My New Reality

[dan63841]

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone could give me some advice. I've recently been diagnosed with severe depression and severe anxiety, I've always know something was wrong for my whole life but now that I've got a diagnosis, I can't help but think that this defines me now, that I've got this label of "mentally ill".

Exactly a week ago, a lot happened, my girlfriend and I broke up, and the relationship was so special and we promised we wouldn't leave each other, but my depressed tone everytime we talked made us both drained. When we broke up, it put all these thoughts in my head, "I'm alone again, I hate it I've been dealing with everything on my own my entire life", I told my parents this. They didn't know what I meant, and this brought out my biggest secret, I was bullied and treated like a freak my entire life, I just never told anyone.

They only knew about the last year, but not the last 15. This is what caused my depression and anxiety, not telling anyone about my struggles for my whole life, and it all got too much. I just don't know what to do, my new reality is so scary and I'm confused on how to cope

[okadoka]

Hi Dan,

Thanks for sharing this with us.

The label of 'mental illness' has a certain kind of taboo attached too it because community and those who haven't gone through it, do not understand that it's just another kind of medical issue, which could be treated with medicines. I'm sure you will come into terms with after knowing that it is more common than we actually think. A seemingly happy looking person could be going through depression, one can never tell.

Many successful celebrities have gone through it. I also used to think on the same terms as you, I did not want to affiliate myself with depression but later found that it was more beneficial when you accept and treat it rather than ignore it.

This thought helps: "I going through this and I'm treating this, I'm sure it a unique experience and I could gain some wisdom though it, and help others in future using my insights".

You have gone through a lot - years of bullying and the recent incident of break up has surfaced those memories. Sharing thoughts and giving them definition like you did in your post helps.

I'm sure the beyond blue members will be of great help.

[geoff]

hello Dan, I agree with Okadoka, depression still has that taboo label although it's definitely changed an enormous amount, however like all illness's if you haven't had it yourself then it's something you don't understand.
To struggle with it for 15 years must have been so difficult, not knowing what the next day will hold or how many times you will have to pretend to those around you that there is nothing wrong with you, that's exhausting and it will always have an influence on a r/ship, which I'm sorry has happened.
The first thing you must do is go and see your doctor who may decide to prescribe some antidepressants (AD) and then refer you onto a psychologist, by the way, ask your doctor about the 'mental health plan' which entitles you to 10 free sessions, there maybe some psych who may still want to charge you a slight gap, but it will be minimal.
Please stay with us so we can help you even further along, as all of us have had depression in some form or another ourselves. Geoff.