Lived Experience Forum

[LittleBear1]

I’ve been seeing a psychiatrist for ten years after a spine injury and infection that left me in hospitals for 9 months in 2013. I completely lost my way of life and tried something I shouldn’t have. 

My only child went no contact 12 months ago but I hear what’s happening through my husband. She’s studied and trained as a Pathologist but had a mental breakdown and is working filling food trolleys at the airport. 

Now for the last 8 weeks I’ve had no motivation or interest in anything, serious fatigue, teary etc. I’m on max medication but need to do something. My psychiatrist is away for 5 weeks. 

I’ve previously done courses in CBT, ACT, DBT, Art therapy, Meditation. I just don’t know where to start trying to help myself. 

[tyme]

Hey there @LittleBear1 ,

I'm so glad you've posted. It sounds like you've been on a long lonely road. I'm sorry you have had a depression relapse. It sounds so difficult for you.

My connecting on the forums, I wonder if you will feel a deep sense of connection and belonging to help you through this difficult time?

Why I'm saying this is because I've had my own experience of mental health and during my recovery, I felt anti-social, alone and a deep sense of void. I did not have the liberty to share about my mental health freely in the real world. Hence the depression and loneliness really affected me.

However, these forums really helped normalise things. It allowed me to speak openly about what was going on for me in an anonymous way. Long story short, I benefitted so much from being on these forums.

Friendships were formed, I was able to share my experiences, I was able to support others. So much so, I became a volunteer at SANE and eventually started working for SANE. It's been an incredible journey for me.

Hope you find the same. There IS hope. Things WILL get better.