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  • What do you do when Life's pretty hard and you're invisible & out of control?

    Conversation started by James74

    I have regular thoughts about how to escape. I have pretty much withdrawn from life already. I have no friends, my marriage is gone, I dont see my family and I have got myself in financial trouble because when I was spending, I was doing so thinking I wont have to pay it back once I am gone.
    I lie here in bed sometimes picturing my funeral and thinking there would not be anybody there. I cry as I write this but with things getting worse (not better I cant see hope)

    To sum it up, I feel invisible and pretty much wothless. I also feel I dont know how to just be normal. I have obsessive disorder where I make really bad decisions thinking they will bring happiness. They never do and compund these feelings with regret and self doubt. There are so many more things that I have let go such as health, work, diet and previous interests, I just dont know where I am going. I feel I'm losing the battle.

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  • Image of Grant McKell
    Grant McKell
    Psychologist
    Grant McKell is a counselling psychologist working in Sydney's inner west with over ten years' experience. He founded HeadsUp Psychology in August, 2011. Having worked ... View profile


    James,
    You need an outside perspective on things pretty quickly and for this reason you need to talk to someone.
    Can I strongly urge you to see your doctor ASAP or call Lifeline (13 11 14)?
    The main problem you have, from what I can see, is that you can't PICTURE a way forward, which is the essence of hope. However, that doesn't mean that there is no way forward.

    Just because we can't perceive something, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. We don't really perceive carbon dioxide in the air we breathe, but it is there. A way forward can sometimes be like that too. A way forward is there, others will be able to see it; it's just that you can't from where you are AT THE MOMENT.

    Please call Lifeline or see your GP as soon as possible. You don't need to be stuck where you are.

    Grant
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  • Image of Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease ... View profile
    James, I agree with all that Grant has said though my perspective is different from his.

    I have been in the dark place that you seem to be in now - chronic depression, suicidal thoughts.

    Thanks to skilled help from a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist (as well as my own hard work) I am in remission from both.

    Remember that depression is just a word - it is not a life sentence.

    Please get help - you deserve it.

    All the best.
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