the recovery and staying well section.

There's also a thread called SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION under the depression section of the forums, you may wish to add to it with your holistic approach. I think a lot of others would find your experience and suggestions helpful.

AGrace

[StormChaser]

Thankyou for your reply there are so many lovely people on here