Greetings All

[RAB]

Greetings to you all, this is my first post. I'm a male in my mid 40's and have been battling Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety for over 8 years. My disorder almost took everything away from me, my marriage, my employment & my life. Early 2012 I made the greatist decision of my life, I spoke to a trusted person and finally admitted I was not well and needed help. That person referred me to a GP he knew well and from that moment I commenced continued engagement with my GP, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Occupational Therapist's and close family and friends.

There have been a few major setbacks along the way but the past 5 months have been the best quality of life I have experienced in over 8 years.

Being open about my battles and updating my highs and lows has made my family, friends, work mates and sporting groups feel more comfortable discussing mental illness around me. I'd like to be a role model to others who have experienced similar issues.

Great to meet you all.

[J_15]

Hi RAB

I've been on this forum for all of five minutes myself (literally) but good to read your post. I'm late 30's male and it seems I've been suffering depression for many years. I started to write that I haven't lost everything yet, but thinking about it, I actually have stripped my life down to the bare essentials, and even they aren't holding up so well lately. Admitting that and actually doing something constructive about it is something I've been avoiding, for a few reasons. But today I saw a psychologist, now I'm here, and next I think I'm going to bite the bullet and see a GP and start addressing this issue properly. It was helpful and encouraging to read your post.

[Zeal]

Hi RAB,

Welcome to the forum community, and thanks for introducing yourself!

It is fantastic that you made that decision to talk openly about your mental health with someone you trust. It sounds as though, after seeing different professionals and allowing your family and close friends to support you (which isn't easy for some people with depression), you are enjoying your life now. The fact that you consider the last five months to be the best in 8 years is amazing! I've had OCD/anxiety for 10 years, since the age of 13. My quality of life currently is the best I've experienced since I was 17.

You seem to have support from a wide range of people, which is great. Being able to tell work friends and sporting teammates about your personal experiences is brave, honest and may even encourage them to talk more openly. I honestly think you would be a good role model to others around you. I hope you are happy in your family relationships, and have reconnected with people if need be. Mental illness is rough, but it's the best feeling when you break through the obstructions and can see life in a different light.

It would be great to hear back from you!

Best wishes,

Zeal

[BballJ]

Hi Rab,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

Amazing story, it's nice to have a positive story about mental illness. I am so happy to read that the past 8 months and been the best quality of life you have had for 8 years. That is great, I am sure your input on these forums will be much appreciated and well received by all.

Thank you for taking the time to share your story 🙂

My best for you,

Jay

[geoff]

hi RAB, a very inspirational comment by someone who has found the light eventually, but after so much heartache which you would have thought that there is no possible way for you to recover, but after a bit of hard work and your willingness to seek professional help finally you have achieved a new life, well done, it's always a great story to hear, because we do have people who never believe that they will ever improve, so stories like yours is a very welcomed comment.
You say that you have had a few set backs, this may happen, so we call them relapses, but it doesn't mean that you will stay depressed for ever, it's a short period where you have to regain your strength, but what will happen is that you will learn something different on each occasion to make you stronger.
It's certainly terrific for you to join us on the site. Geoff.