Hello :)

[Ses]

Hello everyone,

I've joined this group because I have been struggling with depression for a long time. Unfortunately years of bullying, bad relationship choices, divorce eating disorders and generally not liking myself have taken their toll. I was finally diagnosed with clinical depression about 18 months ago. After time off work, medication, several counselling sessions and a change of job, things are definitely better. I'm in a good relationship, have a good job and have bought my first house. The problem is that despite all the good stuff, the cloud over my head never seems to go away. Some weeks are better than others, and some (like this week) I feel completely and utterly pointless. In a way I feel worse now, because I can't see what in my life I can change any more to help, but the 'black dog' still hovers around

I think it will just be good to speak with people in a similar position, and hope that maybe I might have some experiences to help fellow forum members. I want to be 'well' and live a 'normal' life. Here's hoping...

Look forward to getting to know you all. It's nice to have a no-pressure place to do it.

Frodo

[lightenup]

A warm welcome to the forum, Frodo.  I am still working at trying to beat the hell out of this keep us posted and by posting on here it helps others.  Take care

[Friartuck]

Hi
Welcome on board it sounds like you have created the right conditions around you to get better. I am still in the process of resolving the better job problem as it was this that pushed me over the edge into depression. Way to much stress and pressure in the job to cope. But don't beat yourself up when "it" kicks off be kind on yourself get the rest you need and pace yourself as this seems to be the only thing that helps sort me out.

God Bless.

Friartuck

[Munchroom]

Hi Frodo and welcome  :)

I know all too well how frustrating it feels to look at everything thats wonderful in your life and STILL have that constant cloud hanging over your head! I hope you find that this is a good place to vent and get to know some of us. Like you say, its nice to have a 'no-pressure' place to do it!

Take care x

[Ses]

Thanks all :) Friartuck, you've hit the nail on the head. I always feel like I'm being weak, and that makes it worse. I'm resolving as of today to *try* not to try to force myself to be 'normal' because I think that makes things worse

Ses (aka frodo!)

[Friartuck]

Good - some days it's all i can do to pace each bit of the day...so

i break it into chunkis..ok got to get up...get dressed done
then i tell myself right bit of breakfast and cup of tea...done
then get ready for work...check
ok now drive...done...
right stop right there and get a cup of tea the traffic was a pile of.....
good now break down your tasks for the day...make the list and then the list for the first task..
tea
now start on the first part of the first task - tick it off
now rest 10 mins...
now do the second bit of the first task...
etc... etc...

then before i know it i can sit and veg at the end of a day and feel better for doing some of the things i set out to do...

Keep it going....you will make it...

[Ses]

:) makes sense. I'm very bad for forgetting to celebrate the small victories, if you see what I mean. I always focus on what I haven't done. Bad move, I know.