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Depression

Ma60Senior Contributor28 Aug 2014, 6:12 pm AEST

Depression

Hi Everyone
Haven't posted for a while been struggling a bit. I have been at training this week for work. One of the facilitators said everyone will be depressed at times and people think they are experts on mental health. Couldn't help myself I said that yes people can be depressed but there is a huge difference for people who live with depression and statements such as his can lead to further stigma for those with depressive disorders. Unfortunately where I work the belief is only supervisors and above know anything about mental health. For me personally I have supervisors generally are poorly educated in the area of mental health. Last year when I was in hospital due to a work related incident the supervisor commented that they should have sacked me a code of conduct breach which was proven to be false. I sometimes wonder do people get joy or are they on a power trip when they deal with people in a crisis.

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In response to: Depression

Ma60Senior Contributor17 July 2015, 6:56 pm AEST

Re: Depression

It has been a long time since I was on the forum. After leaving my job in December, I took time to look after my mental health. I completed a 12 week outpatient program which gave further skills in my battle with depression. I started a new job a couple of months ago, management have been so helpful especially when I have to attend apps. Such a change from last job. Also they acknowledge my qualifications and skills. Had a anxiety attack at work last week, was sent home for the rest of the day. On return to work the next day I had to see management. I was nervous about this but the response from management was great. Very supportive, they were concerned it was a work issue had caused my anxiety, it was not work related at all. Isn't it amazing how positive workplace attitudes can make life more bearable.

In response to: Re: Depression

PeppiPattySenior Contributor17 July 2015, 7:59 pm AEST

Re: Depression

Dear @Ma60

How are you? Good on you for posting.... thanks.

Just wondering Have you got supportive family around you?

Last year, with help from the crew here, i went back to work as carer in the metropolitan area, i asked for no hard work people ..but only lasted 3 months . i was actually surprised with the kindness that i was given by my work. Its a small caeres/nurses organization, i am grateful.

I only see one lady, once a fortnight now.

Pleaze keep on posting when you have time,

Ja 47yr

In response to: Re: Depression

Ma60Senior Contributor17 July 2015, 8:24 pm AEST

Re: Depression

Yes I have a very supportive husband and children. They are all grown up and have all left home. My husband is good at picking up signs I might be going downhill before I do. When I see my Psychitarist I tell him if my husband has noticed any changes. I am fortunate that I have not only family support but my Psychitarist, GP and psychologist work together.

In response to: Re: Depression

PeppiPattySenior Contributor17 July 2015, 8:43 pm AEST

Re: Depression

sounds good on your husband. Awesome on the Psychologist linking in with the Psychiarist.

Also, on your children and hey....we wouldnt want it any other way right?

My oldest son lives other side of Australia but we get along well. I missed both of my sons a lot earlier this week, just to have a friendly face around but...my husband i married/ we seperated 2 years ago ....he came over to visit me. That was lovely.

In response to: Re: Depression

Ma60Senior Contributor22 July 2015, 6:37 pm AEST

Re: Depression

Spoke to soon. One week after panic attack I had my hours cut to 1 day a week. Just feel like giving up. Asked management why could not give a answer.

In response to: Re: Depression

CherryBombSenior Contributor22 July 2015, 7:23 pm AEST

Re: Depression

Hi @Ma60,

That sounds so stressful. Not knowing why your employers made that decision can contribute to worry, particularly about how they view your MI. It's doesn't seem fair that they have not given you any answers. I'm not sure what your rights are but I wonder if it might be helpful to speak with someone that can give you some advice around this. JobAccess gives advice to people around employment and MI

Is there an HR department that you can speak with?

I worry when I hear things like 'just feel like giving up'. Are you ok?

If you feel like things are getting overwhelming, please don't hesitate to contact one of these services:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Crisis Chat
Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467 or online counselling
If in immediate danger: 000

Stay safe,

In response to: Re: Depression

Ma60Senior Contributor22 July 2015, 7:49 pm AEST

Re: Depression

It is more about giving up work. I am so over the way mental health is treated in the workplace. I wonder if I am really up to working .

In response to: Re: Depression

CherryBombSenior Contributor22 July 2015, 8:03 pm AEST

Re: Depression

@Ma60

I don't think this is a reflection on your capacity to work, but more a reflection of workplaces that are perhpas not well equipped yet to support people with mental health issues.

In response to: Re: Depression

PeppiPattySenior Contributor22 July 2015, 8:31 pm AEST

Re: Depression

@Ma60

Dear, Ma60. Maybe......this might be time to work out how to get better support for your work.

How many hours would you feel okay working?

How is the best way for you to get support at your workplace.

You need to think that you may be the one to introduce peer support or.....support elsewhere. 🐺🐐🐃🐣🐩🐇🐰🐈🐶🐢🐦

In response to: Re: Depression

Ma60Senior Contributor22 July 2015, 8:37 pm AEST

Re: Depression

I spoke to my husband and he agreed with me that I should resign. I did this this afternoon. One day a week would not cover the travel and parking costs.. I am thinking that I might contact an employment agency that specialises in mental health. Has anyone had any luck with these services?

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