General Chat

My best friend rang me last Sunday night to tell me that his girlfriend had taken a massive overdose. Why? Nobody knows. On Monday he was told that if she came round that there would be a possibility that she could be severley brain damaged! This is a happy (as we thought), very pretty woman of 44. Who had everything at her feet. Unfortunately at 4.30am I had a call off him to tell me that she had died. The funeral will be held on Monday. We have since found out that she suffered from clinical depression that went untreated and there are hundreds of people out there who feel the same way. Can we please spare a thought for these people who, while we are looking forward to the merriments of Xmas, feel they can no longer go on with their lives Thanks Queenie

I quite agree, sadly certain people, for whatever reason, just cannot cope with life. A cousin of mine ended her life 3 years ago after a lifelong fight with depression. A good "online" friend of mine has been in and out of institutions for the last year after a couple of serious attempts on her life. She too comes across as a "normal" happy, funny, attractive person... but something inside her head is just not wired properly. I wish your friend, and mine, a happy and peaceful Christmas and hope the demons leave them in peace for a while.

That is just soooooooooo sad. may she be at peace now. My heart goes out to your friend, he must be devestated. Bridget x

So sorry to hear that Queenie - one of the truest friends I've known has been spiralling deeper into depression despite intense therapy and medication and while it's hard for us around her feeling so helpless it's impossible to properly understand what they're going through.

Thanks everyone.. I think when people have problems like that it is very hard to understand! Its different when its a physical ailment everyone has loads of sympathy but nobody knows what goes through somebodys head because you cant see it! Just because you cant see it doesnt mean the pain isnt there.

you're so right. many of us, me included, are quick to judge people on here (and elsewhere in life)... without knowing whats going on in their lives.

I used to work with people who had either a mental illness aor who had learning difficulties and the amount of times when I had accompanied someone for a medical appointment the doctor would turn round and say it was all in their heads was unbelievable!! If the doctors are unable to address this problem than how is the "general" public to handle things

Well it is in their heads... in a manner of speaking.... but I know what you mean.

I agree with you Paul That is just so true

as I said before, some people just aren't "wired" properly. Some of us can cope with life... we have times when we're down, but we get through it.. for some people it just puts them on a downwards spiral. Sadly many people think they should just "pull themselves together"

I agree its just something that more people should be aware of

Rachel please dont thank us! I just wish that there was more that I could do to bring this issue to peoples minds, It is so frustrating when I hear people being labelled as "nutters"!! But what can you do to make others aware

Totally empathy for you. Am not going to go into details but I will say that as happy as someone may seem does not mean they are. You can have all the friends/family in the world but sometimes it's not enough. becx

How sad. I'll be thinking of your friend with kind and positive thoughts. It is so true that mental illnesses and conditions are misunderstood and often engender irritation more than anything else. Wouldn't it be lovely if we could give gifts of empathy, kindness, understanding and the like instead of the usual 'things'?

You are so right Felicity. Thank you all for everything Luv Queenie

well,ime just off to bed,thankfully 2morrow is a rest day for me. when it comes to mental health in the uk,unfortunately,it is considered as low priority. ime a medical advisor on a free website,and mu life revolves,around people with all sorts of problems,and i often get calls in the early hours,from people that cant see that light,at the end of the tunnel....most ger through it,but sometimes the burdens are too great! society,in general has to change their views....and start to listen to what people are really saying..........in other words,learn to hear.........that cry for help........ bryan.

Bryan I take my hat off to you!! I really admire people like you who can make a difference! Have a good kip

I am so sorry to hear your sad news, It is so sad when a life ends this way, as they feel they can no longer cope with life. I have worked in mental health units and seen alot of people that have attempted suicide, depression can happen to anyone and unfortunately sometimes it is to late to be able to help. I have suffered depression like alot of others, and with support you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. My thoughts are with all that have any problems, and christmas is one of the worse times of the year for them, may they all see the light and get the support they need take care sandra

I am so sorry about your friend's girlfriend.I hope she is at peace now. You never know what may be going on with some people, I have a friend who suffers from Bipolar Disorder( Manic Depression) and it has been very testing for our friendshp at times. However, I am always there for her and hope she will call if things start getting bad. it is like living on a knife edge for me, but I can't imagine what she must feel. Sue

sorry, to hear of your bad news...when i read things like this I say to myself, there but for the Grace of God go I.......I took an over dose over 10 yrs ago at a time when i was unable to cope...I was lucky I survived......If I had'nt survived I would have missed so much.....I got over the bad times and on and upwards to a happy life in retirement ( poor but Happy) a lovely family including 2 beautiful grandchildren ....I say to anyone out there who is that low as to contemplate an overdose hang in there ...you will get over your crisis ....sadly for your friend this is not the case and I offer you my deepest sympathy jean