Depression and Motivation

Yeah, it can be really frustrating even when I know she trying to protect me in her own way.

@Wintersweet

I really struggle with this, my psychologist says to be kind to myself and do the biggest thing I can. Today I did some weaving for about 10 minutes, answered some emails and watched some TV. That is more than I have been able to do in weeks. I have even showered today which unfortunately is huge for me.

Just do what you feel is possible and rest for now.

Hi @Flotsam

I’m sorry things are so challenging for you at the moment. Well done for doing something to look after yourself today. Sending you all the encouragement I can online.

Hi @@Cara_in_Yellow

I have to agree with the baby steps approach. Not so sure about the cheerleader approach when you are really down, but just picking something small to start with and focusing on it, and stepping back when you have done it and feel positive just for a minute. Maybe pick up some clothes off the floor, or put something away. Just focus on one thing, forget all the mess, and if you feel like going further, then do something else. Turn it into your project, instead of it controlling you. You dictate the amount of effort you put it, learn to respect what you can handle, and make it your living space instead of what 'society' tells you it should be. That's just what I do, anyway.

Thanks @justanotherguy you explained that really well.

Also, update, I talked to the psychiatrist today and he decided, despite my protests, that he was going to increase the dose of the SNRI I’m on that has never shown any signs of working and wait for another 6-8 weeks. I said I couldn’t manage another 6-8 weeks and he basically said “tough”. I’m seeing my psychologist tomorrow and I’m going to ask her if she can write to him and help me explain that I’m going to end up needing hospitalisation if I’m going to be safe for a whole 6-8 weeks with a statistically good chance of not improving. I can’t do this without more support…

@Wintersweet i can understand needing more support but my advice in terms of hospital is if possible go privately, private hospitals are much nicer and the staff have much more time for the patients. that being said no hospital is perfect so pick wisely to give yourself the best chance. hopefully though it doesnt come to that and you are able to stay home and the meds help but i can understand why you wouldnt have high hopes.

@Eden1919

Yeah I would have loved to be able to go to a private hospital but I can’t afford it. I’ve signed up for hospital insurance but there’s the waiting period…

@Wintersweet

That sounds really frustrating, I think the hardest thing about mental health is the time it takes to get better and the time it takes to see if meds work. I am on one I am not enjoying very much, so I understand your frustration.

Hey @Wintersweet I've heard of loopholes people have used to fast forward to wait for hopsital insurance to kick in....private health care cover I think is pricey like about 2000 per year but for some it is worth it as then the hospital stays are completely covered.

Not sure if you're in Victoria but have you heard of PARC step down services they are less scary than the wards but free and can be accessed through a gp referral.

@Flotsam thanks for your empathy I really appreciate it. This is probably the 10th medication I’ve been on and it’s a class of meds I’ve already tried so it feels like I’m just going to be waiting 8 weeks to prove it’s not helping.

@EternalFlower I did look at the loopholes but I have to have to have my policy for 2 months first. I might look into step up step down services though. That’s a great idea.