So down today

Hi @MK05.. I only joined the forums a few days ago too but I think I'm allowed to welcome you - I have found it so far a supportive and kind environment. I too have a long history with depression and anxiety (much more with depression I suppose).

There's always talk about 'triggers' but sometimes I think this is unhelpful - we just need to cope and deal with how we feel, the why of getting there just doesn't matter in the face of that horrible abyss. You feel bad, much worse than usual. And that's what matters.

When I'm feeling bad I reach out to my personal connections and sometimes to the professional ones (psychologist, GP, mental health care crisis team). Do you have anyone who can come sit with you so you're not alone? I find that can be helpful. I think these forums provide this support in some ways; maybe staying in touch with others here will help you a bit. Otherwise do you have a health care professional you can contact?

Hi @MK05, let me echo @kattytee and welcome you to the forums. I'm glad you reached out to us today. If you're home alone, maybe a bit worried about work, it's natural for your mood to keep dropping. I agree with @kattytee, that sometimes the trigger doesn't really matter. What matter is what you do with a day like today.

Lots of things might be able to at least halt the slide, if not pull you around just yet. Of course they're all things you're unlikely to feel like doing right now 🙂 Going for a walk or run, reaching out to a friend, getting in contact with professional supports or helplines, having a clean/de-clutter. Things that remind you that you aren't really alone and that you have some control. The softer side of self-care can help too, the favourite movie or TV series etc.

How are you feeling about work tomorrow? Sometimes those thoughts can make it hard for our actions to lift our mood.

Hi @MK05. Nice to have you on the forum - though, of course, the circumstances bringing you here sound horrible. I can really relate to what you've said about needing to stay at work for financial reasons. I'm a single mum, so agonised for a looong time at work about what to do. I felt myself going downhill, mostly due to work-related causes, but I was stuck there with no easy escape route. It was getting harder and harder to cope, which made it impossible to give much time or energy to jobs hunts. There were a few resources I found useful - the company's free Employee Assistance Program, advice (and cups of tea) from a union rep, some conversations with people in HR and OHS, and also a chat with my superannuation company because there were in built incapacity funds I could access. Most of all, the two things that worked best were walking (any time I felt stressed or anxious) and using my sick leave. I don't know how you're placed in that regard, in terms of how much you can access? You sound like you have a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, so I'm wondering whether you might be used to pushing on through rather than taking time off?

Thinking of you and sending good vibes.

Thanks @kattytee Sometimes we need to get some space in order to "reset". I totally concur with your comments about accepting support, too. Another big lesson learned the hard way for me. Until I finally realised that people who genuinely care like to feel we value their help rather than pushing them away. People hate to see loved ones doing it tough, yet pushing them away. Same goes for people in helping professions. The rewards from their work comes from people who accepted a helping hand - after all, that's why they choose those professions. 🙂

How are you today @MK05?