Depression, Anxiety

[Syndrome]

I've been a bit foul now and then over the last few weeks. What has assisted me get out of that rut is reduce the amount of stimulation and go outside for a walk during my lunch break (my job is desk bound behind a monitor and on the phone).

[CoupeKing]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

I've been a bit foul now and then over the last few weeks. What has assisted me get out of that rut is reduce the amount of stimulation and go outside for a walk during my lunch break (my job is desk bound behind a monitor and on the phone).

If you're getting gains from that then stick to and explore it.

I'm from Melbourne and usually about this time of year for the most part it's overcast, so I can still be active outside but I ain't getting that vitamin D hit as often. It's called the winter blues. And it just doesn't apply to us simpletons but all of nature.

Ever noticed when it's a blue-skied sunny day in 18 or 8 degree weather the birds are chirping, the butterfly's are landing, you're plants/flowers come alive?

There's a reason why our highest population's are around the equator....THE SUN.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Some may have seen in another thread that myself and some of my colleagues are participating in The Pushup Challenge, an exercise based challenge that both raises funds for mental health support agencies as well as highlighting mental health facts. We are each completing 3144 pushups across the 23 days of the event in June. 3144 represents the number of people who suicided in Australia in 2021.

Each day a mental health fact is shared. Today is day 8 of the challenge and I thought I'd share today's fact in here as I know that some in here suffer from anxiety, so this may be of assistance.

Journaling
Day 8: 153 push-ups
Journaling for just 15 minutes, three days a week could significantly improve your mental health.

A study conducted on people with heightened anxiety symptoms showed that journaling for this short time weekly does big things. Why? Spending this time logging thoughts was associated with reduced anxiety and mental distress. It also can lead to improved levels of resilience. Journaling has been shown to be especially effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD.

Journaling is successful in improving our general mental health as it can assist in bringing awareness to our feelings and experiences, which can help us to rationalise and regulate our emotions. It has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by providing an outlet for intrusive thoughts.

Over time, consistent journaling allows us to identify stressors or triggers in our lives and can assist us to know ourselves on a deeper level. Journaling is also a great opportunity for positive self-talk and affirmations. Give it a shot. Journal in a way that suits you.

Research indicates that putting pen to paper, old-school style, can aid in processing our feelings better than via a screen, but there are many journaling apps available for a more convenient option. Journaling is most effective when it feels natural to you. There are no rules when it comes to journaling. You can write about your goals, what you’re grateful for, what’s causing you stress, to-do lists, thoughts and feelings or just a general reflection of each day.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Anxiety
Day 9: 168 push-ups
Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder, affecting 16.8% of Australians aged 16-85 each year. That equates to 3.3 million Australians living with anxiety.

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. It’s normal to feel stressed or anxious when we’re under pressure, but these feelings usually subside once the stressful situation has passed. Anxiety disorders typically involve feelings of tension, distress or nervousness, which don’t go away or may not have a clear cause. A person may avoid situations they believe cause these feelings, potentially limiting their interactions with the wider world and impacting the way they live.

Females are almost twice as likely to experience anxiety, as are younger age groups, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ - however it can affect anyone.

For those experiencing anxiety, there are many strategies that you can use to help manage it. Mindfulness, slow breathing, keeping physically active, spending time in nature and enjoying a healthy diet are some activities that research shows can help. There are also many treatments for anxiety, including therapy and medication.

If anxiety is an issue for you, talk to your GP to explore treatment options best for you or visit the Lifeline Support Toolkit for Anxiety.

[LG17]

Have to go down to Brisbane for a medical tribunal today.
My wife has been bullied terribly at work by underlings who have never even worked with her, all on the false accusations of one of them. She has been off work since March last year and is not in a good way. These underlings are responsible for for the Principal and 2 very Senior teachers being on Workcover long term and 2 other Senior teachers transferring to other schools. The worst part is EQ has done absolutely nothing about it despite all the evidence being presented to them. My wife has Adjustment disorder with anxious and depressed mood with Panic disorder. The last 18 months have been hell.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by LG17

Have to go down to Brisbane for a medical tribunal today.
My wife has been bullied terribly at work by underlings who have never even worked with her, all on the false accusations of one of them. She has been off work since March last year and is not in a good way. These underlings are responsible for for the Principal and 2 very Senior teachers being on Workcover long term and 2 other Senior teachers transferring to other schools. The worst part is EQ has done absolutely nothing about it despite all the evidence being presented to them. My wife has Adjustment disorder with anxious and depressed mood with Panic disorder. The last 18 months have been hell.

That's terrible, LG. So sorry to hear of your wife's experience. And the impact it has upon you and the rest of your family group and friends.

Those who can't see that bullying is an issue have trouble seeing the flow-on effects to such a large number of people around the focus person.

It seems like you already have a path to go down, but if that doesn't yield the result you're after, please don't forget about WHS laws. I'm not overly familiar with the national laws as Victoria has their own, slightly unique legislation, but the WHS legislation provides your wife with protection from this sort of activity in the workplace. It may be an avenue that you can get the employer to take some action on as they have a legal obligation to protect all their employees from these sorts of things. Having a chat with your local WHS authority may be of some use.

Good luck, mate, I hope it all goes well for you and your wife.

[LG17]

Education Qld, my wife's employer has done nothing.
Depending on what happens we are considering taking some sort of legal action when all this stuff is over. At the moment we are just getting every penny we can through Workcover and her Super.
It was quite daunting at the tribunal although I must say, the doctors were quite good.
They started out by saying we don't want to upset you about the incidents so we will focus on the now. We have read all the reports thoroughly and don't need to put you through that again. We find out in 2 weeks as to what decision they come up with, then go from there with the assistance of her Union's solicitors.

[DFB FGXR6]

I've spent the last week in a foggy haze, indifferent and just going through the motions. Get up, go to work, shower, go to sleep. Work is simply a process of passing the hours. Every interaction is painful, I just want to hide so I don't have to fake it. There has to be more to life than this.

[Citroënbender]

That really doesn’t sound nice. I hope your situation changes for the better.

[mad2]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I've spent the last week in a foggy haze, indifferent and just going through the motions. Get up, go to work, shower, go to sleep. Work is simply a process of passing the hours. Every interaction is painful, I just want to hide so I don't have to fake it. There has to be more to life than this.

agree with Mr. Bender DFB ..... not a good place to be nor put up with.


LG that is so..o much crap for your missus .. it ain't funny

hope it turns the corner shortly for the betterer for you DFB as well as you and your missus LG..


cheers

[CoupeKing]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I've spent the last week in a foggy haze, indifferent and just going through the motions. Get up, go to work, shower, go to sleep. Work is simply a process of passing the hours. Every interaction is painful, I just want to hide so I don't have to fake it. There has to be more to life than this.

It happens, that's why we're called men. You'll have your ups and downs but just keep grinding and fight the fight.

Stand your ground. Eat well. Have a long-term goal supported by small steps.

Get out of your comfort zone.... I don't mean taking a p**s on an electric fence

[LG17]

Workcover isn't interested in you getting better with the right help. All they are interested in is getting you off their books. It's a very frustrating and degrading process when it's your mind they're playing with, much, much different to a physical injury. My wife is currently sitting by the fire shivering (the house is nice and warm) and crying. It's getting very difficult to know what to do. I've just made an appointment with our GP for tomorrow arvo and told her to expect it to be a very long consultation. Luckily she is very good. Here's hoping she can come up with something to help. I'm not that healthy and live on morphine daily for pain. It's come to me that I have to hide it as I get a month's supply at a time.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by LG17

Workcover isn't interested in you getting better with the right help. All they are interested in is getting you off their books. It's a very frustrating and degrading process when it's your mind they're playing with, much, much different to a physical injury. My wife is currently sitting by the fire shivering (the house is nice and warm) and crying. It's getting very difficult to know what to do. I've just made an appointment with our GP for tomorrow arvo and told her to expect it to be a very long consultation. Luckily she is very good. Here's hoping she can come up with something to help. I'm not that healthy and live on morphine daily for pain. It's come to me that I have to hide it as I get a month's supply at a time.

Its a ***** of a system and you are spot on, a 'no blame' system whereby they arent interested in hearing your Wifes story or understanding it, just if they have to compensate for it which she'll have to prove.

My Wife has just been through it, she watched me go through it 20yrs ago and admitted she didnt realise how exhausting it is until you actually go through the system.
Ive always maintained its better in the long run to cut your losses and get out of it with whatever you can and get on with life.

My Wife worked in aged care at the same site for 15yrs, was as reliable as an employer could ask for, then they changed their rostering structure which put a heap of extra physical stress on her, she ended up with tennis elbow and golfers elbow on both sides with serious tears as well as torn shoulders and wrist. Work cover didnt care about the how or why, just kept sending her to different 'specialists' until they found one favourable to them and judged accordingly.
In the end it consumed her so we sat down one night and said take whatever you can get, accept that your time is up with that employer and move on.

Shes found a part time job now and is in a much better place.
Hope it works out for you both.

[LG17]

It's already been proved and accepted by them and she will never work again.
Now I'm just trying to figure out the best way to get money for us to live on as she is still 6 years away from retirement.

[LG17]

We've just about made the decision to sue Workcover and EQ.
I have to be careful as I don't want this to be a major downer for my wife.
I've been finding out all I can and presenting all the facts and letting her make the final decision as it will be a lot harder on her than me.

[DFB FGXR6]

Given the choice, I tend not to speak. Don't speak, don't offend anyone. But apparently even that offends people. I'm running out of options.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Given the choice, I tend not to speak. Don't speak, don't offend anyone. But apparently even that offends people. I'm running out of options.

So then just speak your mind. If you're going to be in the poo, you might as well do it properly. And at least you'll feel better coz you've got things off your chest.

The first thing I learnt about mental first aid, is that to be able to support others, you first need to be in a healthy enough state yourself. A bit like your situation. If others feel comfortable enough to speak their mind, then you should be able to, too.

[LG17]

It seems that suing EQ and Workcover is near impossible.
The way the laws/rules are written you may have a chance if you're dead.
Struggling to stay alive doesn't count, apparently.

[Vekgib]

I've pretty much come to the end. Got my plan sorted, and 99% settled on the date that I'm going to put it in place. Tired of being an inconvenience to those people who I thought I could trust.

[Trendseeker]

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or check out the services at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ before you go any further.

[jaydee]

Originally Posted by Vekgib

I've pretty much come to the end. Got my plan sorted, and 99% settled on the date that I'm going to put it in place. Tired of being an inconvenience to those people who I thought I could trust.

Not sure what the plan is, but hope it means you're resigning and hopping in your car and frucking off on a long road trip up the coast and only stop when you run out of money.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Given the choice, I tend not to speak. Don't speak, don't offend anyone. But apparently even that offends people. I'm running out of options.

If you want to be liked, then keep quite and keep nodding. If you want to be happy, then speak your mind.

Though take note, bottling things up just builds up pressure. And there will come a time when the pressure gets too much and people blow their lid. That was me, 10 - 13 years ago, got me into a A LOT of trouble.

[Ben73]

I think a lot of people don’t realise how bad social media is for your brain. Social media is designed to give you constant dopamine hits. These constant hits of dopamine rewire your reward pathways. Then when you don’t get these hits your become more depressed, anxious and all the stuff you don’t want.
Any video platform like TikTok is even worse.

We need to move away from social media to create a better society and better mental health for everyone. It’s just a shame how addicting social media is made to be.

[Citroënbender]

Just a weekly 24H “disconnect” may be helpful to break a recursive cycle of negative influences. Not a solution in itself but as an adjunct to varying routine.

[Citroënbender]

A friend has just told me she’s going dark (my expression) with family and most of her friends until January. Not overly young at mid 30s but a bit autistic and her trusting nature - taking people at face value - has led to some difficulties in life. Of course I’ll be worrying, and hoping things go OK until she comes out the other side.

[whitelion65]

Hold a little candle for her!

Return to golf today. Lovely weather for it in the Central-west.

[mondeomatureguy]

Hi everybody,
i havent been on the forum for a while due to different working hours etc.
last year some time i was talking about my wife and how she didnt want to leave the house, go out for lunch or even a walk.

iam happy to report that things are a lot better now. I brought her a exercise bike and first she just rode it for a short time once a day. She rides it twic a day now and has lost 20 kilos in weight.

Iam very proud of her as she was getting down due to her weight and what ever i said didnt seem to help.
We even went out to lunch during the week So thanks guys for the advice you gave me it did help.

[DFB FGXR6]

Symptoms, Causes, Assessing and Treating Clinical Burnout........



Certainly some alarm bells there for me.

A lack of value or interest in what you are doing, and the sense of meaning going away. Emotionally tired, a short fuse, cynical. Too much identity wrapped up in your work.


Why People Aren't Happy................

[Cav]

I've started helping war veterans in their dealings with DVA something I did for 10 years about 8 years ago and I have recently started to help veterans again here in Yeppon.

My how DVA has changed. They are concerned about Veterans now. I got two calls today from DVA staff concerned about blokes I am assisting. Years ago it was very adversarial. I mentioned this to one of the staff and she said that was until 5 years ago when they brought in a new unit to care for veterans.

I have a Navy guy who is suicidal, his wife died a couple of years ago and he has moved to Yeppoon because his son lives here.

I see him about 3 days a week at the table of knowledge - a coffee shop where us veterans hurl abuse at each other.

He is still a work in progress and we have him seeking help now, but a psych visit is still a couple of months away due to demand and supply.

Over the years I've realised that you can try and support people, but unless they are willing to address their problems, it is a waiting game until they say, "I need help."

Life is a gift, live it

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Symptoms, Causes, Assessing and Treating Clinical Burnout........



Certainly some alarm bells there for me.

A lack of value or interest in what you are doing, and the sense of meaning going away. Emotionally tired, a short fuse, cynical. Too much identity wrapped up in your work.


Why People Aren't Happy................

We've had a series of presentations done by our employer regarding psychosocial hazards, and as part of that, the presenter has used this model to represent where we are at in our working careers.

This came at a very useful time for me as I had been suffering at work for some time, but couldn't verbalise as to what the cause was, in such a way that others could appreciate it.

Now, I'm not suggesting this is you, DFB, but some of the effects you're feeling could also manifest themselves due to bore out. Or, as Tanya puts it, demorilisingly under-utilised.

https://tanyaheaneyvoogt.com/wp-cont...RfFtrFT6W4qH4f

Originally Posted by Cav

I've started helping war veterans in their dealings with DVA something I did for 10 years about 8 years ago and I have recently started to help veterans again here in Yeppon.

My how DVA has changed. They are concerned about Veterans now. I got two calls today from DVA staff concerned about blokes I am assisting. Years ago it was very adversarial. I mentioned this to one of the staff and she said that was until 5 years ago when they brought in a new unit to care for veterans.

I have a Navy guy who is suicidal, his wife died a couple of years ago and he has moved to Yeppoon because his son lives here.

I see him about 3 days a week at the table of knowledge - a coffee shop where us veterans hurl abuse at each other.

He is still a work in progress and we have him seeking help now, but a psych visit is still a couple of months away due to demand and supply.

Over the years I've realised that you can try and support people, but unless they are willing to address their problems, it is a waiting game until they say, "I need help."

Life is a gift, live it

About bloody time they changed! The operation of that department was a disgrace. Our local member, Darren Chester, was the Minister for Veterans Affairs. I don't know exactly how much impact he had as the Minister, but he was certainly talking the right language in terms of how important it was to look after our veterans.

When my father, an ex-serving member passed away from cancer, my mum reached out to our local DVA office to see what assistance she could get. The department was hopeless. Luckily, some of the local guys who knew dad helped mum through some of the process, but I still think she got short-changed.

Over the years I've realised that you can try and support people, but unless they are willing to address their problems, it is a waiting game until they say, "I need help."

Like any issue, the first step in being able to resolve it is to recognise you have an issue on the first place. I recall this being said about alcoholics many years ago, but it is true for any issue. In my experience, having the person acknowledge there is an issue is by far the hardest step.

Good on you for all the support you offer, Cav. It is people like you who are the real backbones to our country (and I don't just mean that from the veteran's perspective).