Good evening and welcome @Ozief 😊
What a sad post! And yet, there are many of us here who often feel very much the same as what you have described. So you are far from alone here. You write beautifully by the way. And well done for reaching out to others.
Can I ask if you have been diagnosed with depression or any other mental health disorder? And are you seeing a mental health professional to talk through how you are feeling? You dont have to do this all on your own you know. There are a number of ways we can lessen the impact of depression and/or anxiety. With the right treatment, the way you feel now does not have to be a permanent thing. There is light at the end of the dark tunnel.
You have a lovely wife and three gorgeous children, you have everything to live for ... all the important things in life. You sound like a very devoted and loving husband and father.
You owe it to yourself and your family, to seek the help you need. In many respects you having reached out here is a step in the right direction. Its helpful to hear how others have found a way through the fog of depression. Its helpful to be able to talk to others who have been through what you have. An understanding and supportive community can be a super positive experience, as evidenced by many here.
If you have not already done so, I would strongly encourage you to speak to your GP. They can refer you to a psychologist or a psychiatrist who can further assist. Medication is highly successful for many, but is not right for all. If not an option for you, then there are other self help methods which is very helpful for most people with anxiety and depressive illnesses.
I would welcome hearing back from you, if you would like to chat further. There will likely be other members who will respond in due course, although its fairly quiet here tonight.
You asked how everyone else is tonight. I am not so bad thanks. I have an anxiety disorder (PTSD) and have been going through a tough time these last couple of months. Slowly improving though, thanks for asking. Yes although its cold outside, I have our wood fire blazing, and am warm and snug inside. I have my little dog Holly (see profile pic) tucked in alongside me to keep me company. Does your family have any pets?
Please have a browse through the many threads here on the forums, and feel free to contribute to any other existing thread that interests you. Your input will always be very welcome, and its a good way of getting to know a few other members. I hope to see you around over the coming days. Oh and ... if you wish to alert anyone that you are responding to them .... just type in an @ sign followed by the profile name. For example to 'tag' me .. type @Former-Member and it will result in me receiving an email notification to alert me that someone has responded to me.
Wishing you a good night @Ozief
Sherry
