Depression

[chrishlcfc]

Changed my meds, they’ve 100% made me feel worse than I was before. Can’t sleep, whenever I wake up, I’m suicidal. Absolutely sick to death of doctors and the system of help you can get. Trying talking therapies for the 2nd time they’re rubbish.

 

Eroded more friendships because all I talk about all the time is not wanting to be alive and people have got fed up. There literally is just nothing left for me in the world, I’ve tried everything and I’m just completely and utterly sick of life.

 

The only thing that stops me is I’m too much of a wimp to even end it all. 

[spacemunky]

17 hours ago, chrishlcfc said:

Changed my meds, they’ve 100% made me feel worse than I was before. Can’t sleep, whenever I wake up, I’m suicidal. Absolutely sick to death of doctors and the system of help you can get. Trying talking therapies for the 2nd time they’re rubbish.

 

Eroded more friendships because all I talk about all the time is not wanting to be alive and people have got fed up. There literally is just nothing left for me in the world, I’ve tried everything and I’m just completely and utterly sick of life.

 

The only thing that stops me is I’m too much of a wimp to even end it all. 

I've had those feelings a good portion of my life. Lost a good family member that way. Might be why I drank for so much of it, which never helped.

 

Wishing you the best mate.

[Staff]

17 hours ago, chrishlcfc said:

Changed my meds, they’ve 100% made me feel worse than I was before. Can’t sleep, whenever I wake up, I’m suicidal. Absolutely sick to death of doctors and the system of help you can get. Trying talking therapies for the 2nd time they’re rubbish.

 

Eroded more friendships because all I talk about all the time is not wanting to be alive and people have got fed up. There literally is just nothing left for me in the world, I’ve tried everything and I’m just completely and utterly sick of life.

 

The only thing that stops me is I’m too much of a wimp to even end it all. 

Quite often meds do make you feel worse before they kick in. Give it time, try focusing on the positives in your life and things you enjoy. You will get better, don't give up 💙

[leicsmac]

Shifting the current discussion from the Gen News thread to here...

 

Does anyone have any advice, or resources, on good ways to deal with thanatophobia? I've had some issues with medical anxiety recently, and that appears to be the chief driver of it. 

[Zear0]

11 minutes ago, leicsmac said:

Shifting the current discussion from the Gen News thread to here...

 

Does anyone have any advice, or resources, on good ways to deal with thanatophobia? I've had some issues with medical anxiety recently, and that appears to be the chief driver of it. 

Not for thanathobia, but I’ve been having CBT for health anxiety from some ongoing issues I’ve been having. Therapist gave me the following that’s been really helpful.

 

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Health-Anxiety

[leicsmac]

9 minutes ago, Zear0 said:

Not for thanathobia, but I’ve been having CBT for health anxiety from some ongoing issues I’ve been having. Therapist gave me the following that’s been really helpful.

 

https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Health-Anxiety

Appreciate the resource, will check it out. 

[RoboFox]

EDIT: There doesn't seem to be a careers thread so I hope this is OK to post here.

 

Approaching my fourth month looking for work and it's becoming increasingly anxiety-inducing. 

 

I was made redundant at the start of the year after fifteen years at the same high-profile media company. I perhaps naively thought that I could maybe take a month off to enjoy some free time - concentrate on my hobby of making music - then fairly quickly find my way back into work given my CV and experience... This has NOT happened. In fact I can barely get even invited to interview stage. I'm basically being rejected on application and it's gotten to the point where it's actually nice to recieve a rejection, because nine times out of ten you just get ignored. 

 

The problem is all of my experience is within what you'd probably call "legacy" media at this point, and the industries around it are basically collapsing and even though I could certainly use my experience to pivot to an adjacent sector, I'm just not being given the chance. 

 

I've had a few freelance opportunities come in and I got a half-decent severance package which is allowing me to keep my head above water but it won't last forever and I'm starting to feel the pressure and will most likely have to consider temp jobs or something to tide me over in the short term. I'm also starting to feel a certain amount of shame at being unemployed - I'm sure friends and family mean well when they joke about it but it does wear thin eventually.

 

I know it's a numbers game and something will come up eventually but it's pretty bleak. 

 

Edited 30 March by RoboFox

[ajthefox]

On 25/03/2026 at 00:15, chrishlcfc said:

Changed my meds, they’ve 100% made me feel worse than I was before. Can’t sleep, whenever I wake up, I’m suicidal. Absolutely sick to death of doctors and the system of help you can get. Trying talking therapies for the 2nd time they’re rubbish.

 

Eroded more friendships because all I talk about all the time is not wanting to be alive and people have got fed up. There literally is just nothing left for me in the world, I’ve tried everything and I’m just completely and utterly sick of life.

 

The only thing that stops me is I’m too much of a wimp to even end it all. 

I hear you Chris. 

 

I don't think theres much I can say but keep plugging away bud, I'm rooting for you. You're still here despite your struggles, I think you're a lot stronger than you realise my man. 

[HighPeakFox]

The doctor tried me out on Fluoxetine - I managed 2 weeks but it really disagrees with me, so I've knocked it on the head.

[urban.spaceman]

I have an assessment for adult adhd tomorrow, after almost a year of waiting. Feels like a major, consequential life moment after some ****ing horrible years with depression and life paralysis. Haven't been able to relax for over a week. Anxiety is sky high. Sleep is non-existent. Whole body is just ****ing knackered.  

[Finnegan]

33 minutes ago, urban.spaceman said:

I have an assessment for adult adhd tomorrow, after almost a year of waiting. Feels like a major, consequential life moment after some ****ing horrible years with depression and life paralysis. Haven't been able to relax for over a week. Anxiety is sky high. Sleep is non-existent. Whole body is just ****ing knackered.  

 

I was diagnosed before Christmas with combined type ADHD, I'm currently awaiting an appointment for titration and expect to be put on lisdexamfetamine.

 

I was extremely anxious and on edge before the assessment, so I get it.

 

What I would say, though, is that it's not an exam you have to pass. It's not an interview with someone that's going to try and trip you up and catch you out and do their best to tell you you don't have ADHD. You probably knew already that you do before you even got to this point.

 

What's going to happen is that a qualified psychiatric nurse (mine was legit called Kelechi) is going to go through a check-list questionaire that will cover most of the same questions you've probably already answered in your pre-assessment forms. They'll partly refer to the answers you've given and they'll partly ask you fresh questions but you're essentially just confirming that you do experience the behaviours that you know already are part of the diagnostic criteria. I'm guessing you've done a bit of resarch and you'll have read up about symptoms of ADHD.

 

Just go in armed with a few examples (not necessarily specific times and dates, don't put that much pressure on yourself, it's not a job interview) for when different ADHD behaviours have had an effect on you.

 

I'm going to go ahead and guess that you've had experience with talking therapies at some point in your life? This isn't really like that. It's not therapy at all, you might have a particularly nurturing or warm nurse but generally speaking it's quite a robotic, by-numbers, box-ticking exercise that feels quite mechanical. It's literally like going through symptoms with a GP more than anything else.

 

You'll be fine. I wouldn't quite go so far as to say it's self-diagnosis, it isn't, but they do put an enormous amount of trust in your own evidence and your own experience. They aren't there to challenge you. At the end of the day if you believe strongly that you have ADHD that's generally going to see you get the help you want/need.

 

Edited 14 April by Finnegan

[urban.spaceman]

23 hours ago, Finnegan said:

 

I was diagnosed before Christmas with combined type ADHD, I'm currently awaiting an appointment for titration and expect to be put on lisdexamfetamine.

 

I was extremely anxious and on edge before the assessment, so I get it.

 

What I would say, though, is that it's not an exam you have to pass. It's not an interview with someone that's going to try and trip you up and catch you out and do their best to tell you you don't have ADHD. You probably knew already that you do before you even got to this point.

 

What's going to happen is that a qualified psychiatric nurse (mine was legit called Kelechi) is going to go through a check-list questionaire that will cover most of the same questions you've probably already answered in your pre-assessment forms. They'll partly refer to the answers you've given and they'll partly ask you fresh questions but you're essentially just confirming that you do experience the behaviours that you know already are part of the diagnostic criteria. I'm guessing you've done a bit of resarch and you'll have read up about symptoms of ADHD.

 

Just go in armed with a few examples (not necessarily specific times and dates, don't put that much pressure on yourself, it's not a job interview) for when different ADHD behaviours have had an effect on you.

 

I'm going to go ahead and guess that you've had experience with talking therapies at some point in your life? This isn't really like that. It's not therapy at all, you might have a particularly nurturing or warm nurse but generally speaking it's quite a robotic, by-numbers, box-ticking exercise that feels quite mechanical. It's literally like going through symptoms with a GP more than anything else.

 

You'll be fine. I wouldn't quite go so far as to say it's self-diagnosis, it isn't, but they do put an enormous amount of trust in your own evidence and your own experience. They aren't there to challenge you. At the end of the day if you believe strongly that you have ADHD that's generally going to see you get the help you want/need.

 

Thanks Finners. You were right, it was more clinical than I was expecting. She was nice but stopped me from rambling on a few times to keep it close to the subject. Which I then had to ask what she asked again as I'd segued into another point. Expecting a call from her in a couple of weeks. Incidentally had a doctors appointment this morning and asked him to get the ball rolling on an autism assessment as I've scored really highly on that too. It's a bit like I'm trying to prod and poke and smash away at a giant life logjam, bit by bit. 

[urban.spaceman]

[Sampson]

14 minutes ago, urban.spaceman said:

Thanks Finners. You were right, it was more clinical than I was expecting. She was nice but stopped me from rambling on a few times to keep it close to the subject. Which I then had to ask what she asked again as I'd segued into another point. Expecting a call from her in a couple of weeks. Incidentally had a doctors appointment this morning and asked him to get the ball rolling on an autism assessment as I've scored really highly on that too. It's a bit like I'm trying to prod and poke and smash away at a giant life logjam, bit by bit. 

Good luck with everything buddy! Hope having the paperwork and official diagnose makes managing it and life in general easier. 

[urban.spaceman]

14 minutes ago, Sampson said:

Good luck with everything buddy! Hope having the paperwork and official diagnose makes managing it and life in general easier. 

Thanks Sampson. It really is starting to feel like this is this real thing that I've struggled with the most. It's a really fascinating thing to find out about yourself so far into life. I'm trying to think of the best way to explain it to different people. It's somewhere between realising you've been using left handed scissors this entire time; or finding out you've been stuck on Windows Vista for 20 years because you couldn't find the system update button. 

[Trav Le Bleu]

15 hours ago, urban.spaceman said:

Thanks Sampson. It really is starting to feel like this is this real thing that I've struggled with the most. It's a really fascinating thing to find out about yourself so far into life. I'm trying to think of the best way to explain it to different people. It's somewhere between realising you've been using left handed scissors this entire time; or finding out you've been stuck on Windows Vista for 20 years because you couldn't find the system update button. 

Or worse, Windows 8, urgh! (shudders)

[Sampson]

Been trying to cut down on online activities in the past few months and actively finding analogue and non-digital things to do when I’m not working. Been reading books, going swimming or cooking meals for me and my partner in the evenings instead of sitting at the computer or watching tv. Been arranging more card and board game sessions with friends or games of darts/pool at the pub (mostly only drinking soft drinks) too.

 

I’m not going to say I’m still not addicted or it’s a cure all, but it’s definitely helping my mental health. Really showing me what a negative affect screentime has on my brain chemistry. 

[sdb]

23 hours ago, Sampson said:

Been trying to cut down on online activities in the past few months and actively finding analogue and non-digital things to do when I’m not working. Been reading books, going swimming or cooking meals for me and my partner in the evenings instead of sitting at the computer or watching tv. Been arranging more card and board game sessions with friends or games of darts/pool at the pub (mostly only drinking soft drinks) too.

 

I’m not going to say I’m still not addicted or it’s a cure all, but it’s definitely helping my mental health. Really showing me what a negative affect screentime has on my brain chemistry. 

This is useful.

 

I came here to ask (not sure if the right place), what hobbies or clubs would people recommend?

 

I'm nearing 40. Go to the gym and play football every week, but other than that (and sitting in cafés and pubs), I don't do a lot. I feel like i need another interest (have binned off my ST too) but cant even think what that might be. I know everyone has their own interests, but I was wondering if anyone has picked something new up that's helped keep them in a more positive head space? 

[orangecity23]

31 minutes ago, sdb said:

This is useful.

 

I came here to ask (not sure if the right place), what hobbies or clubs would people recommend?

 

I'm nearing 40. Go to the gym and play football every week, but other than that (and sitting in cafés and pubs), I don't do a lot. I feel like i need another interest (have binned off my ST too) but cant even think what that might be. I know everyone has their own interests, but I was wondering if anyone has picked something new up that's helped keep them in a more positive head space? 

I don't know if it's a big difference to my head space, but I'm 40 as well and last year got back into doing Airfix models, after I had been to Coventry Air Museum and Cosby Victory show in the summer and seen too many of them for sale. Having a grand old time so far, built about 6 or 7 models now, and got a stash of others ready to start that will last a few years . It's fun to do something creative, you get something tangible to look at when your done, and you learn new skills along the way. Doesn't need loads of time investing either, in fact some days it's better to do a few little bits for 5 minutes then leave things to dry until tomorrow. Helps with your YouTube algorithm a bit as well, instead of standard doom and gloom you start getting vids of people making cool looking planes, model towns and all sorts in there, much nicer.

[Zear0]

On 16/04/2026 at 11:02, Sampson said:

Been trying to cut down on online activities in the past few months and actively finding analogue and non-digital things to do when I’m not working. Been reading books, going swimming or cooking meals for me and my partner in the evenings instead of sitting at the computer or watching tv. Been arranging more card and board game sessions with friends or games of darts/pool at the pub (mostly only drinking soft drinks) too.

 

I’m not going to say I’m still not addicted or it’s a cure all, but it’s definitely helping my mental health. Really showing me what a negative affect screentime has on my brain chemistry. 

Will also vouch for the mindful hobbies outside of the digital world.  Posters here may have observed I am something of a geek and I have returned to Warhammer 40k since stopping when I was a teenager.  Been great help in switching off by doing some building and painting.

[sdb]

5 hours ago, orangecity23 said:

I don't know if it's a big difference to my head space, but I'm 40 as well and last year got back into doing Airfix models, after I had been to Coventry Air Museum and Cosby Victory show in the summer and seen too many of them for sale. Having a grand old time so far, built about 6 or 7 models now, and got a stash of others ready to start that will last a few years . It's fun to do something creative, you get something tangible to look at when your done, and you learn new skills along the way. Doesn't need loads of time investing either, in fact some days it's better to do a few little bits for 5 minutes then leave things to dry until tomorrow. Helps with your YouTube algorithm a bit as well, instead of standard doom and gloom you start getting vids of people making cool looking planes, model towns and all sorts in there, much nicer.

Thank you, appreciate it 🙏 

[foxy tiler]

On 16/04/2026 at 11:02, Sampson said:

Been trying to cut down on online activities in the past few months and actively finding analogue and non-digital things to do when I’m not working. Been reading books, going swimming or cooking meals for me and my partner in the evenings instead of sitting at the computer or watching tv. Been arranging more card and board game sessions with friends or games of darts/pool at the pub (mostly only drinking soft drinks) too.

 

I’m not going to say I’m still not addicted or it’s a cure all, but it’s definitely helping my mental health. Really showing me what a negative affect screentime has on my brain chemistry. 

Ive actively ditched most social media and like yourself try to do more practical hobbies. I have kept insta and do spend more time than I'd like online however painting ,drawing and model making whilst listening to music has definitely made an impact on me. Whilst I've never suffered with depression ive had periods of anxiety that I've had to deal with. Also ditched Alcohol 4.5 years ago. The model making has led me into ww2 tabletop gaming.....something I'd have looked down at in my youth as too nerdy. Not giving a shit what others think has also done wonders. Good luck with everything folks we've all got our battles. 

[filthyfox]

On 16/04/2026 at 11:02, Sampson said:

Been trying to cut down on online activities in the past few months and actively finding analogue and non-digital things to do when I’m not working. Been reading books, going swimming or cooking meals for me and my partner in the evenings instead of sitting at the computer or watching tv. Been arranging more card and board game sessions with friends or games of darts/pool at the pub (mostly only drinking soft drinks) too.

 

I’m not going to say I’m still not addicted or it’s a cure all, but it’s definitely helping my mental health. Really showing me what a negative affect screentime has on my brain chemistry. 

Sounds great!!

 

I have made a plan of things i want to acheive before my 50th birthday in 2032

 

1) walk 10000 km

2) Reach goal weight of 100kg

3) Visit 50 NEW places worthy of at least 1 hour of my time

4) sell a total of 50 pieces of craft- 25 at a price i am happy with, 25 for charity

 

Dont firget to make time for YOU- it very important

Edited 11 May by filthyfox

[DJW1]

On 17/04/2026 at 11:55, sdb said:

This is useful.

 

I came here to ask (not sure if the right place), what hobbies or clubs would people recommend?

 

I'm nearing 40. Go to the gym and play football every week, but other than that (and sitting in cafés and pubs), I don't do a lot. I feel like i need another interest (have binned off my ST too) but cant even think what that might be. I know everyone has their own interests, but I was wondering if anyone has picked something new up that's helped keep them in a more positive head space? 

I enjoy nature - birdwatching, walks in the country and in parks. Also, gardening. Plants, rivers, lakes and animals are pleasant to look at and can't do or say anything annoying!

What about cooking?

[Raj]

On 17/04/2026 at 10:55, sdb said:

This is useful.

 

I came here to ask (not sure if the right place), what hobbies or clubs would people recommend?

 

I'm nearing 40. Go to the gym and play football every week, but other than that (and sitting in cafés and pubs), I don't do a lot. I feel like i need another interest (have binned off my ST too) but cant even think what that might be. I know everyone has their own interests, but I was wondering if anyone has picked something new up that's helped keep them in a more positive head space? 

Reading and music REALLY helped me switch off.

I've read more books in the last few years than i have in the previous 50!!

 

I've got some CD DJ ng decks and play around mixing which i enjoy- takes away from overthinking and all that sh1t.