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LollipopsContributor
I am feeling totally useless. I have been a highly motivated person most of my life. I am older now and at a time of my life I should be out and about and doing things. I have hardly gotten dressed for weeks sit around watching TV all day in my dressing gown. I have really given up . Just can't seem to rise above this. What can I do. My antidepressants do nothing anymore. Spoke to my GP and she just increased my dose.
In response to: Despondent
JynxModerator
@Lollipops oof, yeah that doesn't sound like that gp is able to give you what you're needing right now! Like... even if getting into a psych is hard (which depends more on the psych than anything else), isn't it still a worthy pursuit if it could pave the way for a better quality of life?
I will echo what @Explorer7 mentioned about Lifeline - please know you're not alone in this feeling, and you don't deserve to have to muddle through these thoughts alone either. Here's some further crisis line options:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Crisis Chat
Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467 or online counselling
Samaritans: 135 247
If in immediate danger: 000
In my experience, medication is an incredibly useful tool in recovery - and nothing more. As much as we all wish that we could just take a pill and be happy, there's no cure for mental ill health. There's only recovery, and recovery is typically a journey that involves a lot more than just a bit of a tweak to our brain chemistry. For me, medications are supposed to be used to get us to a place of emotional stability - basically, just get us to a state of being able to function enough to begin other therapeutic work (whether that's a therapist, counsellor, joining a support group, joining the forums, finding self-help books/apps/websites, building up some coping strategies, connecting with community... cos there's all sorts of ways to walk the path of recovery).
You could always dip a toe in by giving our support line a call? They're available Mon-Fri 10am-8pm on 1800 187 263, and it might be a good way for you to a) have a safe space to vent and b) help you figure out what your support needs are at the moment, and how you might go about accessing them. The Guided Service is also an option to explore, if you haven't already, for some ongoing telehealth support 😊
We'll be here to walk beside you as you figure it all out! One step at a time, one foot in front of the other. You got this 💜
In response to: Re: Despondent
LollipopsContributor
In response to: Re: Despondent
Explorer7Senior Contributor
@Lollipops How are you today?
Are you familar with Sarah Edelman's book Change Your Thinking (2017, 3rd ed.)?
She has a good chapter on "Recovery from Depression".
Her book is downloadable from Google Books for less than $5.
On a related matter, are you famliar with the idea of a Coping Skills Toolboox?
In response to: Re: Despondent
LollipopsContributor
In response to: Re: Despondent
Explorer7Senior Contributor
Brilliant! Good to hear from you!
Here are extra suggestions for each of six the toolbox places:
Self-soothing
Distraction
1. Puzzles and games:
2. Creative activities:
3. Reading and learning:
4. Physical activities:
5. Tech-based activities:
Opposite action
2. Social activities:
3. Engaging your mind:
4. Creative outlets:
5. Positive self-care:
Emotional awareness
1. Writing tools:
2. Visual aids:
3. Expressive activities:
4. Supportive resources:
5. Mind-body practices:
Mindfulness[2]
1. Breathing exercises:
2. Meditation tools:
3. Grounding techniques:
4. Body awareness:
5. Mindful activities:
Crisis plan
1. Emergency contacts
2. Hotlines
3. Health resources
4. Mental health resources
5. Support groups
[1] See below
[2] Caution. While mindfulness and other types of meditation are often promoted as effective stress-relievers, they can sometimes have negative effects. Approximately one in 12 individuals who try meditation experience worsened depression or anxiety, or the onset of these conditions for the first time. This finding comes from a systematic review of the evidence conducted by Miguel Farias at Coventry University. The review revealed that about 8 percent of people who meditate experience unwanted effects, ranging from increased anxiety to panic attacks, and in some cases, psychosis or suicidal thoughts. The prevalence of negative effects may be underestimated as many studies do not record minor adverse reactions.
The study suggests that individuals with undiagnosed anxiety or depression might be more prone to these negative effects. Psychologist Katie Sparks recommends guided meditation sessions, led by a teacher or through an app, as a safer alternative. Despite the potential risks, meditation can still be beneficial in the right context. See: Farias et al. 2020, Adverse events in meditation practices and meditation‐based therapies: a systematic review. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, pp. 1–19
[3] See above
[4] See above
In response to: Despondent
Alice10Senior Contributor
Hi @Lollipops, it can be hard when we go into a new phase. I've found it helpful to be a little bit disciplined with trying new things, like yoga classes,where I've met a lovely group, or just walking on my own but enjoying chatting with other people who are out walking. This might sound like simple advice. I hope you find something fun that's just for you.
Kind regards, Alice10
In response to: Re: Despondent
Alice10Senior Contributor
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
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