Is carrying on even worth it

Hi @Whereismysmile, welcome to the forum. Many of us are likely to relate to the kind of feelings and thoughts you describe, especially those (like myself) who have experienced depression. My official diagnosis is bipolar but depression has been a big part of this over time. Long term fatigue has also been a part of my life. I wonder if you are receiving any professional assistance with your mental health. Glad you found us. Kind wishes.

Dear Whereismysmile,

Yes,carrying on is worth it.I have had bi-polar disorder for 47 years and I have had some pretty horrific depressions. I have also had times in my life so wonderful I would not chage them. When you are depressed it is hard to believe you will ever come out of it, buty you will. Who is looking after your mental health? A counsellor? Psychologist? Psychiatrist? It is important to work out the cause of your depression so something can be done about it. You need to go to your GP, explain what is going on and get a referral.

It can be worth it, I am proof that depression doesn't mean the end of everything.It is awful, soul destroying and makes you feel as if there is no point going on, but it is an illness which can be treated so I really sympathise with you and hope that you will find the help you need,\.

Ellu

Please, please, don't ever feel ashamed of how you feel or apologise for feeling down. These are not within your control - they are part of the illness. You wouldn't feel ashamed of having a broken arm, would you? It is exactly the same thing. I can see that you are having trouble accessing professional asistance where you are. beyondblue (just google beyondblue) has a helpline where you can write out your issues and feelings and a trained counsellor will e-mail you back within 24 hours. Sometimes it is hard to talk on the helplines, and writing things down helps clarify them in your mind.

Whatever you do don't just hope it will go away, take active steps to regain your health. And don't forget you have an on-line community here where we all support each other, so keep in touch.

Ellu

Hi @Whereismysmile,

Glad you are feeling less sad today. No need at all for apologies. It did sound like a dark place you had reached when you posted though, so if there were some options for mental health support for you from professionals, that would seem like something worth considering.

One long shot that you might not have considered is psychiatrist consultations over the internet. A growing number are offering services this way (eg. skype). This might be one way to see someone. It would involve doing google searches on psychiatrists that offer this service, then ringing to ask about it. I think @Former-Member might have had sessions like this in the past, but I'm not sure. She may reply to add anything she knows about this.

It must be hard not letting on about feeling this way to other people in your real life. There are others here in the same boat. This forum is a great place for us all to 'spill our guts' as needed and find support. Hope you keep posting to let us know how you are going. 🙂

hello @Whereismysmile @Ellu @Mazarita

Good that others have already responded to valuable advice.

I too have had major depression and anxiety for far too long, most of my life.

I have learnt to manage both and am able to live a reasonable life.

Sadly my son's illness has deteriorated and this has greatly affected me adding grief in turn affecting the depression.

I do know that as heavy and hopeless as it can get it will eventually pass.

Sometimes we just have to let it be, not try and fight it or even understand it. Perhaps even not feed it.

I too live rural hills, so driving to and fro appointments used to be a nightmare.

There is a scheme where if you live over a certain distance, you can have skype sessions with a psychiatrist. I am sure that they would accommodate working hours so that you could come to a mutual agreement.

It is very important, moving forward in your life that you have some professional help.

You deserve a quality of life just the same as the rest of us.

There is no shame in any mental health symptom, if anything you are special in a lovely way.

please be kind and gentle with yourself; there is only one you

take care xxx

hello @Whereismysmile

Thank you, in return, for taking the time to respond to me. You have made my day.

Yes this forum is such a tremendous help for so many of us. You will meet some beautiful souls on here. Good luck