Depression

[STREET FIGHTER]

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.

Your obviously a good lad PaddyJohn...thanks and great work keeping this thread alive....

[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.

Your obviously a good lad PaddyJohn...thanks and great work keeping this thread alive....

Appreciate that pal. I can get on my soap box for a bit but it's needed.

I've lost 3 close friends to suicide and it's shite.

We'll get there together. One step at a time.

[bannside]

Great very honest post PJ. Dont be a stranger Bud...

[paddyjohn]

Great very honest post PJ. Dont be a stranger Bud...

Thanks BS. I'll give you a bell someday - you were the first to reach out when I posted all those years ago.

[square_ball]

Just to echo above about the phones and social media. It's my downfall at the minute. I need to nip it in the bud as I am doomscrolling constantly and it's doing absolutely no good. The smartphone is one of the best and worst inventions of our lifetime!

Also another one that contributes to the mood is shit eating. Again I am guilty of this particularly the last few weeks and can actually see the effect it's having on me. Stressful day at work = raiding the biscuit cupboard.

So that's my plan heading into the autumn/winter. Get the phone and social media usage right down and get back to healthy eating.

[paddyjohn]

Just to echo above about the phones and social media. It's my downfall at the minute. I need to nip it in the bud as I am doomscrolling constantly and it's doing absolutely no good. The smartphone is one of the best and worst inventions of our lifetime!

Also another one that contributes to the mood is shit eating. Again I am guilty of this particularly the last few weeks and can actually see the effect it's having on me. Stressful day at work = raiding the biscuit cupboard.

So that's my plan heading into the autumn/winter. Get the phone and social media usage right down and get back to healthy eating.

Again, I don't have the answers and I can only talk about what works for me. I've been down that road also as the waistline proves!! 

Chinese on a Saturday and we've stopped buying chocolate apart from a Sunday.

Diet contributes more than we think to our mental health. When I lose a few pounds then I do feel more positive about myself and everything else. 

[Milltown Row2]

It's also ok to take medication, it really helps to dampen the thoughts, obviously a lot depends on the dosage but taking the edge off things can help..

Also its ok to tell staff to work through things more, management or leads is a tough job with the staff coming at you, personally I couldn't do it as I'm not sure how many times I could say f**k off before they get rid of me

[paddyjohn]

I did take the medication for a while but i scared it was becoming a crutch for me. I came off it pretty quickly.