Hey

Jimothy333
Community Member

Hello. I've been diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder, Depression and anxiety. I've been fighting with this since I was 20 and I'm getting really tired. I have no friends anymore a couple of great family members both of which live in other countries. I have also managed to get a minor eating problem...not diagnosed but I'm pretty badly overweight. I have only ever had two real jobs one for 5 years and one for 4 months. I'm managing an easy casual job for now which has been going on for 2 years now. I've been through Centrelink and just been kicked out of Atwork. I have never had an intimate relationship at all...absolutely nothing. This only keeping me going is my cousin and my Goddaughter. I have no skills and some experience so getting a job is almost impossible. The drugs are amazing cos despite all this I'm not currently depressed. I get through most days with a hefty dose of Lyrica. Oh I'm also pre-diabetic..

Im aimless...

I don't want to remember my past, the present is always numb and there is no future...

Sorry for the wall of text. 😞

2 Replies 2

MarkJT
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Jimothy, there is hope mate, there is always hope. You have a bit going on here so lets break this down.

Your weight - i feel that if we can get you to drop some, then a whole new world is going to open up.

Okay so can you exercise. Not talking about running a marathon here. Get out and walk around the block. This is really good for mental health as you are getting outside and your are moving. Body movement is so important. Exercise is a great mindfulness method also. Once you have walked the block, do two laps or head to the beach and sand walk, hard work but really good for you.

How is your diet? Can you cut some bad foods out? Replace with fruit and veg? How much sugar can you easily cut out of your diet. I swapped red coke for coke zero - instant cut of a whole lot of sugar. Perhaps seek out a dietitian to give you a hand with your diet.

A common theme is that when you drop some weight, you will feel a whole lot better, both physically and mentally. Your energy will rise and your self worth will raise. Once your self worth is raised then you will project confidence. Once your confidence is up, then you will be able to socialise more.

Don't want to harp on about your weight here but as you say you other mental health matters are under control with the meds you are on so I really think that there is a lot tied into your weight.

Would love to hear back and see how you can go about going for a walk and do some simple exercises.

Cheers mate.

Mark.

Quiettall
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Jimmy

I agree with Mark's comments. Also have you had a chat with the GP about a referral to a counsellor for some support. You can ring the 24/7 line for BB or check out the links at the bottom of this page as well. Maybe join a Men's Shed locally to get some skills going. The guys there are usually retired and are very good at mentoring and sharing skills with younger men.

If you dont like walking, the idea of simple bike riding is good. It gets you further and the exercise is good for your legs, your butt, and your gut, and you can enjoy the breeze as you learn to cruise the local area. I have taken up bike riding over the last 4 weeks and after doing between 30-60 mins each morning early, I feel like a new man. I have lost a few kilos, feel firmer, fitter and enjoy the early morning ride, say hi to the joggers, other riders, and love the sounds and smell of the early morning. It is a good way to start the day, and the energy and blood rush through the brain really makes my mood and overall well-being lots brighter.

Love to hear how you go with these and Mark's suggestions