I'm a 28 year old female, and I'm taking a leap and trying an online support community. I have been experiencing a major depressive episode for the past 10 weeks, which is completely new to me. My personality is normally very energetic and bubbly, but I've been struggling to find motivation and desire to do anything lately. In addition to navigating the depression, I've been struggling with validating what I'm feeling. I am getting out of bed, and going to work, which makes me feel like I should be "fine" and it must not be that bad.
I guess I'm hoping to be able to talk with others and realize I'm not alone even though it seems that way, since so many people don't publicize mental health struggles.
Looking forward to maybe hearing back from some of you
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bookworm77
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I have depression and ptsd and for a couple years tried to ignore them or pretend I was fine. Having a community and support around you like I had can be great and being able to continue with my schedule felt good, but didn't change whatever was going on fundamentally, at least for me. I was terrified enough of accepting I had a problem that I didn't even open up to anyone about what was going on till an embarrassing situation forced me to. Then I found out that talking to other people about it can help a ton. I've been shocked how many people I've ended up talking to have had depressive episodes or similar issues and how supportive some people that haven't can be. I made the mistake (at least for me) of moving to a new location before seeking professional help. Even if you think you're feeling "fine" in some sense therapy could be an incredibly good thing, even if you didn't have a diagnosable issue. If you haven't tried it and you can reasonably give it a try with your situation I'd highly recommend it, especially if you can find a therapist who communicates well with you and you feel comfortable around.
I'm also just trying out online forums now, but because I feel isolated and like I impose too many of my problems on the small number of people I frequently lean on for help. They've encouraged me that they want to help, but even so it's tough not to feel guilty always being in a sad and anxious mood and feeling like I can't possibly be fun to be around. I'm hoping the forums will help me feel like I'm less of a burden on them while still being strongly connected with them, just having another form of support to add to my others by having somewhere to see relatable problems and mention some of mine.
Life is tough and everyone has their issues. Whatever you're going through, this random internet stranger would encourage you to reach out for as much help as you need and maybe a bit more if you aren't sure what you need. Most people (in my experience) are happy to help even if mental health issues are stigmatized and not brought up much. That can be really tough to do and I wouldn't unless it feels safe though. Healthcare professionals are also (if you find good ones) great at helping discuss what resources or tools you might find helpful personally and there are a lot of options available.
I like what you wrote, I can relate about not wanting to burden people, I think it's too common. I hope you're getting some good use out of the forums and feel welcome 🙂
Are you really an avid reader? I sure am. If you'd enjoy distracting yourself talking books, what you read, what you like, what you hate, what you collect... Here I am.
I can definitely relate to your plight. I am a lot like you, I can function and do the basic things like work, etc but have very low motivation, too. And I used to be bubbly and energetic, too.
Being "fine" is great and all, but it's better to aim for contentment or even happiness. That's not always easy but it might be a little easier to get closer to now that you found us 😁
"I guess I'm hoping to be able to talk with others and realize I'm not alone even though it seems that way, since so many people don't publicize mental health struggles."
It's never easy, to put yourself out there, but this is a good and supportive community.
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