Isolated

[Lucy_H]

Hi, I'm a DV/Homeless worker in a small isolated community. Before moving here, I previously worked in mental health for over a decade and this included the prison system.

I was taught from a young age and throughout my working life (especially in mental health work) that you do not talk about your own issues, ever. Figured recently that my mental health issues started before I was 10 years old and am nearly 60 yrs now. So I have always found ways to cover up or control my issues until recently.

I have a poisonous workplace and dangerous living conditions that has assisted my mental health to deteriorate. I have spoken to the GP when he is in town but am not able to seek psychiatric assistance during working hours, nor in this town for privacy reasons. I have phoned Beyondblue help line and another on occasions and have always spoken to wonderful people, but other than being able to speak to another human being, I don't find it particularly helpful for myself as I know that I need a different level of assistance.

I can't leave this town unless I want to make myself homeless and have tried for other jobs. Prospective employers baulk when I say I cannot give recent referees and will need a bit of time to relocate. So am feeling trapped.

When this town has internet/phone service, I have become a utube junky trying to find something to escape into, let alone something to smile at. It is not possible to form friendships here as I am very much a minority and not allowed to forget it. The nearest town is around 2 hours away.

If you are reading this, thank you for taking the time.

[Panko]

Hey Lucy_H,

I'm definitely not the best person to help you here but I am someone that read your post and I didn't want to leave it unanswered.

I'm sure someone much more knowledgeable will respond but until that happens I've just stopped by to say I understand what you are saying and I'm sorry to hear you're in such a tough situation.
You're definitely not alone here and well done on reaching out.
Hopefully one day I'll be brave like you.

[smallwolf]

Hi and welcome to the beyond blue forums.

It sounds like there are a number of challenges in the place where you live and work - issues accessing MH services, unreliable internet, isolation. I am a little unsure of what I could say to make you feel better about your situation, but I would be interested in hearing more about you and your story. For example, how did you wind up in the place where you are now located?

I am guessing that because of background, you would have knowledge of things like mindfulness, relaxation and self care? And if so do you get the opportunity to practice these.

Are you looking for someone you can talk to?

I hope you will come back and share more of your story.

[Guest_4643]

Hello, welcome.

I'm really sorry to hear you're struggling. I'm not sure why you were taught that you have to bottle things up, it's ok to vent, we all need to at times, that's my view on it anyway. We're here for you. I'm a bit confused why you can't seek help because of privacy reasons? Surely you have every right to seek help if you feel the need to, in your town?

However, I feel the same way was you. I live in a small town too (about 4,000 or so people, it's kind of smaller than what I was used to, so) & even in the bigger nearby towns it's hard for me to meet friends, be social, get MH support, you name it. So I relate to what you said there, I'm sorry that's difficult for you.

I hope you can find some good things in your town and get the support you're looking for, but we're here for you. I hope my answer somehow helps. Just wanted to say I know how hard it is being isolated and having nobody, I really do. It eats you up, so to speak. I hope you're ok.