Depression

[paddyjohn]

I know a few people that have deleted social media recently and have said it's really helped their head space.

I've done this for lent this year. Works a treat to be fair.

I'll go back on after Easter as the kids school post a lot on Facebook but that'll be it.

I got rid of twitter when it turned to X. After the fortnights withdrawal symptoms haha I felt better mentally. Cant see me ever getting it back. Still have FB and IG as I actually get good stuff from them but as soon as they go toxic and start affecting me they are gone

I did the same. Put a limit on my social media, 30mins a day. It's made such a difference.

I'm finding the darker mornings and shortening evenings playing havoc with me.

How did you do this? Just self control or did you use a tool?

Self control. I pick a time and stick to it as best I can. There are days when it's tough, like Sundays with the games on and NFL games on. It's honestly helped me a lot.

[smort]

There are also inbuilt Digital Wellbeing (Android) and Screen Time (iPhone) features that you can use to set limits on apps. I have found this useful, although sometimes I go in and adjust the limit which I really shouldn't do!

I have recently deleted Instagram and Facebook from my phone, well it's probably been 6months now, and I honestly don't miss them. My profiles are still there but I don't use them. I don't even log into them via a browser - I know of some people who have deleted the apps but then continue to use them via a browser so they are only codding themselves.

Twitter will be the next to go, although it is very useful for scores,  fixtures, breaking news

[paddyjohn]

There are also inbuilt Digital Wellbeing (Android) and Screen Time (iPhone) features that you can use to set limits on apps. I have found this useful, although sometimes I go in and adjust the limit which I really shouldn't do!

I have recently deleted Instagram and Facebook from my phone, well it's probably been 6months now, and I honestly don't miss them. My profiles are still there but I don't use them. I don't even log into them via a browser - I know of some people who have deleted the apps but then continue to use them via a browser so they are only codding themselves.

Twitter will be the next to go, although it is very useful for scores,  fixtures, breaking news

Twitter would be the one I use the most for GAA scores and transfer news.

[toby47]

There are also inbuilt Digital Wellbeing (Android) and Screen Time (iPhone) features that you can use to set limits on apps. I have found this useful, although sometimes I go in and adjust the limit which I really shouldn't do!

I have recently deleted Instagram and Facebook from my phone, well it's probably been 6months now, and I honestly don't miss them. My profiles are still there but I don't use them. I don't even log into them via a browser - I know of some people who have deleted the apps but then continue to use them via a browser so they are only codding themselves.

Twitter will be the next to go, although it is very useful for scores,  fixtures, breaking news

Twitter would be the one I use the most for GAA scores and transfer news.

I'd be the exact same, I use twitter more than any other app, especially at weekends scrolling through GAA scores and updates. Would love to get off social media, simply because of the scary 'screen time' message I get from Apple every week. Between 3-4hrs screen time a week is frightening, that's between 21-28hrs a week. I'm probably be on my phone for an hour every night before bed and 15 mins before I get out of bed, even if I wasn't being more productive, 7 hours more sleep a week would be some boost.

[Would ye whist]

Not sure what is up, however, finding things really bloody tough right now, have a mood I cannot lift at all. I have spoken to the wife about it but have played it down to her as she will only worry. I am not a man for opening up at all and I am used being the wise one (steady) and the strong one for the wife and children. Main breadwinner and work is so much pressure right now, hopefully I shake it soon and hoping even typing it on here will help.

[Tony Baloney]

Not sure what is up, however, finding things really bloody tough right now, have a mood I cannot lift at all. I have spoken to the wife about it but have played it down to her as she will only worry. I am not a man for opening up at all and I am used being the wise one (steady) and the strong one for the wife and children. Main breadwinner and work is so much pressure right now, hopefully I shake it soon and hoping even typing it on here will help.

You're not alone in that regard. I just tell the wife things are grand regardless of how my day goes, as she has plenty on her plate too. Don't know your work circumstances but dont let it pile up to a point where it becomes a burden that's hard to shift. Anyone in work you can talk to to shift a few things around?

 

[gallsman]

Forget about keeping up with scores, transfer news etc. It's just noise in the background. The really necessary things will always be available to you by other means.

Giving up social media and putting your phone down more are two of the best and easiest things you can do to protect your mental health. Someone mentioned withdrawal symptoms. In ten days or a fortnight you'll look back at just how much time you wasted with it all and be glad to get it back.

[Would ye whist]

Yeah same circs here with the wife she also has a highly pressurised job

In work, not really, I am the lead man in my field in the company and a lot of people look to me for answers and bring me their problems, to some extent I am the sounding board and fixer, not someone who brings a problem elsewhere. I am sure I will be able to shake it, just I have never had a feeling like it linger for so long. Onwards and upwards

Not sure what is up, however, finding things really bloody tough right now, have a mood I cannot lift at all. I have spoken to the wife about it but have played it down to her as she will only worry. I am not a man for opening up at all and I am used being the wise one (steady) and the strong one for the wife and children. Main breadwinner and work is so much pressure right now, hopefully I shake it soon and hoping even typing it on here will help.

You're not alone in that regard. I just tell the wife things are grand regardless of how my day goes, as she has plenty on her plate too. Don't know your work circumstances but dont let it pile up to a point where it becomes a burden that's hard to shift. Anyone in work you can talk to to shift a few things around?

 

[Tony Baloney]

Yeah same circs here with the wife she also has a highly pressurised job

In work, not really, I am the lead man in my field in the company and a lot of people look to me for answers and bring me their problems, to some extent I am the sounding board and fixer, not someone who brings a problem elsewhere. I am sure I will be able to shake it, just I have never had a feeling like it linger for so long. Onwards and upwards

Not sure what is up, however, finding things really bloody tough right now, have a mood I cannot lift at all. I have spoken to the wife about it but have played it down to her as she will only worry. I am not a man for opening up at all and I am used being the wise one (steady) and the strong one for the wife and children. Main breadwinner and work is so much pressure right now, hopefully I shake it soon and hoping even typing it on here will help.

You're not alone in that regard. I just tell the wife things are grand regardless of how my day goes, as she has plenty on her plate too. Don't know your work circumstances but dont let it pile up to a point where it becomes a burden that's hard to shift. Anyone in work you can talk to to shift a few things around?

 

Questions are easy, answers are hard(er). Ask them what they have done to address the problem before coming to you or how would they approach the issue. You'll not be there forever and Im sure you take holidays. Don't let coming to you be the lazy way out.

[tonto1888]

Yeah same circs here with the wife she also has a highly pressurised job

In work, not really, I am the lead man in my field in the company and a lot of people look to me for answers and bring me their problems, to some extent I am the sounding board and fixer, not someone who brings a problem elsewhere. I am sure I will be able to shake it, just I have never had a feeling like it linger for so long. Onwards and upwards

Not sure what is up, however, finding things really bloody tough right now, have a mood I cannot lift at all. I have spoken to the wife about it but have played it down to her as she will only worry. I am not a man for opening up at all and I am used being the wise one (steady) and the strong one for the wife and children. Main breadwinner and work is so much pressure right now, hopefully I shake it soon and hoping even typing it on here will help.

You're not alone in that regard. I just tell the wife things are grand regardless of how my day goes, as she has plenty on her plate too. Don't know your work circumstances but dont let it pile up to a point where it becomes a burden that's hard to shift. Anyone in work you can talk to to shift a few things around?

 

it can be hard to do but sometimes you need to swallow the pride and say 3 words. I need help. I done it just over 11 years ago and I am now sober. Best thing I ever did. Slightly different circs I will grant you, but it will help

[Would ye whist]

Ah I have all but knocked drink on the head, have maybe 2or3 once a month now adays- that is one good thing.

I think I might have to take a number of steps but need to figure those out

[Tony Baloney]

Ah I have all but knocked drink on the head, have maybe 2or3 once a month now adays- that is one good thing.

I think I might have to take a number of steps but need to figure those out

If chatting in here helps you figure things out then keep at it. Plenty of people on here with different experiences who may be able to help. Certainly better than trying to figure everything out yourself when your head is full to the brim with other stuff.

[paddyjohn]

Not sure what is up, however, finding things really bloody tough right now, have a mood I cannot lift at all. I have spoken to the wife about it but have played it down to her as she will only worry. I am not a man for opening up at all and I am used being the wise one (steady) and the strong one for the wife and children. Main breadwinner and work is so much pressure right now, hopefully I shake it soon and hoping even typing it on here will help.

I wrote a post on here years ago about my battles. I feel totally different after it.

You're not alone in your battles and worries.

My PMs are open have a chat if you want. 

[STREET FIGHTER]

Reading the last few posts I get some comfort at least....

I find myself in the exact same position and so comforting to understand that I am not alone....

[paddyjohn]

That is the one thing I've learned about my own battles, I'm not alone. There is at least 20 other people I know with the same issues. Debt, work struggles but one thing I've taught myself is that we need to talk to somebody. You can't replace human connection. We can listen to all the self help podcasts and all these life coaches who have the answers but in my mind, get out and speak to somebody face to face if you can.

My first session of counselling was a nightmare but it was so good at the same time. From I walked in the door until I came out a cried and hardly spoke 30 words, but I felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted. Honestly, it was the biggest relief I ever had and that was 25 years ago. I've been through the mill since that but I've learned to talk again. I went to that place of being a strong man who didn't talk and that's a complete load of balls, nothing wrong with showing emotion and chatting. Keep the circle small and tight and you where you are. I would go to counselling for at least 3months every year since 2001 and it's tough but it's saved my life no doubt.

My DMs are always open for anybody who needs a chat.

Sorry for the long post but I'm just trying to help lol.