Right... here goes

[D1970]

Hi everyone and thanks for reading my intro.

I'm one of those people who is more than likely depressed in some way, but who hasn't got around to doing something about it. But I'm about to and thought that coming on here was good way to find some reassurance and confidence for taking the next rather large step.

Six years ago I hit a double whammy of despair when my wife unexpectedly walked out on our marriage. It was out of the blue and horrendously surprising and shocking. I won't bore you with the details, but on a scale of 'I didn't see that coming' it was a 10. Around the same time my 5yo daughter was diagnosed as having a major disability. Coming to terms with both these events was very difficult and I feel that although I've dealt with and accept both on a day-to-day level, I really haven't gotten over the trauma. Add to this my recent diagnosis and ongoing battle with diabetes (the chronic nature of which goes hand in hand with depression) and there's a three pronged attack on my mental health!

The good news is that I'm 'ok' with the marriage split now, my daughter is doing well and my diabetes is almost under control - however my mental health is shaky at best. I present well and on any given day can rise to the occasion and nobody would be the wiser. But I'm over sensitive, tired, irritated, short tempered and easy upset and saddened. My current relationship is suffering because I get annoyed by the smallest of things. This overrides all the good in the relationship, which is plenty.

I'm ready to see my GP and have researched a good psychologist in my area. Enough is enough, I'm sick and tired of myself and want to go back to the more stable me, not the crusty sad old bloke I'm on my way to becoming.

[Wednesday]

Hi D1970,

I'm impressed at your attitude, honesty and clarity.

Life can really smack us around some times, but look at you. You picked yourself up dusted yourself off and came to terms with things. Not only that but you found a new relationship with lots of good in it. You also realised that your mood was not quite how you would like it and you needed to put some work in.

Next step seeing the GP, you're doing really well, congratulations at pulling all this together when you're are feeling not up to par.

We're here if it helps to talk through some issues as and if they come up. The forums are really useful and there is a lot of interesting information on the site that may help too.

I can't see you turning into a crusty, sad, old bloke, keep up the great work.

W

[D1970]

Thanks so much for your encouragement. I'm really sick and tired of having my life 'hi-jacked' by these feelings, that are not in proportion with reality 😞

[White_Rose]

Dear D1970

Hello and welcome. Beyond Blue is a great place to start the journey back to health, though it seems you are already a long way on the road. It would be great if we could manage our mental health problems as quickly and as well as the physical health problem, but not so it appears.

Please see your GP and get the ball rolling. You don't need a referral from your GP to see a psychologist but it's very useful to be able to swop reports, with your permission. Your GP can write you a mental health plan and refer you to the psychologist of your choice, presuming the GP is happy with your choice. That way you can receive up to ten consultations with the psych which are subsidized by Medicare in one calendar year.

BB has a great deal of information about anxiety and depression. If you have not already done so I recommend browsing. Dr Google isn't always the best option. Try the Black Dog Institute as well.

The irritability and tiredness etc sound like classic depression. However your GP will be able to make an informed diagnosis and check out any possible physical causes.

Congratulations on the hard work you have already completed. Good luck with the GP. If you would like to continue to talk here please do so. we are always here.

Mary

[Wednesday]

Hi D,

I agree, me too I hate having my life hijacked ( good description). You're among friend here so hang on in there. You have done so much and just have another speed bump to get to the next bit. You have a lot of evidence that you can overcome all sorts of things that life has thrown at you.

Were you able to get a doctors appointment? It's important to take this next step, you know how much you want to get your relationship back on track. You can do this!

Here's a hug, just in case it helps!

[Enid_33]

Hi,

Thank you for your inspiring post and sharing the strength that you have, both in getting through what you already have and now for seeking help and joining this community. I look forward to hearing more about your journey should you wish to share it.

Sending you best wishes.