Itroducing my self New to BB

Cruiser67 · ‎09-07-2015

G’day every one, I am Tony and I was diagnosed with chronic anxiety and depression about a year ago. I had been suffering for quite some time before that. I have had episodes through out my life as most people do but nothing that I could not get over in a short period of time. This started about 4 years ago after transferring form one branch to another to take on a task that I was knew wold be challenging, I had undertaken difficult and challenging tasks before so I went into it with a great deal of confidence. I found my self having to do things that were not so much illegal as maybe a little bit dodgy or sometime not quite morally correct but certainly went against my principles. I broke the back of the situation but it also broke me. Transferred out of that department about 2 ½ years ago but have struggled ever since. I have had trouble getting the right treatment. I have seen a couple of GP’s and have seen a psychologist after having had to ask for a referral. This has been of some relief but I still do not think it is the answer. I still get massive bouts of anxiety at times and I some times think I should just stop fighting and have a full on breakdown. I believe I am coming to a cross road, one way I let go and loose the plot completely and the other to bring it out into the open attack it full on like the enemy that it is and try and use it against itself, try and turn a negative into a positive so to speak. That’s enough from me and thanks for reading my story I am not usually one to ask for help with anything and I know that most of you out there have your own demons all the best. Tony.

Jacko777 · ‎09-07-2015

Hi Tony,

Welcome to the Beyond Blue forums, I know you will get some advice and support here. Please if you feel a 'massive bout' of anxiety coming on please call the Beyond Blue phone line if you can, it's free and 24/7 and they can help you to feel better. You can ask for help here any time Tony, you are as important as anyone else.

Turning a negative into a positive sounds like a good plan to me and you may have found that it is only a small shift in focus? I practice keeping my focus on the positive, even if I am challenged I can be thankful for the opportunity to grow. I think you could ring the BB phone service now and get a second opinion on your treatment plan, see if it can be improved.

Jack

Narniakid · ‎09-07-2015

Hey Cruiser67 and welcome to the BB forums!

Thank you for sharing your story and well done on seeking help. Remember that your condition does not define you and there's so much help available, including the Beyond Blue hotline. If you're not finding your current GP or psychologist particularly helpful, consider finding a new one - I went through about 5 before I found one that I was 100% comfortable opening up to, but I've been seeing her for 5 years now and I've made remarkable progress with her help.

Definitely look into professional help regarding your treatment plan, and have a read of the resources here on the website. Anxiety thrives on avoidance, and negative thoughts are just reactions to fear. You're strong enough to beat this!

Crystal

Cruiser67 · ‎10-07-2015

Jacko777 & Narniakid thankyou for your encouraging words. I think I will ring the help line and get some advice. I am in the country and it is not easy to choose who I see. The GP and psychologist have been of some help but not sure it is enough. They have said that I need more time for myself but it is a bit hard when I am working at lease 9 hours a day and 4-5 most Saturdays. I have been thinking about renegotiating my work roster to see if I can get tome off in lue of extra hours worked. I am happiest when I am building or restoring something and that takes time. Thanks again.

Jacko777 · ‎10-07-2015

Good on you Cruiser67, get some advice and with some small steps each you can feel better. A friend and I are about to purchase, for next to nothing, an old Landcruiser that we intend on restoring, just a little bit each week will keep on us track, get me out of the house and having a yarn with my mates. What do you like to restore?

Jack

Cruiser67 · ‎10-07-2015

Jacko777 all most anything really I have a 1967 Toyota Landcruiser that belonged to my father that I am going to restore once I get the shed finished that I started 2 years ago, almost there, be a ground up rebuild. Helped a couple of blokes do old tractors in the past. Even have a go at turning my hand to wood. If you need in information on old Landcruisers I have a bit. Thanks again.

Jacko777 · ‎10-07-2015

Terrific mate, what a funny coincidence! We are looking at a 1973 FJ 40, (cost $300) also thinking of doing a ground up resto. I could also do my dads Holden HG panel van at some stage.

I think it is important to have these different passions burning, so if one part of my life is challenged I still have strength and satisfaction from my other parts. The key for me is to make sure I am taking small steps in each area, often. Thanks for the offer of info, I may take you up on that one day!

Jack

Cruiser67 · ‎13-07-2015

G'day again. I have taken your advice and called the helpline. I got some really good advice, no magic bullet but very helpful and supportive. I am seriously looking at taking the mongrel head on. I used relish a fight, not in the physical sense but in a battle of wits I am going to try and get the old mojo back and give it a crack and stop hiding, bring it out in the open. The biggest franchise of the company I work for is a sponsor of Beyond Blue and I recon I might hit them up for some resources. It is going to take some motivation on my part and won't happen tomorrow but I am determined to give it a crack. It can only go two ways.

Jacko777 · ‎14-07-2015

Great stuff Cruiser67. I am glad you have found some support and you have a great attitude about this. Get it out in the open so that you can address it. With the right treatment and action you can get better.

You know some days will be better than others but having your passion to improve will get you through, it's your mojo, you take it back! All the best mate, please keep us posted if you feel like it.

Jack

Narniakid · ‎14-07-2015

Hi Crusier67!

You're most welcome, and I think moving a couple of shifts around on your roster will make a big difference, and having some down-time to restore some of your beloved things will not only improve your mood, but you'll get that wonderful sense of achievement too! Excellent idea calling the hotline too.

Keep up the great work, and I wish you all the best!

Crystal