Hi to anyone else who feels like me

WeeLassy

Hi. This is my first time here. I’m in my mid fifties, unemployed woman. I’ve been thinking about my future and I can’t see it going forward. My biggest concern is loneliness, compounded by unsuccessful job hunting , financial stress and alcohol abuse.
I live alone with my 2 dogs in a regional town where I don’t know anyone. I can go for days, weeks without any human contact.

Worst of all, I have no idea how to link into mental health services without having to pay for a psychiatrist in my area. I’m desperate to get help with depression, anxiety, and what I would call “unusual thoughts and disturbances”.
I just feel completely lost, and I often wonder if ending my life would be the kindest solution. I don’t have any friends or family to help me.

Any ideas of where I can start?

Sophie_M

Hi WeeLassy,

Welcome to the Forums. We’re glad you have been able to reach out here and share what has been happening for you and the thoughts that you are sitting with at the moment. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, and it’s completely understandable that this feels overwhelming, especially when it sounds like you’re carrying it all on your own.

You’re not alone in feeling uncertain about where to start with support, particularly in a regional area. A GP can be a great first step to connect with local services. Another option is Medicare Mental Health Services, which offer free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support for anyone in Australia. You can contact them by phone on 1800 595 212 or visit their website.
Additionally, Ask Izzy is a fantastic resource where you can enter your postcode to find local services: AskIzzy service finder.

Of course, you’re always welcome to reach out to Beyond Blue counsellors anytime on 1300 22 4636, or via webchat.

Thank you again for sharing here. We know how hard it can be to talk about feelings like this and how isolating it can feel to manage them alone. We hope this space feels safe and welcoming for you to return to whenever you need. We’re here for you.

Kind regards,
Sophie M

smallwolf

Hello and welcome to the forums.

I just want (mainly) to add a little to what Sophie_M said (since she said pretty much all the useful information) but what I wanted to add was a reply to your final question... Posting here was a good place to start.

From your post, it sound like things are really tough for you and perhaps compounded by living in a regional area?

What sort of things did you enjoy doing?

And if you like, I am following your post and can chat... Listening.