Lived Experience Forum

[Karrie]

I hope I have this right as the place where I can tell my story with all its warts and dramas.  I am in the education field and on top of everything else in my life I am tired.  I have been given a depression, anxiety and stress diagnosis and referred to a psychologist.  When everyone at work started to question my mental health, I had just lost the fourth family member in just under two years.  The last one in May this year was my sister who was fourteen months older than me.  I have also lost a niece, a nephew-in-law, and my very last Aunty who passed away in February this year, but we were not told by her children until April.  

I knew I was grieving and having lost so many people over the years I knew the stages of grief and I just thought my irritability and extreme emotions at work were just another stage.  People at work were telling me to go to a doctor and get checked but I was in denial.  I couldn't have mental health issues.  How wrong could I be?????

Million-dollar question is now that I have stepped onboard this mental health journey, will I ever get off??????

[Owlunar2]

Yes @Karrie

I am sure you will get off - it takes time  - that's all  - and that's the hard part 

My worst and hardest loss was my son  - over 37 years ago now  - I thought I would never get past it - in time and with support I did.

Of course when we have a lot of elderly relatives they do tend to drop off the tree in their time - and I am glad you have shared your story here.

Having your last aunty die without her family telling you  - that's really rough  - and your sister too - so close

Imo - your depression and anxiety is tied up with your grief  - this is complex - I understand 

I'm still sending my best thoughts 

Owlunar