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.
NikolaiSenior Contributor
I always find it hard to tell if it is my illness or my circumstances that make me upset. I have had a lot going on lately particularly with stress at work and conflict with my partner. Does anyone have any ideas on how to differentiate if the circumstances need changing eg partner or job, or if it is just the illness?
In response to: Depression or Circumstances?
pipSenior Contributor
In response to: Depression or Circumstances?
NikolaiSenior Contributor
In response to: Depression or Circumstances?
Unknown userMember
In response to: Depression or Circumstances?
Unknown userMember
I can really relate to this question, @Nikolai. I've had an especially tough 6 months, and so it seems logical that my depression would get worse over that time. So do I just wait it out and see if my health gets better as circumstances ease? Or should I continue to look into additional treatment, because a) life is regularly hard and b) the things I've experienced aren't nearly as tough as those that a lot of others go through (for instance, I haven't lost any limbs, or been made homeless), and people cope with those things all the time?
Getting perspective from people outside me has been somewhat helpful. They remind me that anyone who has experienced what I've experienced in the last 6 months would be struggling, even if they didn't suffer from clinical depression. But then I just keep thinking about all the people who have had much more terrible things happen to them, but carry on. I feel like the degree of my debilitation is not commensurate with what's been going on for me.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
