Thanks for having me

[Sherlock123]

Hi,
Lately I have been feeling really low. I don't want to get out of bed
I feel like I don't want do anything. I go to work and put on a brave face
I just feel like I am a burden on everyone. I try and talk to people but I just
feel like I am bothering them.

I am at a loss. I just feel like I am fighting an up hill battle alone.
I just over think everything so I can't sleep.

Thanks for letting me put what's in my head out there..

[smallwolf]

hi Sherlock123 and welcome.

I look back at a time when I could have written your post. I had little knowledge of mental health. I had a problem but I also thought that what i was going through was something that everyone went through but I was not able to cope.In that respect I was alone. I was weak because I was struggling to cope. I was actually at the bottom at this time. And then I came here and started with a psychologist.

Coming here I found I was not alone and there were people who understood what was going through and responded to love and compassion.

When it comes to sleep I would wake at 2am thinking about work. I went to sleep with things on my mind. There were a number of things my psychologist and psychiatrist said that helped. For example, finding ways of emptying my mind before going to sleep.

A couple of threads you might be interested in here also are ones on grounding and mindfulness and "three things to be grateful for today". There is a lot of information on the forums here.

Mostly, I want you to know that I am listening and interested to hear more of your story.

Tim

[Sherlock123]

Thanks for your kind words. I will look at those forums you have mentioned.

[quirkywords]

I too welcome you Sherlock and thanks for making your first post and starting your thread.

Like you I wake up may times a night and over think too.

have tried writing down all my worries before I sleep and following a routine.

know there is a thread about sleep and tips to help.

Have you spoken to your GP at all.

Many people reading your post will relate to your thoughts.

Post here as much as you like.

[Sherlock123]

Hi
Thank you. I have spoken to a GP he just gave me medication to help me sleep. I tried writing down stuff but it didn't help. I guess trying that again can only help.
Thanks once again

[ecomama]

Hi Sherlock123

Btw I love that name, love all things Sherlock, awesome detective 🙂

I too could have written your initial post and it was indeed at my worst times, like smallwolf.

I'm so glad you reached out to the forums here. There are so many people who have felt like this.

Recently I got a Mental Health Care Plan to see a psychologist. Have you discussed how you're feeling with your GP? Beyond the sleep thing. Would you consider seeing a counsellor? remember the helplines are always open and have great suggestions.

Ahhhh the good old can't sleep stuff. Awful. Being tired all day and not being able to sleep soundly at night. Feels like I'm on a mousewheel and can't get off in that loop.

For me doing anything that required physical exertion helps a lot. My favourite is gardening... I mean lopping trees and moving heavy wheelbarrows of stuff. Rapid raking being my fave in Autumn. Gentle gardening is nice too.

Is there anything physical you could do?

I know it helps me sleep because I am far more physically exhausted.

There are some great tips in the Wellbeing section, please pop over there and have look.

I hope you can keep posting.
EM

[Sherlock123]

Hi there,
My job is pretty physical so you would think that sleeping wouldn't be a problem. My Dr didn't offer me a mental health care plan. I will make sure I ask about that as I didn't know it existed. Thank you.

I did go to a counsellor, we have that thru my job. I had one session. All I did was fill in quizzes and listen to meditation sounds. So I think I might check out what my GP can offer. The only time I feel at peace is when I'm with my dog. He is amazing and just seems to know when to cheer me up... ( Sherlock, great detective also the name of a beagle I had).

I will check out those forums..
Thanks so much

[Helen72]

Hi Sherlock,

I have a beagle and she is great - except when she pees inside as she won't go outside because it's too cold or windy!!

Anyway I think you're trying to do stuff yourself which is great but sometimes it's handy to involve someone else. So if you get a care plan that should help. And forums like this can help. And if you want something immediately look at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

What do you think you'll try first?

Helen

[ecomama]

Dear Sherlock123

Dogs are amazing. Some dogs just know when you're feeling down and look at you in a way that can make you chuckle or hug them or their favourite, feed them lol. We have a very needy dog but he's been an amazing companion for my children, especially my daughter. But like Helen's beagle... a bit of a monkey too. I just caught him chewing my brand new most favourite cushions ughh.

I'm glad you found out about the Mental Health Care Plans (MHCPs).

There are also some great counsellors you can find that charge on a sliding scale through places like Uniting Care. Sounds Churchy but they're not. I have one there and she's been brilliant. Don't give up if you don't click with the first one, sounds like you didn't. You'll find one that fits if you keep trying to.

Well if you're expending a lot of physical energy and still not sleeping, it's best you speak with your GP.

Do you have any interests?

Do you hang out with friends some times?

I withdrew from everything when I was feeling my worst. I didn't enjoy anything, still find it hard to sometimes. I let my friends go, but I realised this was bad for me and probably leaving them wondering too. Since joining BB I have reached out to a few of my long lost friends, they were so happy, it was lovely. I didn't realise I was hurting them. I thought I was saving them the misery of me. But we've actually laughed, almost cried, and it's been heart warming.

I'm beginning to find my joy. I hope to have more of it! When I felt low, IDK, maybe I expected someone to save me. Once I made the decision not to put up with "this" anymore, I took many actions, got support and still seek more. I've had to really grind it to get somewhere but I'm worth it. The people around me are worth it and my dog likes my disco dancing lol.

When all else fails, I watch comedy shows.

Keep trying, don't give up, you're worth it.
EM

[Sherlock123]

Hi Helen72,
Thanks for your encouragement. I think I am going to look at seeing my GP and seeing I what they can do about a care plan. I think that's my best course if action.

Thanks so much