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I thought I would just start another thread about depression and loss of functioning. I know many us feel isolated and alone in dealing with a mental illness. At the moment I am feeling quite vulnerable with my loss of functioning from my depression. I don't know a way forward or what to do for the best. I recently went to a memory clinic before I went overseas and I just finished all my testing for this late last week. With the news of having change to my brain and I am not sure why that is the case and I have been reading articles over the weekend about depression and how that damages the brain. I know as a suffer of depression we don't normally talk about our brain and how important it is to keep our brain healthy. I was meant to start uni this coming Monday but with the affects of my depression and my concerns over my MRI and spect brain scan, I don't think it would be wise for me to start because of the stress associated with study therefore I could be vulnerable of worsening my depression and burning myself out more. I am not sure if I will ever return to study at this stage and that makes me feel sad. I feel like a failure and I am needing my forum family to support me through this diffcult time.
My plan of attack is to see if I get an appointment this Tuesday with my specialist, if not I will wait until the following week for my scheduled appointment. I have found the information I read about depression- and how depression damages parts of the brain. I am still planning an admission down to Sydney soon, I worry it will not make a difference to me or that I will not change. I am not sure if hospital is right for me and I am scared that it will make me worse too. I am thinking of calling the program director and asking her what they can offer me on my readmission.
I want to get better and I want to be a peace with myself and I believe we all just want to be happy again. I know the path ahead is going to be rough at times but I am ready to make changes in my life.
In response to: Depression and loss of functioning
oceangirlSenior Contributor
Re: Depression and loss of functioning
Hi again @Former-Member I worry about similar things and you are spot on- depression and anxiety has limitations and does affects ones quality of life. I am trying to keep moving forward with my life but I am also taking things slowly. I am volunteering and that is something I did start late last year. Thank you for advice I do appreciate it re depression and anxiety. With the depression, I have to prioritize what I do, and its given me a different outlook on life. I try to look for the positives. My depression has been here for a while now and I am keen to see what else I can do.
I do understand your reluctance to make friends and how much energy it takes to have relationships but with the right people it will give you energy. I know how you want to keep yourself safe because of how severe your anxiety can get and therefore make your depression worse. I try to counter act this with diet and exercise, it is a lot of work but I am getting better slowly and you can too.May I ask what treatment plan you have for your depression and what has helped you thus far??
I am a bit tired tonight I am going to write a few more posts and then go to bed....PS You are beautiful and sensitive person
In response to: Depression and loss of functioning
oceangirlSenior Contributor
Re: Depression and loss of functioning
I am jut having a quick fly by atm....................................
Thanks for your message @Bimby2
I think its important that people talk more about mental illness, the less it will be seen as something to be ashamed of because we all have some form of mental illness, I think we all have suffered from anxiety and stress in ones life. You are right compassion and kindness is the key.......
In response to: Re: Depression and loss of functioning
Unknown userMember
Re: Depression and loss of functioning
Bimby2
No longer have a treatment plan was under the Mental Health with GP and Mental health Nurse for close to 4 years until I realized I put my trust in something that was utter rubbish.I went to a psychologist last year for several visits because I wasn't in a good space but most of the time came away feeling more vulnerable as it's like you have to defend yourself at times on a witness stand.Basically it's not help.I had Mental Health,for a psychiatrist meeting due to a reaction to the antidepressant.I regret putting myself through anything and my trust in it.To me it ruined my life,made changes which were devastating to me. I have been very traumatized through the counseling experience without anything else,and it let me down.Yes diet and exercise helps,I think it's one thing you feel or want control over.
In response to: Depression and loss of functioning
LooneyToonesSenior Contributor
Re: Depression and loss of functioning
@Former-Member I don't believe the stigma will ever disappear. I've withdrawn almost totally because I feel I now lack the social skills necessary to maintain substantial friendships. I wish it weren't so. But the isolation feeds the depression so it's Catch22. @Bimby2-how do you respond when ppl tell you to "get over it" ??
In response to: Re: Depression and loss of functioning
Bimby2Senior Contributor
Re: Depression and loss of functioning
To grow up and walk a mile in my shoes. By ignoring some as ignorant and not worth replying to. Hope this helps without being rude, Best wishes fromBimby2.
In response to: Re: Depression and loss of functioning
Unknown userMember
Re: Depression and loss of functioning
I agree with you completely @Looney Toones, especially like me trying to get a job,once you mentioned anxiety,/depression that's it,and where I worked in a factory for over twenty years you had to be a b***** to survive. That's why if anything happens to me,I don't want a funeral service as I just want to be the same I have been in life ,alone and I see such hypocrisy in human behavior it makes me sick.Yes the isolation does feed it,but putting up with people triggers my depression especially when they ask personal questions or make assumptions about my life.I don't do that.I got anxiety last night when a cousin is going to send a wedding invitation,I don't know how to get out of it,I don't want to go and I don't want to be put in that situation where I have to confront relatives I avoid or don't speak too.Its not that my skills aren't there,it's the fact that I am a failure,and always been a target for absolute shit from people.I don't want to put myself in that position and I want to keep myself safe.Im that sensitive someone only has to say one thing and I slip away into depression.
In response to: Re: Depression and loss of functioning
Unknown userMember
Re: Depression and loss of functioning
@Bimby2 Completely agree.
In response to: Re: Depression and loss of functioning
Bimby2Senior Contributor
Re: Depression and loss of functioning
I can relate perfectly to what your saying and if you don't wish to go to a wedding no matter how closely related, do not feel guilty. I Have an adage in life I live by called those who mind don't matter those who care do matter. Thank you for being so open about your life and feelings. I'm sure there are many on this forum who can relate to your story. Bless you and keep smiling despite the odds. Sincerest wishes Bimby2.
In response to: Re: Depression and loss of functioning
Unknown userMember
Re: Depression and loss of functioning
Thanks @Bimby2,I will be the worst in the world,I'm fond of her,I question if I'm self centred,how I can't go for the bride but I don't feel good about myself,feel ashamed to be seen.if I see relatives in the supermarket,I flee before they see me. Also happy for them but not interested in going.Im basically not happy and know can't cover it up.Several reasons,one concerns me....My bitterness and anger seeing other people with happy lives....This is scary when my brain has SC thoughts.
In response to: Re: Depression and loss of functioning
jamesle2015Senior Contributor
Re: Depression and loss of functioning
If they tell you to 'get over it' ask them if they know what you are going through...
Ask them 'have you ever experienced <something>'....
I haven't had this experience of anyone telling me to get over it....I don't let anyone know ...
you would be surprised ....you may find some people are understand or even if they don't they are willing to help...some people know people who are going through things or they have read about it.....
I reckon too many 'interactions' with people causes depression...I face a lot of people in my job and
sometimes I wish some of them went somewhere else 🙂
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