I’ve had a very tumultuous childhood, from the absence of a substance abusing father to being molested by a family relative. I grew up bearing most of the family burden as I am the eldest of 3 children. I excelled in everything, but things took a turn in my late 20s. It wasn’t until I reached 30 when I was diagnosed with multiple mental issues such as clinical depression, separation anxiety and adhd. It’s been 4 years, and I feel so downtrodden. I find myself lacking the energy to get out of bed to do even the simplest task. I am still on my medication but I really just want to give up on everything .
hey, u have a lot going on and more problems than me. i dont have what you have besides depression. I have anxiety disorder. It takes a long time to recover. Therapy is more important than meds and continuing to build coping mechanisms on top of that. also, sleeping enough, eating nutritiously, socialising, doing what you love. We are owed a normal life so that is something that motivated me to recover once my depression recovered and my anxiety disorder was still ongoing. Now both is recovered but they relapse from time to time. I think if possible, just try to concentrate on recovery now for some time instead of doing everything. I can go hiking while chatting w u if u open to it
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Hi @User1694,
Thank you for sharing your story and trust with such deeply personal and painful experiences. I want to start by acknowledging how much you’ve been through, from carrying the weight of your family as the eldest to enduring significant trauma and now navigating multiple mental health challenges. It’s no wonder you’re feeling emotionally and physically exhausted. Just reaching out and putting this into words shows immense strength, even when it doesn’t feel that way.
From what you’ve described, it seems like the weight of your past and present has caught up with you, leaving you feeling stuck and drained. Growing up with such a heavy load, it makes sense that your energy feels depleted now—it’s as if your body and mind are saying, “I can’t keep going like this.”
Do you remember when you last felt even a glimmer of lightness or ease? Sometimes, even small moments of relief can remind us that it’s possible to feel different, even if it feels out of reach right now.
It’s okay to feel like giving up. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that there’s no hope—it means you’re overwhelmed, and that’s completely valid. Let’s just sit with this for a moment and recognise how much you’ve been holding onto. You’ve been doing your best to manage so many challenges, and it’s okay to feel tired. You don’t have to fix everything all at once, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Even amidst all this, you’ve shown incredible resilience.
- You excelled despite a difficult childhood, demonstrating your determination and capabilities.
- You’re continuing your medication and reflecting on your mental health, which shows that you’re still trying, even when it feels like there’s no progress.
- By reaching out, you’re showing self-awareness and a willingness to seek support—these are powerful steps.
These strengths haven’t disappeared, even if they feel hidden under the weight of your struggles.
If it feels manageable, we could think about one very small step toward easing the weight you’re carrying. For example:
- Would you consider reaching out to a counsellor apart from your doctor for help?
- How about focusing on doing just one small task today, like getting out of bed and making yourself a glass of water?
- Have there been any activities, no matter how small, that have brought you even a moment of relief or comfort in the past?
Sometimes starting with tiny, achievable actions can remind us that change is possible, even if it’s slow.
It’s acceptable to approach things incrementally. You’ve been through so much, and you don’t have to solve everything overnight. Your story is still unfolding, and there is room for healing, even if it feels impossible right now. I’m here to support you as you navigate this, and I believe in your capacity to find relief, one moment at a time.
Let me know how you’re feeling about this, and we can explore what feels right for you. You’re not alone in this journey. 
Hi FuYuan_Affections
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I used to draw on a daily basis before my mental health took a toll. Now, I do not have the motivation to do so at all.
I do still read but not as much as before. Recently, after my discharge from IMH, I took a leap of faith and started travelling alone. I spent 3 months doing so and spent all my savings in it.
I live alone and hence haven’t got anyone to rely on.
After the trips that I took, I went into spirituality. Everything was going fine until I had a relapse again.
Of course, travelling gave me the peace I was looking for. But one has to bear in mind the cost and all. As for my family, I’ve been disowned by them for 2 years now and I have been surviving on my own ever since. But I have been blessed with an amazing best friend who has been there for me throughout.
I will definitely try going back to counselling again as I stopped it when I started travelling.