I’ve recently started seeing a psychologist referred by my doctor. I’d seen a psychiatrist back in 2012 upon a similar referral and it didn’t work out, so naturally I was skeptical.
I started Out of the Dark as a journalistic blog for one of my university projects in May 2014. When I was actively posting, the blog received 440 hits in June alone, which was more interest than I could possibly hope for. Since completion of the project I have been unmotivated to keep up with this blog, despite people expressing interest.
In 2015 I plan to revive this blog, and try to post frequently. There will be a shift away from the journalism side of things, and more towards personal experiences of myself and the people around me. Please bear with me while I try to work out what works best for me and the content of Out of the Dark.
Kristina Pierce* is the next brave woman to come forward and share her story of generalised anxiety disorder and major depression. Kristina was a silent sufferer for years before she was diagnosed, making her withdraw from society. After being diagnosed at age 16, she found an emotional support network made up of her friends, boyfriend and psychiatrist.
Continue reading “Anxiety and social isolation: an interview with Kristina Pierce”
I will be the first to admit that the word “exercise” makes me cringe. However, research has shown that regular exercise can help ease depression and in some cases work better than anti-depressants.
Most people at some point in their lives will suffer from depression at varying levels of severity. Although depression can be crippling at times, there are things you can do to help prevent it before the offset, and things to help during the period.
It has been proven that exercise helps hugely with depression, however that doesn’t mean you have to go out and run a marathon every day! It can be hard to even get out of bed sometimes when you have depression so it’s okay to just do leisurely exercise a few times a week.
View original post 656 more words
This post by The Bipolar Bum looks at why people decide to take their own life as a side effect of depression.
Self-harm or suicide can be such an unfathomable concept to people who do not live with mental illness. Sometimes you can no longer control your thoughts and nothing seems to make sense.
I would strongly recommend reading this no matter how much, or little you know about depression and suicide. Awareness can save lives.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help. A list of international suicide hotlines are provided at the end of this post.
After interviewing Susie Jones last week and listening to her story, I thought it would be appropriate to share mine. I have been living with depression and anxiety for about four years now, although I wasn’t diagnosed until after I finished high school. I didn’t seek medical help on my own; my mum helped me to reach out and get the support I needed.
Suzie Jones* was diagnosed with clinical depression in 2009 when she was 15. Since she was young Suzie has been attending counseling sessions and taking anti-depressants. Suzie tried to take her own life twice before telling her family about her depression. Many issues contributed to her depression, but with support from her friends and family she has battled her illness and has not taken anti-depressants for two years.
Continue reading “Dealing with depression: an interview with Suzie Jones”
Many people describe depression as a very personal and often lonely experience. Personal experience with depression has led many musicians to write songs about their own struggles or how people they know deal with it. Continue reading “5 songs about depression”
Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles and beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett today launched The Way Back Support Service (NT) for people in the Northern Territory who have attempted suicide. Continue reading “beyondblue launches The Way Back Support Service (NT)”
I created this blog because I was concerned about the stigma around mental illness.
I have personally lived with depression and anxiety, and have been ostracized by people who didn’t understand my situation.
Through this blog I aim to raise awareness and challenge the stigma associated with anxiety and depression by reporting truthfully on important issues.
This is a safe haven, free of prejudice.
The name Out of the Dark is symbolic of stepping out of the darkness and guilt associated with mental illness.
By allowing people to feel like part of an aware community, I hope that more people living with mental illness will share their stories and realise that they are not alone.
Information from support networks
Milly Pink 