lonely and overwhelmed

Flowers · ‎07-01-2021

Hi

I am new here and new to forums as well. Lately, at least the last month or so I have had no motivation or fun in anything. It is getting worse.

I came off antidepressants slowly about 6 months ago with my GPs guidance. It was rough and vowed never again. So upset with the long withdrawal and terrible, my GP said I might just get some sleeplessness. I got a new GP and they suggested that the one I was on was the worst to come off and there are perhaps some better options. I am going back to the GP in a week because I cannot shake this heaviness but in the meantime I am looking everywhere for ways to get through this.

I feel extremely lonely and very overwhelmed by my future with housing, work, health and finances. I currently work full time in a low paid trade it covers rent and bills. Most of my close friends and family live interstate or overseas. I thought 2 weeks at home with my family interstate would make me feel better but I was still sad and lonely most of the time.

Anyways just looking for some support I guess

Thanks

Elithia · ‎07-01-2021

Dear Flowers,

welcome to the BB forums! I'm so glad you posted. I know that sometimes it can be hard to reach out when you're feeling low, so WELL DONE you for posting.

I'm still quite new here myself, but I've discovered the forums are an amazing place to find community, support, warmth, and practical resources. Some of the more experienced contributors might chime in to point you in the direction of some good supports.

Meanwhile, GO YOU for persisting with healthcare and finding a sympathetic GP! It sounds like they are committed to helping you find a solution that works for you. I'm really sorry you had such a rough time coming off your last meds - that's a horrible experience to go through, especially without your previous doctor's support. Here's hoping the new one has got some good options for you.

That you are feeling overwhelmed right now makes complete sense. Money stress can make everything feel extra challenging, in my experience, because it gets to the core of our ability to look after ourselves. It has been a super-difficult year, as well. Do you think the sustained stress might be contributing to your low mood at the moment?

I'm really sorry to hear you're feeling isolated. I hope you will find some comfort here on the forums. I felt very lonely when I first posted, too. For what it's worth, I'm sending friendly wishes your way, and... if you do hugs... a HUGE virtual hug as well! While I'm sure it all feels a bit precarious and bleak right now, you ARE being amazing, holding things together and not giving up on yourself! Feel proud about your resilience, and know there are many, many people on the forums willing to support you and cheer you on.

Feel free to write back anytime.

Warmest wishes,

Elithia x

Flowers · ‎07-01-2021

Hi Elithia

Thank you for your reply and support I really appreciate it. I thought writing and posting here was going to make me feel a little better or a bit of relief but to be honest it just made me so sad. But it was a step in the right direction and I continue to research and read this forum to help myself. Hopefully tomorrow is better. Hope you are well!

Thanks again

Elithia · ‎08-01-2021

Hi Flowers,

How are you? How was your day? I was sorry to hear that writing your first post made you feel a little blue (that gap waiting for a reply really can suck, I know!), but I hope you've been feeling better about it since then.

I've worked a long week and am so ready for some sleep. It's been a mixed few days, good and bad, with some sleeplessness thrown into the mix. I woke up a wreck today and expected my pain levels to go through the roof. But surprisingly, I found myself doing alright. Im sure I'll be paying for it tomorrow, but for now I'm going to enjoy the relief.

How are you feeling about your upcoming doctor's visit? Have you had any moments of respite from that sense of heaviness and overwhelm? No pressure, but I would love to hear how you're doing, if you feel like writing back.

Go well,

Elithia x

Flowers · ‎14-01-2021

Hi Elithia

Sorry for the late reply...

I have had some ok days lately since making/having dr appointment. Dr prescribed meds for me but they are still to kick in. The last 2 days have been back to absolute despair. I went for walks, met up with a friend, made a healthy dinner, meditation and still felt like no hope, no point. I feel so very anxious and can not get my head straight just feeling so low, so lonely with nothing to do. I am not creative and have never been able to find a hobby as so many people suggest. I feel like this is never going to end. I have never felt this bad in my life.

Sorry to hear you are in pain. Hope you are doing well today and during the week.

Thanks again for listening

Sophie_M · ‎14-01-2021

Hey Flowers,

Thanks so much for reaching out and keeping us updated on how you've been going. It sounds like you've been taking some really big and important steps in getting support and help through this difficult time, and we are so sorry to hear that you've been feeling so low and hopeless, particularly in the past few days. We can hear that feeling this way must be really tough to cope with, but please know that extra support is always available to you. If you feel up to it, the friendly counsellors at our Support Service are always here for you, 24/7, on 1300 22 4636 (or also through webchat 1pm-mdinight AEDT) to talk through these thoughts and feelings. Our friends at Lifeline are also available anytime on 13 11 14 whenever these feelings become overwhelming- you never have to go through this alone.

We hope that you can find some comfort in the kindness and support from our community, and please feel free to continue sharing your journey with us, whenever you feel ready.

Elithia · ‎14-01-2021

Hi Flowers,

It's good to hear from you. Sounds like you've been having a rough time of it lately! What really strikes me, when I read your post, is your ability and willingness to keep up with the structure and the self-care, putting one foot in front of the other, while feeling low. Walks, a meal, a friend... all great acts of self-care! You might not feel it right now, but you really are amazing!

Sophie has posted some really helpful resources. I have actually used the webchat myself during a long dark night when I needed to connect with another human being. It was helpful to be able to reach out and find someone when I needed it.

You mentioned it's early days since starting the new meds. Keep in mind that it can take a couple weeks or longer to start noticing positive changes. So although it's feeling really tough, don't give up hope! I am cheering you on and sending hugs... I know you can do this!

At the same time, you are the best judge, and if you feel the new meds are actually making you worse, I would encourage you to revisit your doctor and share your concerns.

Thanks so much for your kind concern about me. My pain has been manageable these last few days, and I've been back at work part time, which has lifted my mood quite a bit. Taking each day as it comes

Happy to chat more anytime

Elithia x

Guest_4643 · ‎14-01-2021

Hey Flowers, welcome to the forums. I like your username.

I'm sorry to hear you're overwhelmed and lonely. I don't have any advice for you and I'm sorry about that, but that's only because I'm not sure of the workforce, finances, etc myself (I'm 21 and a failure basically).

But I do know about having friends overseas (never met them of course), and friends interstate. I used to have so called "friends" 3 hours away and they still didn't make an effort. Also so called "family" 3 hours away, & 2 interstate. So I know how you feel there.

I'm here if you want someone to talk to. I'm sorry I can't offer you any advice, but please know that I do care and I'm here to support you as much as I can.