Introducing myself

[Tia12]

Hi, I'm Tia12. I've had depression now on and off - mostly on - for over 25 years. A single parent to one teenager. I get so overwhelmed at times. Financial strain, not having time or money to do stuff, and friendships and family relationships not going so well.

I just wish for a break from the stress. At work I cop it from a work colleague/friend, at home I get criticise by more daughter and my family have always thrown negative comments my way.

I keep fighting and trying to stay positive. I mean I'm a survivor but it's hard when things get on top of you.

I really don't have many close friends either.

I'm looking forward to joining in the forums.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Tia,

I hope it’s okay for me to say hello and gently welcome you to the forums 🙂 I feel single parenthood can be really tough at times, because you have to be everything (so to speak) to your child. There isn’t someone there to share the load or give you a break, which must be hard...

You sound drained, lonely and overwhelmed. Actually, you sound overworked as well.

Also, I feel it must hurt so much to receive so much criticism from different people. That would really sting, especially when it comes from loved ones...

You’re of course welcome to form connections, vent and chat here. We would love to get to know you a bit better if you’re happy to talk...no pressure though, just when and if you feel like writing again.

My kind thoughts to you today,

Pepper

[geoff]

Hello Tia, can I offer you a warm welcome to the forums and thanks for posting your comment.

It sounds as though it's been pretty tough for you, I'm really sorry for what's been happening and I hope you feel happy to be on a forum where you can connect with so many people, who have also struggled with their own type of depression.

Are you able to break down what you have told us, as there are many issues in the comment you sent to us, I understand that they could all be related, but it might help us if it's broken down, to the one that mainly worries you.

Take care.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[baet123]

Hi Tia,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for posting and sharing your journey with us.

Things haven't been the easiest for you it seems but I am really glad you have persisted and it shows a great deal of bravery, strength, courage and resilience to say the least. You possess amazing qualities and characteristics for which you should be very proud of yourself!

Teenagers can be extremely difficult at the best of times let alone dealing with their behaviour when suffering from a mental health condition. You mention some financial strain. Have you ever considered seeing a financial counsellor? There is also welfare assistance agency that are able to help you with your electrical and gas bills. I know you may not feel comfortable doing so and that is extremely normal but in NSW we have a scheme called the "Energy Account Payment Assistance" scheme which provides you financial relief and assists you with paying your utility bills. Each state has a similar scheme and this would provide you with some financial relief.

I am sorry to hear that your family is not as supportive as they should be. You are absolutely a survivor, a warrior, a fighter and an inspiration to say the least. Staying positive is difficult but positive thoughts are so important and key to working towards positive outcomes. Cliche yes, but true!

Keep fighting the good fight! I look forward to hearing from you in the future and we are always here to support you, always!

Have a great week Tia.

All the best,

Nick.

[Croix]

Dear Tia12~

You are very welcome here at the Forum, I see you've already started a thread - great! I've popped a first reply to you there:

Forums / Relationship and family issues / Lonely, family estrangement, few friends

Croix

[Happygoluckymiss]

Hi Tia12

I’m happygoluckymiss and I am 36 and struggling with anxiety, situational depression and some ptsd.

i love your positivity and your approach to dealing with the not so great days.

i am also fairly new to the Beyond Blue forums and have felt they have been a wonderful outlet for me to be able to read, reflect and participate in a community of the most wonderful and non-judgemental people.

You mentioned that you’re a single Mum and you have a daughter and you’re working to make ends meet. Everyone of these things is tough individually and when it’s compounded and happens all at the same time - that can be very hard to navigate through.

I know for me, when it rains it pours and everything feels like it’s too much. I understand this all too well.

The most encouraging thing for me and dare I say this - positive out of the darkest days is that I know I will survive. I have everyday and I have a 100% success rate of getting through it. I am not fond of going through the tough times but I know when they happen, how to deal with them and what I need to do.

welcome to this beautiful community. It’s helped me beyond belief.

- happygoluckymiss

[Tia12]

Thank you everyone for your kind words. Today didn't start off so great as I was still feeling really depressed. I'm on holidays and I just didn't want to get out of bed. However after a good cry I decided I should face the word esp as I had appointment. I found out today I have some permanently hearing loss (I nearly bursted into tears but managed to hold it together while I was there). I did expect it as I have previously worked in call centres but still a shock. So they talked me through some hearing aids with the cheapest being $3000 for the two. Even with the payment plan I can't afford them but I was able to say to my daughter that she will have to be more tolerant when I ask her to repeat herself. She knows we can't afford them. I've decided I will have to sit down and write a budget. Some positive things did happen during the day - my daughter cooked pancakes without assistance and without asking and I connected with a friend. Feeling overwhelmed but I must remind myself not to be too hard on myself and to find time to relax on holidays.

[baet123]

Hey Tia,

I know a lot of people who don't want to get out of bed whilst there on holidays so don't stress! It is good that you are expressing your emotions and letting them out. It is always better to do that then keep them bottled up inside.

Sorry to hear about your loss of hearing. I can't being to imagine what that feels like but I can tell your extremely strong and resilient and you will continue kicking on. Hearing aids are expensive, no doubt about that. Have you discussed with your doctor whether you can get the hearing aids subsidised by the government or have you spoken to medicare? It may be worth enquiring if you haven't already!

Writing and establishing a budget or financial plan is a great idea. I would also consider seeing a financial counselor. Many of them provide services with no charge also which is amazing!

I am glad you still managed to experience some positive moments throughout the day and that is amazing. You have a great attitude and better days are ahead.

All the best,

Nick.