Resource Depression/Anxiety the silent killers - everyday is RUOK day. #SpeakUpStayChatTy

[Heaps of fun]

Amazing effort to even play when you're feeling like that. Felt like crying reading that tweet. Hurts to be able to relate to that even when I'm pretty well recovered from those ideations.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

PREMIERSHIP Kangaroo and mental health advocate Wayne Schwass has powerfully opened up on one of the most difficult periods of his life via a brave social media post.

The former AFL midfielder, who’s now the chief executive of mental health support organisation ‘Puka Up’, has been a leader and crusader in the footy industry around stamping out the stigma associated with anxiety and depression.

Schwass experienced depression during his 15-year, 282-game career with North Melbourne and Sydney, but only went public with his story in 2006.

Almost daily, Schwass posts motivational messages and/or images via his personal social media feeds in the hope of inspiring his followers that might be struggling to seek help if needed.

Cont...

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/wa...utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=FoxSportsAus

 

[Egga]

I have a staff member returning from sick leave next week. He has been home with depression for 6 weeks. He has been so debilitated, that he has been completely unable to function - to the point where his wife had also taken extend leave from work to care for him full time. He has been in a very dark place for a long time.

I’m keen to support him in his return to work and genuinely want to create an environment where he can be happy and successful, but I’m also feeling a lot of pressure to deliver productivity and performance.

I’d be keen to hear any thoughts as to how I can get this guy to deliver (which has never been his strong suit), while still supporting him and looking after him in the way any good human being deserves.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

I have a staff member returning from sick leave next week. He has been home with depression for 6 weeks. He has been so debilitated, that he has been completely unable to function - to the point where his wife had also taken extend leave from work to care for him full time. He has been in a very dark place for a long time.

I’m keen to support him in his return to work and genuinely want to create an environment where he can be happy and successful, but I’m also feeling a lot of pressure to deliver productivity and performance.

I’d be keen to hear any thoughts as to how I can get this guy to deliver (which has never been his strong suit), while still supporting him and looking after him in the way any good human being deserves.

For starters he shouldn't be coming straight back to full time work, he should be on a reduced work day with reduced targets.

 

[darko]

How are you doing?

Plodding along mate.

 

[darko]

I have a staff member returning from sick leave next week. He has been home with depression for 6 weeks. He has been so debilitated, that he has been completely unable to function - to the point where his wife had also taken extend leave from work to care for him full time. He has been in a very dark place for a long time.

I’m keen to support him in his return to work and genuinely want to create an environment where he can be happy and successful, but I’m also feeling a lot of pressure to deliver productivity and performance.

I’d be keen to hear any thoughts as to how I can get this guy to deliver (which has never been his strong suit), while still supporting him and looking after him in the way any good human being deserves.

Bite the bullet and ignore his performance and productivity. Him showing up to work and being occupied is massive step in the right direction.

 

[Harvey Manfrenjensenden]

Struggling atm but will pull through, hurts to write but feels good to put it out there. Thought these days were gone after working so hard but you never know when it will come back . Been in a good place for such a long time almost forgot this feeling

 

[Twinkletoes]

Bite the bullet and ignore his performance and productivity.

Having met Egga, and knowing what he does for a crust, if said fellow worker does the same I don't know that performance and productivity can be ignored. Same role Egga or more admin etc?

 

[Grogg]

I have a staff member returning from sick leave next week. He has been home with depression for 6 weeks. He has been so debilitated, that he has been completely unable to function - to the point where his wife had also taken extend leave from work to care for him full time. He has been in a very dark place for a long time.

I’m keen to support him in his return to work and genuinely want to create an environment where he can be happy and successful, but I’m also feeling a lot of pressure to deliver productivity and performance.

I’d be keen to hear any thoughts as to how I can get this guy to deliver (which has never been his strong suit), while still supporting him and looking after him in the way any good human being deserves.

It's a very tricky situation and one I wouldn't be envious of, Egga. I'd start here;

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&...aAoEQFghDMAE&usg=AOvVaw3wd360HPPyyi9SrVmZChaq

and also here;

http://www.fairworkcentre.com.au/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_ertxoSK2AIV1iMrCh3lHwm4EAAYASAAEgKw9fD_BwE

but you've probably already got this covered.

Good luck.

 

[Donkey Chop]

Struggling atm but will pull through, hurts to write but feels good to put it out there. Thought these days were gone after working so hard but you never know when it will come back . Been in a good place for such a long time almost forgot this feeling

Hang in there. It’s a horrible place when it rears it’s ugly head after a long break. The hardest part is what you’re going through right now. Hang in there. It will turn again.

 

[Donkey Chop]

Good news is we gave Cybolta the arse
Bad news is we’re now giving Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) a go.

Start tomorrow.

Ps. Still doing the exposure stuff. I think that’s the only way out. I must learn to control my thoughts and learn to feel the panic and stay in the moment, (same sort of feelings as someone might experience in a violent atmosphere), only I don’t feel them in those moments

Edit- not trying to make myself out like some cool as a cucumber badass..far from it. I’ve just been in and around some pretty ****ed up situations.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Good news is we gave Cybolta the arse
Bad news is we’re now giving Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) a go.

Start tomorrow.

Ps. Still doing the exposure stuff. I think that’s the only way out. I must learn to control my thoughts and learn to feel the panic and stay in the moment, (same sort of feelings as someone might experience in a violent atmosphere), only I don’t feel them in those moments

Hopefully your doc got you to wean off the Cybolta first?

Terrible things can happen just randomly switching meds.

 

[Donkey Chop]

Hopefully your doc got you to wean off the Cybolta first?

Terrible things can happen just randomly switching meds.

My Psychiatrist said I can taper but I’m just going to go from one to the other, starting tomorrow. At this stage I can handle some weird feelings. I’m done with the tapering. If this anti-d doesn’t work I’m getting off them all together. I just don’t think they’re for me

 

[DarkPhoenix]

My Psychiatrist said I can taper but I’m just going to go from one to the other, starting tomorrow. At this stage I can handle some weird feelings. I’m done with the tapering. If this anti-d doesn’t work I’m getting off them all together. I just don’t think they’re for me

I'm not talking just feeling weird.

My mother ended up in hospital after having 3 siezures direct switching to other meds and going cold turkey for a day to get the first one out of her system.

Doctor should explain the risks to you of doing a direct switch especially if you've been on the medication over 6 weeks.

Also don't just dump anti depressants cause one or two don't work, theres so many different ones out there because everyone reacts to them differently. My mum went through 8 or 9 different ones before she found one right for her, shes a completely different person now.

 

[Donkey Chop]

I'm not talking just feeling weird.

My mother ended up in hospital after having 3 siezures direct switching to other meds and going cold turkey for a day to get the first one out of her system.

Doctor should explain the risks to you of doing a direct switch especially if you've been on the medication over 6 weeks.

Also don't just dump anti depressants cause one or two don't work, theres so many different ones out there because everyone reacts to them differently. My mum went through 8 or 9 different ones before she found one right for her, shes a completely different person now.

Yeah I get the issues that might arise. My doctor seems to think I’ll be ok as I’ve gone cold turkey a few times.

A couple of years ago I went through a period of serious over use. I’d been on Xanax (self monitoring, cause that’s a great idea ((to be fair to my old doc I was a health fanatic at the time and the idea of getting out of control was a ridiculous thought) she prescribed me 50 2mg with 2 repeats at per script. This went well for a while. I’d probably have 1 a week.

Fast forward 6 months and I did 50 2mg in 10 days, I was also taking Valium at the time. The idea was I would try to get away from the Xan and just use Valium when possible.

The next time I went to see my doctor they cut me off and I had to go cold turkey. It was just before Christmas. It was pretty tough. I didn’t tell my family what was going on so I had to act normal, which when going through withdrawals was hard but I think it helped me stay focussed on getting through.

For all the talk of Xanax withdrawals being hard, it’s got nothing on Valium. Because it’s so subtle I didn’t respect that medication at all, but that hurt more then the Xanax.

If going off Cymbolta is worse then that I’ll be surprised. Especially as I’ll be replacing it with Pristiq, which is very similar.

I’m just so ******* over worring about the what if’s.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Yeah I get the issues that might arise. My doctor seems to think I’ll be ok as I’ve gone cold turkey a few times.

A couple of years ago I went through a period of serious over use. I’d been on Xanax (self monitoring, cause that’s a great idea ((to be fair to my old doc I was a health fanatic at the time and the idea of getting out of control was a ridiculous thought) she prescribed me 50 2mg with 2 repeats at per script. This went well for a while. I’d probably have 1 a week.

Fast forward 6 months and I did 50 2mg in 10 days, I was also taking Valium at the time. The idea was I would try to get away from the Xan and just use Valium when possible.

The next time I went to see my doctor they cut me off and I had to go cold turkey. It was just before Christmas. It was pretty tough. I didn’t tell my family what was going on so I had to act normal, which when going through withdrawals was hard but I think it helped me stay focussed on getting through.

For all the talk of Xanax withdrawals being hard, it’s got nothing on Valium. Because it’s so subtle I didn’t respect that medication at all, but that hurt more then the Xanax.

If going off Cymbolta is worse then that I’ll be surprised. Especially as I’ll be replacing it with Pristiq, which is very similar.

I’m just so ******* over worring about the what if’s.

Just ensure those around you know that youre switching meds cold so that if anything does happen they can give your medical info to first responders.

 

[Donkey Chop]

Just ensure those around you know that youre switching meds cold so that if anything does happen they can give your medical info to first responders.

Have done. Also, I wasn’t making light of what happened with your Mum mate. My Psychiatrist said I’ll be fine so I’ll back her in

 

[Egga]

For starters he shouldn't be coming straight back to full time work, he should be on a reduced work day with reduced targets.

Thanks. Definitely agree with this. We’ve developed a return to work plan with his medical specialist, starting part time, working from home and building up as he’s able. I’m doing my best to reinforce that there is no pressure from my side to get back to work. The most important thing is his health.

Bite the bullet and ignore his performance and productivity. Him showing up to work and being occupied is massive step in the right direction.

Having met Egga, and knowing what he does for a crust, if said fellow worker does the same I don't know that performance and productivity can be ignored. Same role Egga or more admin etc?

I like your sentiment Darko, but TT is right. We’re in a very commercially oriented part of a very commercially oriented business and in a competitive market. The reality of our job is that we need to continue delivering week in, week out. We’ve spoken several times about whether this is the right type of environment for him and he has consistently says he enjoys it. He says work can be hard some times, but it’s not really the thing triggering him. I’ve offered to support him in finding a less demanding role in the company, but he says he wants to stay where he is. I don’t want to push too hard, as I would hate to inadvertently give him any reason to fear I might want him gone given his health.

Personally, I also think having something to deliver will help provide a sense of purpose and something to celebrate when he delivers. I guess the answer is in the middle somewhere....i’ll just have to use a very light touch when it comes to setting expectations and responding to performance.

It's a very tricky situation and one I wouldn't be envious of. I'd start here;

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&...aAoEQFghDMAE&usg=AOvVaw3wd360HPPyyi9SrVmZChaq

and also here;
http://www.fairworkcentre.com.au/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_ertxoSK2AIV1iMrCh3lHwm4EAAYASAAEgKw9fD_BwE

but you've probably already got this covered.

Good luck.

Thanks Grogg and everyone for your thoughts and resources. It’s a tough one to get exactly right, so I’m grateful for your support.

I assure you i’ll give it my best!

 

[Donkey Chop]

Thanks. Definitely agree with this. We’ve developed a return to work plan with his medical specialist, starting part time, working from home and building up as he’s able. I’m doing my best to reinforce that there is no pressure from my side to get back to work. The most important thing is his health.





I like your sentiment Darko, but TT is right. We’re in a very commercially oriented part of a very commercially oriented business and in a competitive market. The reality of our job is that we need to continue delivering week in, week out. We’ve spoken several times about whether this is the right type of environment for him and he has consistently says he enjoys it. He says work can be hard some times, but it’s not really the thing triggering him. I’ve offered to support him in finding a less demanding role in the company, but he says he wants to stay where he is. I don’t want to push too hard, as I would hate to inadvertently give him any reason to fear I might want him gone given his health.

Personally, I also think having something to deliver will help provide a sense of purpose and something to celebrate when he delivers. I guess the answer is in the middle somewhere....i’ll just have to use a very light touch when it comes to setting expectations and responding to performance.



Thanks Grogg and everyone for your thoughts and resources. It’s a tough one to get exactly right, so I’m grateful for your support.

I assure you i’ll give it my best!

Don’t envy your position at all. Seems there are a lot of layers to this; his health is important but unless he’s able to deliver that could have a negative effect on both him & productivity.

Obviously you want to support him but the company also can’t suffer as a result.

Maybe reach out to beyond blue? They may have a lot of experience with people transitioning back into the work place.

You mentioned he wants to maintain his current role, which is cool if you think it’s possible. If not he needs to except that things are different now and as much as he wants to continue where he left off, the reality is things change. He needs to get himself right first and the rest will follow....hopefully

 

[Shagga is all Class]

For starters he shouldn't be coming straight back to full time work, he should be on a reduced work day with reduced targets.

Agree.

For starters, it it the worst time of year for some people.

I for one have no where to go for Xmas at this stage and the endless forced work celebrations in the name of "culture" put me in a semi-social position where my co-workers feel compelled to ask me hourly "what are your plans for Xmas."

This guy might need a bit of encouragement, no pressure and allowing him to engage others at his own pace might be a start.

 

[Bati_18]

Copped the mother of all anxiety attacks on Thursday morning in front of three staff members who where at my office.

Felt So guilty I called dad up and was distraught and frustrated at myself.

First one I copped since December last year.

Not in a great place at the moment.

I'm eating for comfort and my weight's at 108 kg , heaviest I've been in my life. At 190 cm tall it is starting to show that I'm packing on the weight.

I've had depression and anxiety on and off for 10 years , I'm 27 now and its taken so much from me. Socially apart from mates at work socially I only have one close friend outside of work. I have parents who I'm very close to luckily.

I'm getting help again via my GP and will be attending a psychologist again in January.

Very minimal hope I can get better.

 

[gokangas]

Copped the mother of all anxiety attacks on Thursday morning in front of three staff members who where at my office.

Felt So guilty I called dad up and was distraught and frustrated at myself.

First one I copped since December last year.

Not in a great place at the moment.

I'm eating for comfort and my weight's at 108 kg , heaviest I've been in my life. At 190 cm tall it is starting to show that I'm packing on the weight.

I've had depression and anxiety on and off for 10 years , I'm 27 now and its taken so much from me. Socially apart from mates at work socially I only have one close friend outside of work. I have parents who I'm very close to luckily.

I'm getting help again via my GP and will be attending a psychologist again in January.

Very minimal hope I can get better.

Hey - always hope. Never give up. Had a family member similar to you and he has come ahead in leaps and bounds. NEVER give up. Make sure you talk to people, especially your doctor. If you don't think he is helping try another one. Just remember - genuine shinboners never give up!!! Good luck and positive vibes. Plenty of friends on here wishing you well and thinking of you.

 

[Heaps of fun]

Copped the mother of all anxiety attacks on Thursday morning in front of three staff members who where at my office.

Felt So guilty I called dad up and was distraught and frustrated at myself.

First one I copped since December last year.

Not in a great place at the moment.

I'm eating for comfort and my weight's at 108 kg , heaviest I've been in my life. At 190 cm tall it is starting to show that I'm packing on the weight.

I've had depression and anxiety on and off for 10 years , I'm 27 now and its taken so much from me. Socially apart from mates at work socially I only have one close friend outside of work. I have parents who I'm very close to luckily.

I'm getting help again via my GP and will be attending a psychologist again in January.

Very minimal hope I can get better.

Having a good support network and wanting to actually help yourself means you're already half way to feeling a whole lot better. Please keep going forward, you've already made such a big step in asking for help. We'll always been here in your thread and don't be afraid to DM me for a chat (I'm 27, have anxiety and experienced weight gain this last year too so got a fair bit in common.)

 

[Bati_18]

Thanks Heaps of Fun really appreciate the kind words.

 

[Donkey Chop]

Copped the mother of all anxiety attacks on Thursday morning in front of three staff members who where at my office.

Felt So guilty I called dad up and was distraught and frustrated at myself.

First one I copped since December last year.

Not in a great place at the moment.

I'm eating for comfort and my weight's at 108 kg , heaviest I've been in my life. At 190 cm tall it is starting to show that I'm packing on the weight.

I've had depression and anxiety on and off for 10 years , I'm 27 now and its taken so much from me. Socially apart from mates at work socially I only have one close friend outside of work. I have parents who I'm very close to luckily.

I'm getting help again via my GP and will be attending a psychologist again in January.

Very minimal hope I can get better.

You don’t need to feel guilty, just like someone with diabetes shouldn’t feel guilty for being diabetic.

The wheel will turn and you will feel better. It might seem crazy to suggest it, but down the track once you’ve excepted your condition you might even learn to appreciate it. In my own experience (I’m not trying to be all about me but the only way I feel I can help is share my own experiences) it’s been debilitating, and embarrassing. It also give me an outlook on life and people with a love and respect that I wasn’t capable of in the past. I feel far more empathy people & their struggles now.

Keep punching.