Words of encouragement - I need some right now

[TheBigBlue]

This is what it is.

I’m reaching out on a forum for some kind words, as I don’t have anywhere else to reach out.

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

We all need encouragement, but more do when we feel the world is against you.

This forum is totally anonymous so feel free to mention your circumstances which will help us more to answer you.

We are people with mental illness that have various life experiences so we might help.

TonyWK

[TheBigBlue]

I’m really depressed & sliding back into “harmful” thoughts.

l’ve been trying so hard, but feel like I’m making no progress. I already see a psychiatrist & psychologist, off my own bat I reached out to a peer support service (they do video calls), I’m currently doing DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy). I’ve even joined a soccer team.

And yet I still sit at home & think about it being better if I just wasn’t here 😞

[white knight]

I would say you might consider visiting your GP.

Perhaps reading the following might help

Google

Beyondblue topic the timing of motivation

Beyondblue topic the best praise you'll ever get

TonyWK

[Sophie_M]

Dear TheBigBlue, 

We're sorry to hear that you're feeling really depressed and sliding back into harmful thoughts. We can hear how hard you're trying so it must feel disheartening to be feeling this way. Try to keep in mind that progress is not linear - often people taking 2 steps forward and then 1 step backwards. You're doing all the right things in terms of looking after yourself, so try and trust that you'll take 3 steps forward soon. We're here to support you along the way. 

We hope that posting here and getting community support will bring you some comfort. 

It might be an idea to try something that makes you feel good - whether that be a bath, a cup of tea, calling a loved one, watching your favourite show, putting on an upbeat song. 

If things get worse for you, please do not hesitate to reach out for professional support. Read more about our support options here - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support. Otherwise, in overwhelming moments you could also get in touch with our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).

Please continue posts here as you see fit! 

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Hi there

Ok I'll admit this made me tear up a bit, because I know what it's like when we're trying and we still feel the same on the inside. I agree with what Sophie said though, that it's a bit of a dance. In those times where we step backwards, it can be good to try remember how it felt when we moved forward - even if it was only a tiny step. I remember how excited I got, when you, a perfect stranger, wrote on the forums that you were joining a soccer team. For some of us, life is bloody hard. So when someone steps up and says "hey, I'm gonna have a go at this anyway", I think that's pretty massive.

I've shared this around the forums, but I might post here too, and I hope that's ok. One of the things I've been doing is putting little notes in a jar of things I've achieved. On a crap day maybe it's just "I got out of bed". On a less crap day maybe it's "had coffee with a friend". Then when I need a boost - that jar is there to remind me that I'm doing ok.

Anyway I've talked enough on your thread, but I really just want to say "hang in there!". Katy

[Guest_206]

Dear TheBigBlue, I'm so sorry you're feeling so down at the moment in spite of doing so many things to help yourself - I actually can't help but feel proud of you for all those achievements - because they really are achievements.

Please know that you're valued.

X g

[tranzcrybe]

You are sowing seeds toward your recovery - some things are out of your hands, but you have already acquired initiative. Patience is also a virtue and things will surely bloom for you in time.

[TheBigBlue]

Thanks Katy, your messaged warmed my heart a little.

im sticking with it all, played soccer again on the weekend, had a shocker 🤣🤣 but had fun. I’m starting to feel more comfortable with the other girls in the team. And I only fell over once this week. Even funnier, a girl I went to primary school with was playing on the other team. We used to play softball together in our teenage years but haven’t since each other since, so about 20 years.

Anyway, can you picture it, 2 girls suddenly screaming “OMG!” & having a massive embrace & chat in the middle of the field while the game went on around us? It was pretty funny.

i like your idea of the putting notes in the jar. When I have a good day, I always announce what I did to my boyfriend. Even if the only thing I did was the dishes, I proudly announce it & then we cheer & clap.

As I am in a better frame of mind, I’m off to prepare dinner now.

And a heartfelt thank you to Guest_206 & tanzcrybe for your kind messages. It really helped to read those, just what I needed on that day.

Danielle