Depression and grief

[djc4]

Hi All,

I have been struggling with my mental health and have been unable to get out of this bout of depression.
I was reading a book and in this book there was a line saying that grief can be disguised as depression.

I have a big history when it comes to losing loved ones. I don’t think I ever really dealt with my grief and I think it’s catching up with me.

Please help. I feel like I’m stuck in deep dark hole.

Topic

[debsayge]

Loving hugs Dj
This is a safe place to reach out for help, I think this world is really dreadful at looking after the grieving however here we are all in it and holding each other….it’s amazing I think for you to courageously speak up for yourself, please keep sharing we are here listening….I for one are struggling desperately with the loss of my 19 yr old beautiful girl Sayge, it’s crushed our family and I can hardly move….I see you! we are all pretty desperate for connection and understanding here.
Love to you Deb

[djc4]

Deb, thank you for reaching out. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I feel your pain as a mum, I too have lost a child – my son when he just 3 months old. It has traumatised me and I find it very hard to talk about. The first 6 months of every year bring back many memories for me and it cripples me. It was a very dark time in my life.
I am coming to learn that there are new things that are triggering me, causing me to sink into depression. And I have finally realised that I have to deal with it, make peace with it somehow. Or I can never move on with my life.

[debsayge]

More loving hugs Dj
Ohhh your baby child, what is his name if you can bare to tell me!! How does anyone even begin when it seems like the end!! My heart cry’s with you….my loss of my beautiful Sayge has traumatised me so greatly I feel at a loss of being able to share it at all too so I’m completely therewith you, you just don’t want to, as it makes it more real, do you think? I’ve got no support, most are afraid I think xx and sadly I get that….so I hope we can keep sharing and somehow get through the darkest days….there are many people here who can walk the painful with us I hope
Much love
Debxx

[VMsunflower]

Hi Dj and Deb
I am so sorry for your loss and want to commend you and your bravery in reaching out and sharing your grief on this forum. It certainly helps to know that there are others out there than can in some way understand what we are going through and to make connections in a safe and caring environment. I also find healing in being able to journal my feelings. Love and thoughts with you both

[Moon]

Hi djc4, hugs from another grievingmum, was 5mths on Friday since I lost my son. I too, find myself mourning other loved ones.
I’m no stranger to depression either having struggled with mental health most of my life, I know that deep abyss very well and am trying to be mindful not to fall into it again.
It is possible that your ongoing grief might be masking something that needs further exploration, ie chat with your gp , blood tests to rule out any chemical imbalances, a psych appt who can prescribe an anti-depressant and therapy if needed, I know I do – my head is too often my worst enemy. We’re here for you and listening xx
‘

[VM-PG]

Hi djc4,
I’m really glad you’ve reached out to us. It sounds like you are going through a very tough time right now. Grief can affect us all differently, but depression is a very common symptom for many people. We have some information online that might be helpful for you. If you go to https://griefline.org.au/resources/grief-loss-trauma/ as well as https://griefline.org.au/resources/living-with-loss-and-grief/ there is information on different experiences that often accompany grief and hopefully there is something there that may resonate with you.

Often, especially when experiencing depression, people can change routines and start neglecting basic daily self-care routines like sleep and exercise. I recommend checking https://griefline.org.au/resources/east-toolkit/ as there is information for making sure you have healthy routines in place to support you while you work out a way through your current experience. It can sometimes seem too basic, but it’s really important and helpful to make sure that you’re doing things like maintaining a regular bedtime and a healthy diet.

You mention that you have a long history of losing loved ones and I’m also wondering whether you have ever considered speaking with someone on a regular basis. It may be helpful to speak to someone like a counselor or therapist who specialises in grief and loss and can help you to unpack some of your past experiences and help you integrate them in a healthy way.

You’ve taken a really positive in reaching out and I hope you find something helpful in this. You are also always welcome to call our helpline on 1300 845 745 to have an anonymous chat with one of our volunteers.

[debsayge]

Hello Dj,
Sending you loving support, sending you kind thoughts, hoping you are receiving our msgs into your aching heart and know we are with you.
XxDeb

[debsayge]

Hello again Dj
Just to let you know I’m thinking about you
Many loving hugs
XxDeb

[Author]

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