Depression. I'm stuck and I can't find anyone around that is going through what I have been for the past 5 years.

[Missmac123]

I'm 19 years old turning 20 in a few months. Im significantly depressed, medication can only help so much, counselling can only help so much. I have a dental assistant qualification but am now an orthodontic dental assist for about 2 months. 

Im struggling to wake up every morning going to job I hate. The pressure for money I'm feeling is  enourmous. I'm struggling with my partner of a year who mental and emotionally abusing me. Yet the love I feel for him makes it impossible for me to leave. My friends either have children, are on drugs or are to busy boyfriends and getting along with their lives.  i have a support family but I'm struggling because I'm alone. I am so alone because I don't know anyone like me? That can understand or see the pain I feel from this disease that has taken over my brain and my body. That continuous to get worse year after year. 

my ideal dream of saving hard, falling Inlove and settling down with someone to have children has vanished because of the disappointed everything has turned out for me. 

im in such a low point in my life that I don't know what to do. I just want to know if there is any social groups located in tassie? That involve other depression suffers my age? 

[Doolhof]

Hi Missmac,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and to the community here.

I am not sure of the resources available to you in Tasmania, but I suggest you call the Beyond Blue Support Line on 1300 22 4636 and they will be able to advise you on services that are available in your region.

You are certainly not alone as far as depression goes! I would also suggest that you try to connect to the Young People's section here on the forum. You will read many stories from people your own age and younger who have depression. There will be a lot of sharing there as to how people of your age can find help too.

For a bit of a lift, check out the BB Café thread and have a happy chat with some of the people who use that thread if you like.

You are right in saying that medication and counselling can only help so much, but that help is very beneficial. I suggest you read information on ways to help with your depression.

After work try and do things that you enjoy doing. Have you spoken with your family about how you are feeling?

Regarding your boyfriend, at your age I was in a mentally, physically, emotionally and sexually abusive relationship. One night I had the courage to run away and had to start all over again. It was not easy, but it was certainly worth it.

At 19 I thought no one else would ever want me and thought I had to stay. That is not the case at all. If you are in an abusive relationship, if it does not look like it will get better, that take some time away from that person if you can or leave.

Look in the phone book also to see what resources and help there is available to you in your area.

From Mrs. Dools

[geoff]

dear Missmac, hello and what you have achieved so far in your life you should be congratulated, but this isn't how you are feeling.
You know we can love someone even though they are mentally and emotionally abusive to us, because we are too scared to be alone, but when we continue to stay with them only means one thing, and that is for you, he will only drive you deeper into depression, destroy your self esteem and any confidence you once had.
So there are three issues here that you are strugling with; your wish to have a family, the second is your abusive partner and the third is that you have no one to help you.
Well your family will come along and there's no rush just yet, even though you think there is, and your partner is no helping you now and it will only get worse as time goes on if you stay with him, and you need to have your confidence restored, but one won't happen witout the other, so start off with, you need to see your doctor and then decide if you want to leave your partner, however if you stay with him then the others won't be able to happen, because he will always be pulling you down.
Have a think about this and hope to hear back from you. Geoff. x

[Kazzl]

 Hi Missmac - Just wanted to add to what Geoff and Mrs Dools have said that there are depression and anxiety support groups in Tasmania that might help you if you would like face-to-face contact with fellow travellers. Take a look on the Grow website and you'll find them listed. Here's the address for Grow Tasmania:

http://www.grow.org.au/tas/

Very best wishes to you

Kaz