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Just another troubled soul

stevie_bee
Community Member
My name is stevie and im 55. I have been diagnosed with severe depression and have tried most medications with little success. I am also in the third stage of COPD. I have had depression all my adult life. I am married but have no children. Currently I am not taking any medication for my depression and thought I was doing okay but seemed to have spiralled back into the abbyss lately. I usually enjoy riding motorcycles and this gets me through but lately that even seems a chore and I have just stayed home and away from people. Not healthy but I seem to do it. Anyway thats me and who knows maybe I could help someone else even if I cannot help myself.
2 Replies 2

Zeal
Community Member

Hi Stevie,

Welcome to the forum!

Going to your GP and asking for a referral to a new psychologist or psychiatrist could be really beneficial for you. I feel that having a fresh start with a new medical professional can sometimes be the change that's needed to work through mental illness. Perhaps you will feel more connected to them, or will appreciate their different perspective and new ideas. As for taking medication, that is up to you and your doctor/specialist. It's great that you have a partner for support.

When I had a period of poor mental health in 2012, I withdrew socially. I lost touch with virtually all my friends, and would avoid public social activities, as I was ashamed and lacked the cognitive energy to interact well. What helped me both during and after that period of illness was my family (I still live at home now with my parents and sister).

It's unfortunate you have COPD. I can't really offer any advice with this, as I have never known someone with the condition (at least not that I'm aware of). I hope your doctor is helping you stay on top of the treatment for it.

Best wishes,

SM

 

Starwolf
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi there Stevie Bee,

One of depression's by products is social isolation (non-occupational hazard ?).

Navigating these forums will reassure you that you are nowhere near alone. Sure, we can never feel anyone else's pain or anguish. But here we can understand what it is you are going through, what being bogged down in mental mire is all about. Judgment finds no foothold here.

The search for adequate support tailored to our personal needs can be frustrating, sometimes depressing in itself. Like wasting time and energy exploring one dead end after the other. The good thing is, while we may not be sure at all about what/who will help us, these impasses will show clearly what doesn't work for us. We will more easily read the negative signs next time we come across the wrong turn. There's no need to go there again.

Moving on after a setback is not the easiest thing to do but staying in a bad head space is no comfortable alternative. Eventually, we will find the way leading us in the right direction.

Your wife's support is a priceless asset. Not having children lessens the burden of responsibility. Traveling light is not a bad way to go when our journey leads through difficult terrain and stormy weather.

I hope these forums will help ease the feeling of social isolation. They're a safe space to explore. The way you go about it is something you are totally in charge of. Your input will be appreciated. Enjoy...

I wish you all the best.