Agnes1961

[Agnes1961]

Hi. This is my first time reaching out so I'm not sure how to start. I just feel a bit lost. I lost my husband due to illness a couple of years ago and recently lost my job that I loved due to redundancy. I have been experiencing lack of confidence and overall sadness at my situation. I am trying to feel grateful for all the good things I have in life but it's hard to keep a positive outlook sometimes.

[Guest_9809]

Good morning Agnes and welcome to the Beyond Blue forums. Well done to you for reaching out to this peer support forum. Many people actually find that simply being able to express their worries has a beneficial effect on their symptoms. I hope this is the case for you. The Forums are a secure and anonymous place where you should feel safe to discuss what is bothering you, or even just to vent occasionally.

It sounds like you have taken a couple of life changing knocks in the past couple of years. I expect you would be aware that the loss of a partner and the loss of a job are the two biggest triggers for depression? Apparently a house move is also right up there. Has that also occurred for you recently?

Your lack of confidence, overall sadness and inability to see the positives in life, are all symptoms of depression. If you are interested, take a look in "The Facts" section of the BB website (located below). Click on Depression and you will see a box called "Take the Depression Test". It is a K10 Checklist, which I suggest you complete. Depending on your score I would then suggest you make an appointment with your GP. Take a copy of the test with you if you'd like, so you can discuss the results.

There are a number of things we can do to help us through periods of depression. Including medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. All of these can be discussed with your GP and subsequently a psychologist if that is your preferred route. The important thing to know however, is that you are not alone, and that things will improve.

In the meantime, have a browse through some of the Depression threads here on the Forums. If there are any that resonate with you and you wish to contribute, please do so. You will be welcomed by a great bunch of people who make up this BB Community. They are caring and supportive, and like you and I, they all live with mental health issues and so they understand what you are going through.

If you are interesting in some company and wish to meet some other members here in an informal setting, I would suggest you have a look at the BB Social Zone and Staying Well threads. They are a mixture of a bit of fun and games and general wellness tips and suggestions. Well worthwhile.

Its great to have you here Agnes, and I hope to see you around some of the other threads as you familiarise yourself with what the Forums have to offer. I hope to hear from you again soon.

Please take care.

Taurus

[geoff]

hello Agnes, welcome and thanks for posting your comment, but it not always easy to post your first comment, because you may have typed it out, then edited to finally deleting it, only wishing that you had posted it, it's always very brave to do this and well done.
I am sorry for what you have had to go through because eventually, it's an accumulation of what matters to you that is able to bring you down, where you lose interest in most things in life and then become depressed.
It may not seem as though you are suffering from depression, but look at it as being 'going through a tough time', but it's a prerequisite that this illness needs to then grab hold of you and put into a depressed state of mind.
When this starts to happen then people who gone through it before, try and contact their supporters, while other times, when nothing is done it then becomes worse, so this is what you have to try and avoid, by contacting your doctor, because now it doesn't matter what you have achieved it make any difference.
They will most likely refer you to a psychologist on a mental health plan which entitles you to 10 free visits, but please stay in contact with us, as other people will also reply. Geoff.

[Agnes1961]

Hello Taurus. Thanks so much for your feedback. It took me a while to take action as I still wasn't convinced I may be suffering from depression until I completed the checklist. WOW! My answers took me by surprise - yes to nearly every question! I have been to see my GP and he was wonderful. I came home from my visit and burst into tears. I was so relieved but also really frustrated with myself as I should have reached out sooner. Why did I put myself though this misery for so long? I now have medication to help and will be seeing a phycologist to help me sort through this mess of my life. I am already feeling a bit better knowing that I'm not alone and DO have people to turn to for support. Agnes.

[Agnes1961]

Hello Geoff. Thanks for responding to my first post. You are right - the first post was the hardest. I always thought that I was "just going through a tough time" and it will pass. But after joining BB have realised that it is ok to ask for help. My GP told me that it is not a sign of "weakness" to reach out but actually a sign of "bravery and strength" I now have started the journey back to what I hope is some good times ahead. For the first time in a while I have had a few positive thoughts instead of all negative. I understand it's a long road but with help and support I'm feeling better about what lies ahead. Agnes.

[Guest_9809]

Good morning Anges, and thankyou so much for coming back to us and letting us know how you're going.

I'm so pleased to hear that you took that K10 depression test, and followed up on it with your GP. Its always lovely to hear feedback from people such as yourself. I know when I first went along to see my GP about my PTSD symptoms it was so difficult .. so good on you for taking the bull by the horns.

It sounds as though you have a really good and understanding GP, which is terrific news because they really are in the front line when it comes to both our physical and mental health. Did he put you on a Mental Health Care Plan? Your release of emotion by bursting into tears probably indicates just how much of a relief it was to finally have an explanation for why you've been feeling as you have been. Your GP is spot on in assuring you that reaching out is actually an indication of strength and bravery. It isnt easy to accept that we may have a MH issue and that we need help to overcome it. So I say well done to you. (-:

Acceptance is usually the first step to recovery, so I'm confident that you are now on the right road. The medication will definitely help, and I hope you adjust well to that. I look forward to hearing how your psychology appointments go once you get there. I find my psychologist to be an invaluable asset in my own recovery. I presently only see her on a monthly basis, but there have been times that I've seen her more frequently. Nothing happens in a hurry Agnes, but I have confidence that things will turn around for us both - small steps taken slowly but surely.

Certainly you have the right attitude Agnes, and that is a big plus. Stories such as yours inspire many other readers and contributors, so your posts will prove extremely helpful to many others.

You are very welcome to post here anytime, so I hope to continue seeing you around the Forums. Contribute to any other threads that resonate with you, and which you feel you have something to offer. All input from you will be much appreciated by others here.

Another area of the Forums I would suggest you have a look at is the Staying Well section, where you will find a number of threads I think you will find both helpful and inspiring.

Please know that there are many fellow members here who will continue to offer you whatever support you may require, when you need it. I'm happy to just chat too, if thats what you need. Hope to see you again soon.

Taurus