Communication

[Fun]

Hi,

I struggle with harsh periods of depression. And sometimes I feel it would be better if I can talk to someone. I have a therapist but to someone I could reach out to when needed outside of therapy hours. I don't have friends in which I can communicate that with or family. Are there any possible ways or ideas I can work with?

[rav3n]

Hey @Fun !! 

I'm sorry you've been struggling with harsh periods of depression, I can understand how isolating that experience can be if you can't speak to anyone about it. I was wondering if you've tried opening up to a friend about your mental health before? 

When family and friends aren't an option, here are some other options:

• FriendLine - if you're feeling lonely, they're available for a chat. It's more of a general chat rather than a mental health service.
• Listening Ear | Free Non-Crisis Helpline
• Journalling! Writing out how I feel, almost like having a conversation with myself helps. 
• I know you mentioned depression, but if you also get anxiety, ARCVic has some support group and counselling options too!

For talking about those dark thoughts/feelings, mental health services such as these would be great to speak to!

• Beyond Blue | 24/7 Support for Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Prevention - Beyond Blue
• Lifeline 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 
• Lifeline Text Support 0477 131 114 https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-text/ 
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 
  https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ 
• And if you ever feel unsafe, please contact 000

I'm happy to brainstorm some more ideas with you if you'd like! And also don't forget we've got SANE's counsellors you can speak with Monday-Friday 10am-8pm 1800 187 263

On this forum as well, we have the Newbie's Social Circle and other threads to hop into at any time, we're always here to chat too 💗

[Fun]

Thank you, I'll try the above.

I can't mention this to any of the people I know. It's complicated. But I'll try the other resources.

When I'm in this period, I physically can't voice out my words, so texting helps. But my thoughts are dark and I don't want it to escalate, this is what I fear

[rav3n]

That's so fair @Fun totally understand if verbally speaking is difficult - those webchat options might be worth giving a go first then! also if you do want to give a calling service a go at some point, writing down what you want to say ahead of time might be helpful? i used to write down dot points of what i wanted to speak about before phone calls so if i ever blanked out, i can just read what i've written word for word. 

maybe lets also look at some coping tools for when those dark thoughts get heavy?

like i mentioned, journaling is a big one! writing down and realising that those thoughts are not facts/truths, their just intrusive words that pop up - this can help detach from those thoughts. 

There's also this self-help workbook, haven't tried it myself but maybe it might be useful:

• Depression Self-Help Resources - Information Sheets & Workbooks (health.wa.gov.au)
• Depression (sane.org)

Have you found grounding techniques or breathing techniques useful in calming dark thoughts?

(P.s. if you want someone to be notified that you replied to them, you can tag them using @ and typing the username like this: @Fun )

[Former-Member]

Hi @Fun 

Just wanted to add my support as your post really moved me.

I also suffer from periods of harsh depression, or as I call it, the dark place.  I find it impossible to make friends, let alone keep them, as my moods are so erratic and my family don't know how to deal with my mental health problems.

I find Lifeline sometimes helps and I'm trying to open up on this forum but I can never really write down what I'm feeling. It's hard to describe the darkness that consumes you. I know everyone gets depressed every now and again but this darkness and despair is something I simply can't put into words. 

I'm also going to try some of the resources @rav3n suggested, especially Listening Ear.   Thanks @rav3n for this info.

I'm also here if you need to talk.

R 🌻