New here. Dottie 😊

[Guest_322]

Hi,

I'm new here 😊 Little about myself is that I'm studying full-time at uni and working part-time.

Struggling...been on a roller coaster ride of emotions but mostly feeling down. Mornings have been the hardest.

And I feel lonely. I have friends and family, but for various reasons, I don't confide in most of them.

On the outside, I act like I'm coping. Inside, it just hurts.

Motivation has been a struggle lately. Have to force myself to do my uni work when all I want to do is cry.

My uni friends seem to have this impression that I'm always motivated and seem to cope. But they don't see what goes on in my head or behind closed doors. It's not that I'm always motivated and coping, but it's just that I FORCE myself to do what I need to do.

I just feel drained at the moment. And teary.

Thanks for reading.

[Sinking92]

Hi again Dottie,

Your post reminded me of a time in my life, when I first suffered depression, I was at uni full time and working part time too. I had been feeling down and lonely more and more, but I didn't tell anyone how I felt, in public I seemed ok, alone I just broke down and cried, and it was a real struggle to get my work done. Then several major things happened and I just broke. It ended up being too much, and I failed most of the units. In hindsight I was depressed at this point but I didn't talk to anyone about it for a couple of years still.

So I think it's great that you've recognized that you're struggling and have reached out before it got to the stage it did with me.

I know it's awful to force yourself to get your work done, but it shows strength, as does reaching out, and your helping others, despite how you feel and you can be proud of yourself for that.

It sounds like a good plan to see how you go over the next weeks, as the others have said there's no reason at all to feel bad if you need to reduce your workload.

I hope your contact here will help you to get through this. I think the replies you have above from james1, Cold_Mirror, and geoff are very helpful.

[Enju]

Hey gorgeous,

I can totally relate to you and I'm sorry for not finding your intro thread sooner!

Studying while working is so hard, so I can feel you! That and forcing a smile on everyday is something I think a lot of us do best. I always come back to the thought that the happiest looking people are always the saddest.. or have the most going on behind the smile.

I hope your course is going well, and work isn't being too strenuous. Something I found that made life a little.. easier was actually cutting work back a lot. I know this isn't an option for everyone, but with the support from the dreaded centrelink, it could help, especially since you are a student.

I wish you the very best and lots of love and cuddles!

[Guest_322]

Hi Geoff,

Thank you for your very supportive, kind response.

I'm still debating with myself about the 3 versus 4 units dilemma. Sorry, I think the term "census date" was a bit confusing. It does make one think of the Australian Census date (national survey) but I was referring to uni census dates, which are a tad different. So my uni census date isn't for another few-ish weeks 😊

Thanks again for the advice. I've some thinking to do now.

[Guest_322]

Hi Sinking92,

It really helped that you shared your story. That must have been a very difficult, lonely time in your life. Depression can certainly hit really hard as it did/has in your case.

I'm just doing some reflecting at the moment and trying to figure out some sort of strategy that will (hopefully) help me.

Many thanks again 😊

[Guest_322]

Hi Enju,

No worries at all 😊 No need to apologise- all is well.

Yeah, I agree with you that often the seemingly happiest faces can be the saddest people behind those smiles.

Its tough...juggling work and studies can be tricky at times indeed. Thanks for understanding!

[blondguy]

Hi Dottie

you are a legend for posting in the forums and thankyou. There has been great advice above that is gold 🙂

I hope you are doing okay Dottie and I have read some of your posts and the help you have provided to people that have recently posted. It can be hard to sustain a smile when we feel otherwise...

My kind thoughts for you Dottie 🙂

Paulx

[Guest_322]

Hi Paul,

Thank you for your encouragement. I appreciate your support a lot! Kind thoughts to you too 😊

[Cold_Mirror]

I hope your week is going well, Dottie. ❤️

[Guest_322]

Hi Cold_Mirror,

Thanks for checking in on me 😊 My week has been a mixed bag. Up and down would be the best way to put it.

I was planning to do some uni work tonight but after spending most of the day at uni today, I've decided to give myself the night off. I've to admit that I feel a little guilty about it, but I wanted to have a "rest night."

I'm still figuring out how to (hopefully) do well academically this semester while taking care of my mental health at the same time. It feels like a delicate balance sometimes.

[blondguy]

Hey Dottie

having a 'rest night' is you being 'kind' or 'gentle' to yourself and good on you 🙂

you deserve to indulge in your own well being Dottie

My Best to you. Paulx