Depression Hell ....

[guyscliffe]

Hiya Guys ....
Just thought I would get this off of my chest.
I have been a postman,for the best part of 24 yrs.
And I have to say,for the most part I love my job.
However two years ago my dad passed away having suffered from dementia for two yrs,which then went on to Alzheimers.
Which ultimately took dads life.When he died,dad was just over 5 stone.
So we[me and mum]had the overall stress and grief of watching someone dwindle away,and die of a SLOW death.
The constant visiting,witnessing his ups and downs with his behaviour was torture.
5 months later through old age,my nan then died...Talk about a horrible 18 months...
In October it all caught up with me,with everything caving in on top of me.
It was then that I was diagnosed by my GP,with bereavement related depression.
Several other things happened as well with my life,combined with my nan and dad passing away,I COULDN'T COPE.
I have been off sick since the end of last October,with the full support and advice of my GP,ATOS and now a local counseller.
Talk about being difficult ... I am now battling against a severe ear infection,and all the highs and lows that depression brings with it.
I was also told by a friend who used to work for BUPA in Birmingham[and this point was backed up,by my counsellor]that their is nothing worse than being a postman,when suffering from depression.
By this I mean that you are always out delivering your mail,IN YOUR OWN COMPANY ...[nothin to keep your mind focused on the correct things]
So have been advised to return to work,when I am ready,and my GP and counsellor both agree to give me the green light.
I want to get back to work,but just cant until all the boxes are ticked.
My point being... Am I doing the right thing,by going along with the advice of my GP and counsellor ....[Am a little worried about the weeks/months of sickness rattling up]
But my GP has told me to be patient,depression is a horrible thing in ANY walk of life,and/or job.
Anyone else been through the same hell?
Your thoughts and advice,would be welcomed guys ....
Thanks in advance ...
Guyscliffe ....

[Indy]

I'm sorry I have no advice but my thoughts are with you for a speedy and complete recovery.

[guyscliffe]

I'm sorry I have no advice but my thoughts are with you for a speedy and complete recovery.

Many thanks for replying Indy.
Hopefully I will get some help and feedback,in here soon.

[tonyhendrix]

having suffered with the black dog for a number of years , the only thing i find useful when having neqtive thoughts , is to be aware of this , and try to think of some thing postive , even in my darkest moments i find myself saying you are doing a really good job , best not to do this out aloud . All the best and i hope your mood improves

[General Mannerheim]

Yeah I have been through it as well, my dad died in September(thank you Royal Mail for issuing my Stage warning it was muchly appreciated ) and I have a horrible brain condition as well that makes me want to down all the painkillers i'm on and not bother sometimes.

But life has a funny way of evening itself up I now have a beautiful grand daughter and life is getting better,take one day at a time,you won't get better overnight,try to stay positive and not dwell on things(it's feckin hard)at least your getting support off your GP etc.
Good Luck.

[Tommase]

Inbox

[stokes11eg]

So many things I can relate to on here, especially about caring for and watching those you love suffer, and fade away All I can say, life does get better, but it takes time, and as
tony hendrix says, replace each negative thought with a positive---it does work through time. Keeping busy does help too===no matter if sometimes you cry a wee tear sometimes on your round,when sad memories come back--good luck.

[guyscliffe]

Cheers everyone ...
Life IS painful,and I really WOULD like to be back at work ....
But going through what I am at present,I am listening to the experts and doing as i'm told.

[calpsy]

Not nice .

As for going back to work I think I am right in saying if you are off for a large amount of time then its obviously 1 absence .

If you decide to go back and cant handle it and they sign you off again then its 2 absences even though its the same problem .

So staying off would be the best here in my opinion .

[BettySwollocks]

always listen and adhere to what your GP etc advise you,
under no accounts return to work earlier than they advise,
should u be forced to go sick again because of returning to work early do u think RM will sympathise ?
or do u think they will use it against u ?
i've seen a Falklands veteran (based on HMS Ardent) get a stage warning for lung cancer (from which he eventually died),
trust me, there is no compassion, except from your brothers and sisters here,

good luck and god bless.

[skull]

[quote="guyscliffe"]
I was also told by a friend who used to work for BUPA in Birmingham[and this point was backed up,by my counsellor]that their is nothing worse than being a postman,when suffering from depression.


Along with medication and counseling doing exersice is now reconised as being an important treatment in trying to beat this illness , so being a postman might be advantageous for helping you back on your way to full health .

Just do a web search exercise and endorphins and you might see that being a postman could be more a help than an hindrance .

[Lounge Lizard]

It's difficult to comment as no two of us are the same, but I was off for eighteen months with depression from a previous job that I should have packed in years earlier had I seen how it was affecting me. I get by alright now and working as a rural postman is probably as good a job as I could think of, out in the country most of the day and not totally alone as I've got to know many I deliver to. So, no advice really, just an example that from things being as bad as they can get something just might come along that turns everything around for the better, and we can only wish you better fortune in the weeks and months ahead.

[ronpetetrevchris]

Nothing to add.. sorry. Just take care matey

[morleyposty]

sorry to here about your plight

[Sippin40oz]

I have suffered quite badly from depression in the past and its always a difficult one to deal with. Especially as i found that most people in society dont really understand it which doesnt really help at all!

One thing you should forget about straight away is the idea that staying at home for x amounts of weeks is going to cure your depression. I know everyone is different but sitting at home without anything to do was for me the worst thing to do. If your mind is not occupied then it is almost inevitable that a depressed mind will turn to dark thoughts!

i would suggest the best thing to do is try to get back on the horse as soon as possible. After a long time off work its always going to be extremely hard and will probably add to your stress levels which sounds counter productive i know. some short term discomfort will help your long term recovery massively! You will have to go back and face work and other people eventually so its better to get it out of the way asap then you can concentrate on getting better. Doing something productive with yourself and getting back to a routine will help you concentate less on some of the dark stuff going on in your life and help you focus on other things.

Good luck with whatever you decide though mate and hope you start feeling better soon