FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Something’s not right

Family problems

John1Casual Contributor

Family problems

Just wanting some advice, I'm really struggling with things atm, I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I am very lucky to have an amazing family who have for a long time supported me and loved me unconditionally. But over the last few months things have not been the same, we spend no time together anymore, they no longer want me around and when I come home either leave or stay in their room. I don't understand what I have done wrong? I feel completely disconnected like I'm no longer part of the family, like I'm not loved or cared about anymore. And each day it is getting harder to keep going. Any help appreciated?

5 replies

1 - 5 of 5
1

In response to: Family problems

BlueBaySenior Contributor

Re: Family problems

Hi @John1

Welcome to the forum. This is a great place to share your story without being judged. So much support on here.

I am so sorry to read about your story and that your family are not supporting you. Not even talking to you.

Do you live at home with your parents? sorry not sure of your age.

I can so relate to family problems. My parents abandoned me 5 yrs ago when i told them i was suffering depression and childhood sexual abuse. They completely stopped talking and seeing me and my children. No contact at all.

It hurts so much that i still struggle with this. I understand and feel for you so much as i know how hard it is to not have support.

I really hope you can talk to your family. Perahps writing a letter to each one and explain what you're going through and how they can help you. Or if you find it okay to do then talk to them face to face.

Keep in touch here

take care

In response to: Family problems

John1Casual Contributor

Re: Family problems

Hi, no I live with my brother and sister. I'm sorry to hear about your family it's an awful Thing to go through, I can't begin to imagine how hurt you must feel. I have tried writing letters, I've tried talking to them and nothing changes it just pushes them further away, I just wish I knew what I did to cause them to treat me like this

In response to: Re: Family problems

BlueBaySenior Contributor

Re: Family problems

Hi @John1

I am sure it's not you. It is them not understanding your mental illness. They are most likely scared and don't know how to handle it.

Same with me - my parents are from older generation where mental illness was not spoken of. So for them to have their daughter with a mental illness it is dificult for them to understand and how to cope. But I am getting help so I can understand it myself.

Are you seeing a counsellor/psychologist for help and support?

Hoping some others on here will give you some advice and support as well.

Happy to chat anytime.

take care

In response to: Re: Family problems

pipSenior Contributor

Re: Family problems

Hi John1. Sadgirl is right on the button here. Often our families can't support us emotionally because 1) They're too close, and 2) They have no idea how you feel, nor what to say. Often remarks from family members can be hurtful too. If you can download some literature re: mental health and somehow let your family read it, over time, they may gain more insight into this. Because mental health is mainly feeling, rather than physical, it makes it harder. When it's physical or a cold, it's usually a case of flu injection, or sneezing. A broken arm or leg simply means a plaster cast etc. Mental illness can be scary when it's not able to 'fix' with aspirin etc. Are you having any sort of counselling/therapy, if you are it might be beneficial to ask your therapist to help explain things to your family. Sometimes therapists can explain so much better than patients. Perhaps even get your therapist to write to your family, on your behalf. Give them time to read and digest the information, hopefully, once they have a clearer understanding, the gap will then be fixed.

In response to: Family problems

John1Casual Contributor

Re: Family problems

Yes I'm seeing a psychologist and have been for a while, he just wasn't very understanding and didn't seem concerned about my family issues. He just said give them some time and space, that they probably are overwhelmed and just need a break, which I took his advice but to no effect
1 - 5 of 5
1

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

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.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

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.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.

Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.