Sad

[Mazdragon]

sitting here at work Mauser reading yr story.... got the tears going ... I have never suffered depression, tho sometimes, in particular over the last year or so I do feel down at times. Somehow i pick myself up tho and keep going. I guess people become imune to seeing depression, they don't want to know cos it's all too hard... and when you walk into Centrelink... it IS depressg... i remember being in the queue during a stint of unemployment... i've worked and supported myself all my life and then suddenly i was in the dole queue after 24yrs of working... i felt like screaming "i'm not a f*n loser! I lost my job cos the business owner drank the place to the ground!" (he was an alcoholic which i didn't know). Centrelink is judgemental, no matter what they say. But if you need help, even just an ear to listen... get that ear... get someone to talk to... sometimes it's easier to talk to a stranger as there's nothing else binding you... whatever works for you and if you're on the outside looking in and see someone else that needs help but won't/can't ask for it... try anyway... it's someone's son/daughter, brother/sister, mother/father, uncle/aunt etc

[Gaddy]

That is so sad Jen !
The Black Dog! Depression ! Call it what you like but it is VERY real and will most likely touch all of us sometime through our lives, wether directly or indirectly, like this thread!
I don't know Mausers story but it is a sad one I'm sure yet he got through it , and is getting through it with the help of family and friends!
I lost my wife of 16 years to the DOG over 4 years ago! And with my three boys to look after and a business to run it was a task I would not wish on anyone.
I too felt at times that checking out might be an option but with the help of my family and friends and some professional guidance I'm still here.

Help is at hand for all of us! Your gp can put you on a mental health plan so you can see a professional for psychological assistance, will prescribe you meds to help you through things.
Depression is NOT a weekness! And you can be a sufferer no matter who you are or what your circumstances!
Look at Rene Rivkin!
There can be no obvious reason! A simple chemical imbalance can cause it!
If you have high blood pressure you can help it with a pill!
If you have diabetes you can manage it with an injection!
So don't hide it or pretend it's not your style or your stronger than that cos we all need some help sometimes!
And if you are alone and feel that there is no one to talk to or who will listen, please at least pick up the phone and call beyond blue or lifeline 131114 and just tell someone how you are feeling cos I know it helps.

[wbute]

to Gaddy. Once again I cant put into words what I want to say, but good on you mate.

[HK1837]

I have an idea, maybe call it a pact. If anyone on this forum today (or tomorrow or whatever) thinks, or even has a hint that they are not coping then speak up here. No-one will judge, maybe opening up to a group online might help? And if all it takes is a text or phone call to say hello as Mauser says even that might make a difference. Maybe a local site member can drop around and say hi, have a yak etc? Just thoughts anyway.

[jennie285]

I have an idea, maybe call it a pact. If anyone on this forum today (or tomorrow or whatever) thinks, or even has a hint that they are not coping then speak up here. No-one will judge, maybe opening up to a group online might help? And if all it takes is a text or phone call to say hello as Mauser says even that might make a difference. Maybe a local site member can drop around and say hi, have a yak etc? Just thoughts anyway.

Very good idea Byron, it is often easier to open up in words than face to face...and on this forum from my experience nobody ever judges...

[the ski man]

being involved in scouting as a leader for kids between 14 and 18 I see alot of kids opening their eyes to the big bad world. Part of my job so to speak is that I spend alot of time listening to their problems and issues and generally provide guidance and help them wade through what looks like a world ending issue. I am certainly one who values a talk and believes that the power of words and support is far greater than any medication. dont get me wrong im no Doctor, but i do know medication may be required in some cases.

On another note, given the number of replies to this topic it looks like this issue is quite passionate for most of us, as an online community perhaps we should show our support to a mental health organisation, we all have vans, we are in all positions of this wide brown land, surely someone smarter than me can think of a way we might be able to collectively offer something to a support organisation

I did have a quick look around the web this arvo and the following has been sourced from the Beyond Blue website:
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?

Mental Health week 9th to 15th of October 2011 http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.a...nk_id=104.1379

During Mental Health Week, beyondblue will be encouraging everyone - individuals, community groups and workplaces - to help raise awareness of depression and anxiety, and reduce the associated stigma by ordering free beyondblue information and displaying it in your workplace or local community centre. Information resources for Mental Health Week can be ordered from our website from September.

Movember, facial hair for a cause during November http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.a...nk_id=104.1265

The funds raised by Movember participants have been dedicated to improving men's health in rural, remote, regional and metro areas across Australia, by supporting beyondblue men's health projects

If i can get approval through work i'd happily take on a Movember challenge, as part of a mySANDMAN team...

some food for thought anyway.


ski man

[Mazdragon]

believe it or not, but i can't grow a mustache, BUT i would happily forego the "hidden area" waxing instead and donate the cost to support whoever wants to do the Movember thingo....

[hj308]

Currently off work diagnosed with PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder) unfortunately in my line of work I have witnessed the worst of human behaviour and what they are capable of doing, see my share of death and carnage. You think your relatively unaffected even after 20yrs until your asked to go back to something you know you can longer do. My choice was to continue on and block it out or admitt I had hit the wall and seek help which is where I am now working with my GP, Psychologist etc. Fortunately I have family and some ex-workmates who have been down the same path. My outlook is to try and remain positive and keep busy go to gym etc and hopefully in about 6 weeks will have a new shed up and can focus on a sandman rebuilt which would be great. Its one of the hardest things I have ever had to do admitting I could no longer do my job and in the end my doctor made the decision for me. I think that is the break through moment for all men as we find it so hard to admit what we probably see as a weakness in that we need help or assistance to cope, all I can say is dont be talk to your partner or your gp before your in a hole too big to get out of, cheers.

[agr071]

I'm very happy to read all the positive comments that are coming out of this terrible problem.
I too had a few issues but i mainly kept them to myself (and still do with some issues) and tried to deal with them in my own way.
It was when we had a business of our own and the kids were only 3,4 & 5. Yes it was hard to cope with but i also have a stubborn side to me which i used to my advantage to not let it beat me.
I had 3 kids that depended on me and would be stranded if i was not there for them.

So fortunately, this site has wonderful people who would be willing to support/help anyone at the drop of a hat.
Congrats to you all and chin up to those who are suffering as it does get better even though you may not think so.

[wbute]

I will have a crack at Movember. Good idea Skiman.