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Something’s not right

Is meaningful change possible

DothemoSenior Contributor

Is meaningful change possible

Hi SANEforums,

Well lately I've been really trying to address my deeper problems. I've lived with mental illness my whole life and now that I'm approaching my late thirties I feel an urgency in sorting myself out whilst I still can. I think that if I haven't succeeded by now, what hope do I have? Well I am noticing something new, a sort of wisdom that I didn't have before. I'm hoping that this is my key to recovery and functioning. I'm hoping I can nurture it and make it grow.

Do you think change is possible late thirties? How would you proceed if you were in a similar situation? Are you in a similar situation? Thank you.

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In response to: Is meaningful change possible

pipSenior Contributor

Re: Is meaningful change possible

Hi all who've posted. Change can be scary at any age. People say you're never too old to learn, that's true but learning and changing means you have to adapt. If you have no-one to help with transition it's stepping outside the square you have lived in all your life. I don't think age really comes into it as education is more the issue. Radical changes, like employment, relocating living can be frightening, but again, support and being comfortable in you that what you're doing is right for you is where your strength comes into being. I had to start work again at the age of 64, to say I was petrified is putting it mildly. However, 15 months later, I'm still working and enjoying it. Okay, it's voluntary, but I'm still doing something for someone else.

In response to: Is meaningful change possible

Unknown userMember

Re: Is meaningful change possible

Change is possible ,but from my experience think a bout it and seriously,weigh up if the "grass is greener on the other side".We are never happy,whether we have a mental illness or not. The only time in life we are happy is probably when we are babies and playing with a rattle when we knew no different.I am turning 45 this year.My life spiralled out of control when I approached 40 due to a lot of things from workplace bullying,chronic insomnia ,feeling tired,didn't know I had anxiety a d depression.I changed my life with the assistance of a mental health nurse who I now know was a w*****.I lost something I can't get back ,life got worse,and I spiralled into deeper depression.I know I am negative on this,but make sure you are going in the right direction and keep safe.

In response to: Re: Is meaningful change possible

Faith-and-HopeSenior Contributor

Re: Is meaningful change possible

So sorry to hear you went through that @Former-Member .... I hope you feel you are going in the right direction now.

🌷💜

In response to: Re: Is meaningful change possible

Unknown userMember

Re: Is meaningful change possible

Thanks Faith and Hope
I no longer have any direction,feel I will never get it back,I wish everyone the best with their change.I did not rush into change either,that didn't help.

In response to: Re: Is meaningful change possible

Faith-and-HopeSenior Contributor

Re: Is meaningful change possible

I hope you do find some direction eventually @Former-Member .... sounds like it will take a lot of healing.

Is that your cat ?

In response to: Re: Is meaningful change possible

Unknown userMember

Re: Is meaningful change possible

So do I.Faith and Hope.The cat is off a everyday picture.

In response to: Is meaningful change possible

SaharaSenior Contributor

Re: Is meaningful change possible

Hi @Dothemo,

I was in a similar situation to you about 10 years ago.... while I was recovering from an episode of major depression. I was in my late 30's then too. I went through a lot of soul-searching and questioning. I also went through a period of serious risk-taking and identity re-forming. at times I even felt free and happy.

It was a strange time. It's hard to believe it was even really me, because I think I am quite a different person now.

I think that change is possible at any age.... for everyone. I know someone who suffered a heart-attack at 50 and went on to completely change his life around! He went on a health kick, took up exercise, lost a stack of weight and became more optimistic. He is now happier and healthier than he was at 30 years of age.

I think the same thing can happen with mental health, too. You can change the way you think, to a certain extent. You can learn to react to life's challenges in a different way. You can experiment and try new things.... you can cultivate compassion.

In response to: Re: Is meaningful change possible

Faith-and-HopeSenior Contributor

Re: Is meaningful change possible

Hi @Former-Member .....

There are cats everywhere where I am travelling here ..... they are like community pets .... everyone looks after them.

In response to: Re: Is meaningful change possible

Unknown userMember

Re: Is meaningful change possible

Cute,they looked fed.One of my deep regrets in my change was a cat I rescued and loved,gave her to someone when I moved and she went missing.I am haunted by her,I loved her.She is microchipped but she was wild ,only to me who knew her.I would love to think she's alive but I can feel she isn't.

In response to: Re: Is meaningful change possible

Unknown userMember

Re: Is meaningful change possible

Cute,they looked fed.One of my deep regrets in my change was a cat I rescued and loved,gave her to someone when I moved and she went missing.I am haunted by her,I loved her.She is microchipped but she was wild ,only to me who knew her.I would love to think she's alive but fear she isn't.

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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.

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