Depression and mental health

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The Nickman
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by The Nickman »

Manbush wrote:Very thick skin mate and very comfortable with myself, while I don't really stir on here because I don't know you guys well enough so can be misinterpreted very easily in person I'm constantly stirring up mates so have to be able to take it. If you can't laugh at yourself who can you laugh at.
You. I can laugh at you.
Professor
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by Professor »

I thought I was right on both fronts :lol:

I've said previously that you'd be the most resilient bastard I've ever come across.
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Raider Bell
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by Raider Bell »

Raider 85 wrote:And when Manbush is being told by his teacher at a catholic school to have a drink in the bath before exams, it makes it somewhat hard not bang the lol emoticon.
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Oh man, I'm still crying over this. FOD's.

I love me some Manbush anecdotes.
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Begbie
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by Begbie »

The Nickman wrote:Something else I've noticed guys is that we often hit an absolute low-point in our lives and we seek out the help to stop feeling awful, whether it be through exercise, meditation, healthier living, going outside more, medication or counselling and we learn to deal with things and we become "happier" again.

But then once we're over the worst of it, we stop. We stop doing many of the good things we've introduced in order to deal with the bad and eventually regress to that point again. I include myself in this category, as I forever start to slip on my exercise/diet etc and next thing I'm starting to feel low again.

It needs to be an ongoing process. Happiness comes from within, we need to hone the tools that directly foster our happiness for the good times as well as the bad.

Great post Nickman.
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Raidersfan
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by Raidersfan »

Begbie wrote:
The Nickman wrote:Something else I've noticed guys is that we often hit an absolute low-point in our lives and we seek out the help to stop feeling awful, whether it be through exercise, meditation, healthier living, going outside more, medication or counselling and we learn to deal with things and we become "happier" again.

But then once we're over the worst of it, we stop. We stop doing many of the good things we've introduced in order to deal with the bad and eventually regress to that point again. I include myself in this category, as I forever start to slip on my exercise/diet etc and next thing I'm starting to feel low again.

It needs to be an ongoing process. Happiness comes from within, we need to hone the tools that directly foster our happiness for the good times as well as the bad.
Great post Nickman.
Ditto.
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bonehead
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by bonehead »

How you traveling today lads? Dubs? Hammock?
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by -PJ- »

I'm off sick bone, got a dr appt @ 3pm.

How are you and how was your holiday ?
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bonehead
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by bonehead »

-PJ- wrote:I'm off sick bone, got a dr appt @ 3pm.

How are you and how was your holiday ?
No "was" about it PDid Image Here's some right now action

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-PJ-
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by -PJ- »

That looks awesome mate, when are you returning to the real world ?
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bonehead
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by bonehead »

-PJ- wrote:That looks awesome mate, when are you returning to the real world ?
My good mate Parky thinks i should stay and that the Raiders should be sweet Saturday, he's got a good feeling Image
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by -PJ- »

Have you spotted any white pointers ?

The weather looks great btw....
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DJ89
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by DJ89 »

Yeah nice onshore breeze hey PJ? ;)
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-PJ-
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by -PJ- »

DJ89 wrote:Yeah nice onshore breeze hey PJ? ;)
Yr a funny guy DJ. Where you at ? I'm coming around to drink all your beer !!!!
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by DJ89 »

-PJ- wrote:
DJ89 wrote:Yeah nice onshore breeze hey PJ? ;)
Yr a funny guy DJ. Where you at ? I'm coming around to drink all your beer !!!!
Before I tell you, I think we need to establish some T and C's.

Firstly, is Simo coming and if so, is he naked?
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-PJ-
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by -PJ- »

DJ89 wrote:
-PJ- wrote:
DJ89 wrote:Yeah nice onshore breeze hey PJ? ;)
Yr a funny guy DJ. Where you at ? I'm coming around to drink all your beer !!!!
Before I tell you, I think we need to establish some T and C's.

Firstly, is Simo coming and if so, is he naked?
No to simo and everyone will be wearing clothes.

Oh and I don't drink VB. So buy some good stuff..
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by Hazza »

I went through a tough time a couple of years back when my dad passed away. What I can confirm is that alcohol and weed certainly doesn't help. I couldn't cope so I just went beserk and wrote myself off every weekend. You just end up feeling worse. Haven't had a drink in 6 months and never felt better.
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by simo »

-PJ- wrote:
DJ89 wrote:
-PJ- wrote:
DJ89 wrote:Yeah nice onshore breeze hey PJ? ;)
Yr a funny guy DJ. Where you at ? I'm coming around to drink all your beer !!!!
Before I tell you, I think we need to establish some T and C's.

Firstly, is Simo coming and if so, is he naked?
No to simo and everyone will be wearing clothes.

Oh and I don't drink VB. So buy some good stuff..
no to simo? Well i never
Dont delete this GE
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Green_Hammock
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by Green_Hammock »

Thought I would give people interested an update on my situation. Things are going pretty well for me at the moment. The reason my life went so downhill was that my then fiancé split with me, it devastated me. We went to the same church, eventually I left although I still keep in touch with a couple of friends and my pastor. It completely flipped my life and social situation upside down, I lost most of my friends. Most I understand thought I didn't want to talk to them anymore, but the struggle to open up to people was incredibly hard and not many knew what was going on. In a way it was a blessing because now I don't have those "friends" in my life and I've gotten in touch with a few old and good mates.

A massive help to me recently has been footy, I guess the medication put me in the place to do the right thing to help myself. So for the first time in 6 years (since school) I'm playing footy. I joined a team in the Canberra Raiders Cup reserves and it's been awesome, playing my second game on the weekend but just the exercise two weeknights and because I'm pretty introverted, socialising as part of the team has been huge for me. Work is also going well, I feel like I'm repaying my managers for being flexible and helping me when I was in trouble by finally being able to string a few weeks together and be here on a consistent basis.

The medication has helped for sure, but I would like to come off it in a few months maybe. The main downside is that if I forget to take it as I have before the next day is just hell and I can't function.

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The Nickman
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by The Nickman »

Hi GH, great to hear you are doing well, mate. I've had a bit of a rough trot myself, and I'm finding the two main things that are getting me through is talking to people and exercise.

I live by myself and don't often talk to people about my feelings and stuff, but when I'm home it's often the worst as I'm overthinking things and alone. That's where reaching out to friends and family (even texting) has kept me sane these past few weeks. Exercise has also played a big part. I've run about 55km in the last two weeks in 11 x 5km stints on various treadmills around the world (literally), and it's helped me no end. No idea how I would've coped without it, but I'm really starting to feel like my old self. As an added bonus I've lost 4kg already!

Another big thing for me is meditation. I've always meditated, but over the years I've got a bit "sloppy". In the past few weeks I've meditated every day for half an hour, including weekends, days off and even once on a long haul flight from Johannesburg.

All those things help, but especially talking to people. When you're at your worst always reach out to somebody, even if it's just on this forum or by text. If you ever post in this thread and need support, I promise to respond as soon as I see it. Keep up the good work, mate. Losing a loved one sucks, it hurts, but time really does heal all wounds (and aren't we all sick of people telling us that?).
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by -PJ- »

Green_Hammock wrote:Thought I would give people interested an update on my situation. Things are going pretty well for me at the moment. The reason my life went so downhill was that my then fiancé split with me, it devastated me. We went to the same church, eventually I left although I still keep in touch with a couple of friends and my pastor. It completely flipped my life and social situation upside down, I lost most of my friends. Most I understand thought I didn't want to talk to them anymore, but the struggle to open up to people was incredibly hard and not many knew what was going on. In a way it was a blessing because now I don't have those "friends" in my life and I've gotten in touch with a few old and good mates.

A massive help to me recently has been footy, I guess the medication put me in the place to do the right thing to help myself. So for the first time in 6 years (since school) I'm playing footy. I joined a team in the Canberra Raiders Cup reserves and it's been awesome, playing my second game on the weekend but just the exercise two weeknights and because I'm pretty introverted, socialising as part of the team has been huge for me. Work is also going well, I feel like I'm repaying my managers for being flexible and helping me when I was in trouble by finally being able to string a few weeks together and be here on a consistent basis.

The medication has helped for sure, but I would like to come off it in a few months maybe. The main downside is that if I forget to take it as I have before the next day is just hell and I can't function.

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Wow GH, seems like you're getting on top of things and good for you. Being around friends and having people who will just listen to you is so so important. I loved it when I was playing footy, the comraderie, friendships made are fof life.

Stick with it mate, relax a little and enjoy yourself. All the best to ya

PJ
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greeneyed
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by greeneyed »

Great stories! Good that people of the forum can give others support as well.


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dubby
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by dubby »

I've been taking anti depressants for just over a month now. The dosage has increased steadily as there was no real improvement. Still isn't.

The psychiatrist delivered his diagnosis yday, and it was quite confronting.

I think my workplace is going to send me on leave for a few weeks to allow myself to adjust to the heavier dose of medicine. If I don't improve, I'll lose my job.

Lately my head is so heavy foggy and I can't bloody concentrate.

I understand that this takes time, and I need support from friends and family.
However, I've only told one person and my workplace.

I now know why people with mental illness don't like to tell anyone

People think I'm putting this on.

So, I find myself in this battle all alone. No one to turn to. No place of my own.
And yes, I find it repeating in my head.
I can't feel whole .....

Thanks to the boys who shared their experiences. It really helps.

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The spiral of silence refers to the idea that when people fail to speak, the price of speaking rises. As the price to speak rises, still fewer speak out, which further causes the price to rise, so that fewer people yet will speak out, until a whole culture or nation is silenced. This is what happened in Germany.

If you do not speak, you are not being neutral, but are contributing to the success of the thing you refuse to name and condemn.
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greeneyed
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by greeneyed »

Good luck with this Dubby. It will come good.


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The Nickman
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by The Nickman »

dubby, the absolute one thing I've found is you need to talk to people. Even if it's just here. You need to let it out. Like I said, my biggest struggle is when I'm at home, as I live by myself. When that happens I fire off a few texts to understanding people who listen, or call somebody for a chat or SOMETHING. You just need to get that stuff out of your head and into someone else's ear (or eyes).

It really does work, it's like some kind of release.
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by -PJ- »

Thanks for sharing dubs, chin up, keep fighting.
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by Professor »

Kudos to you blokes - very pleasing to hear that things have gotten better.
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by rolhai »

The Nickman wrote:dubby, the absolute one thing I've found is you need to talk to people. Even if it's just here. You need to let it out. Like I said, my biggest struggle is when I'm at home, as I live by myself. When that happens I fire off a few texts to understanding people who listen, or call somebody for a chat or SOMETHING. You just need to get that stuff out of your head and into someone else's ear (or eyes).

It really does work, it's like some kind of release.
This, I find, is the most important thing. I've been on and off medication and counseling for nearly 10 years now. The drugs help, but they take time to start working.

A few years back I ended up taking nearly 6 months off work to fix myself up.
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Green_Hammock
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by Green_Hammock »

You should tell a few people in your workplace. I know it's hard though, a lot of people don't understand and think you just don't want to come to work.

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dubby
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by dubby »

I had a meeting at work this morning. They're sending me to another psychologist to evaluate me.
From this, they'll be in a position to 'manage me better '. From there we'll see what happens. Thankfully there is an independent body that they employ that acts on my behalf and will implement a strategy to ensure I don't get mistreated and my employer acts in my best interests.
Worst case scenario, unsuitable for work.

I hate telling people about this. I just hate it. People have enough crap in their life without worrying about mine.
And when I started telling people, they told me to suck it up, man up, etc.

It really shows you the quality of a person when you try and share your vulnerability and struggles, and they dismiss it as flippant as that.

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The spiral of silence refers to the idea that when people fail to speak, the price of speaking rises. As the price to speak rises, still fewer speak out, which further causes the price to rise, so that fewer people yet will speak out, until a whole culture or nation is silenced. This is what happened in Germany.

If you do not speak, you are not being neutral, but are contributing to the success of the thing you refuse to name and condemn.
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by Woodgers »

Dubs, Hammock, Nickman and everyone else that has contributed to this thread, I applaud you opening up and sharing your experiences and feelings. Like Nickman has said a few times, that is part of the battle and the solution.

Whilst this doesn't affect me personally, I'm also happy to lend an ear or any support I can. I take it seriously and if the least I can do is try to empathise and be a Raiders friend, that's what I'll do.

GE and admin you should be proud that you have a website where people are comfortable enough to write the posts that they have in here. It's admirable. I know often that running the site is a thankless task, but in doing so you're providing things like this thread that just might help take the weight of the world off someone's shoulders, or even save lives. Well done.
We continue to **** about with blokes that are part of some fraternity. It's infuriating.
The Nickman
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by The Nickman »

dubs, the best advice I have is that everybody, EVERYBODY has that one or two friends or family members, that for whatever reason, they're just always there to hear your "crap" (your words, not mine), and take it on board. Some people are just naturally better at that than others. You just need to identify who that is in your life.

I'm very fortunate to have several people like that in my life that I've leant on pretty heavily over the past few weeks and they really do help. You just need to find out who they are.
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by bonehead »

Dubs i will happily corner you in your workplace if you ever need me to again.
Read back through this thread if you need to, there is some incredibly good advice and success stories from among your peers.

Green Hammock, anti depressant medication needs to be weaned slowly down, don't rush it that **** is scary when you get it wrong. The 1 i had gave me freakish side effects like an electric shock feeling when i was coming off if i got the dosage too low too quick.
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dubby
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by dubby »

Bonehead, I've had that 'shock' feeling when starting!!

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The spiral of silence refers to the idea that when people fail to speak, the price of speaking rises. As the price to speak rises, still fewer speak out, which further causes the price to rise, so that fewer people yet will speak out, until a whole culture or nation is silenced. This is what happened in Germany.

If you do not speak, you are not being neutral, but are contributing to the success of the thing you refuse to name and condemn.
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by Manbush »

Dubby hate to say it mate but we sound a lot alike, both put our hands up to help others yet hate putting our problems onto others.
I bow down to thee oh great Nickman, the wisest of the wise, your political adroitness is unsurpassed, your sagacity is unmatched, your wisdom shines through on this forum amongst us mere mortals as bright as your scalp under the light of a full moon, never shall I doubt your analytical prowess again. You are my hero, my lord, my savior, may you accept my offerings so you continue to bless us with your genius.
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dubby
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Re: Depression and mental health

Post by dubby »

Pretty much, Mate.



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The spiral of silence refers to the idea that when people fail to speak, the price of speaking rises. As the price to speak rises, still fewer speak out, which further causes the price to rise, so that fewer people yet will speak out, until a whole culture or nation is silenced. This is what happened in Germany.

If you do not speak, you are not being neutral, but are contributing to the success of the thing you refuse to name and condemn.
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