 | | | 
04.06.2020, 21:38
| Senior Member | | Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: ZH
Posts: 493
Groaned at 32 Times in 21 Posts
Thanked 529 Times in 250 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | Not speaking German, while inconvenient, is hardly going to be a "major contributor" to depression unless it is completely blocking soneone from getting a job. The English-speaking expat community in Zürich is also very large with tons of activities to do. | | | | | Its shallow. Full stop.
| The following 2 users would like to thank LifeStrain for this useful post: | | 
04.06.2020, 21:40
| Newbie 1st class | | Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Basel
Posts: 27
Groaned at 1 Time in 1 Post
Thanked 12 Times in 7 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell
Hello, I will also suggest taking a 6-8 weeks break for a well deserved rest. I'm sure Doctors might prescribe some medication and may ask for frequent check ups probably every month to see the progress. It's good that you have realised the issue and had been to your doctor yourself.
Hope you feel good soon! | Quote: | |  | | | Thanks for all the responses.
I feel like this has been bubbling under the surface for a few years now and I always just found distractions. But they were only temporary. I'd go through phases of going to the gym frequently or dating a lot (getting a girlfriend here is no easy task). Then I'd get really sad for a period and then repeat the cycle.
with the job it's the only thing that's going well really. It's more everything outside of work that's not going well. I guess I thought I'd be well integrated after so many years here, but the opposite is true. Relationships never seem to last more than a month or so. I think a big factor is my lack of german speaking ability. But languages really don't come easily to me.
The doctor was very good actually. They are doing some blood tests, but I am quite sure there will be no significant findings there.
In terms of calling around to speak to someone, I think with my insurance they have to direct me to someone. The doctor said there was another place that might be able to help. But we will talk about it more in our follow up appointment next week.
I can't say for sure that the company is struggling apart from the expected things such as announcements that there will be no bonus this year etc. So maybe I'm overthinking it a bit. | | | | | | 
04.06.2020, 21:58
| Forum Legend | | Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Zurich
Posts: 13,975
Groaned at 1,360 Times in 903 Posts
Thanked 20,971 Times in 8,014 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | Its shallow. Full stop. | | | | | ...in your opinion, which so far is somewhat dubious throughout the thread starting with advising to the OP to "get married". You can meet good expats and bad expats and you can meet good swiss and bad swiss. If you avoid the party lifestyle and instead focus on meaningful activity groups like hiking, biking skiing and board gaming then you can meet a lot of nice people, both expats and swiss, who you can build friendships with.
| The following 3 users would like to thank Chuff for this useful post: | | 
04.06.2020, 22:11
| Senior Member | | Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: ZH
Posts: 493
Groaned at 32 Times in 21 Posts
Thanked 529 Times in 250 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | ...in your opinion, which so far is somewhat dubious throughout the thread starting with advising to the OP to "get married". You can meet good expats and bad expats and you can meet good swiss and bad swiss. If you avoid the party lifestyle and instead focus on meaningful activity groups like hiking, biking skiing and board gaming then you can meet a lot of nice people, both expats and swiss, who you can build friendships with. | | | | | Most expats don't tend to build strong bonds and rather prefer to hop from flower to flower like a butterfly. Its all temporary, next year you are in the valley, then in Berlin, Barca...
My three best friends here are swiss (2 german, one french). And by friends I mean what I described above about emotional intimacy. I have zero friends amongst expats. Fun fact, I met and chatted to many more expats than swiss in my years here. They all but few just lacked the depth.
P.S. I think you are just pissed at me for mocking the brits :P
| 
04.06.2020, 22:11
| Member | | Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Zurich
Posts: 218
Groaned at 35 Times in 23 Posts
Thanked 193 Times in 112 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | I think it is very much location dependent. In Bern it has been a struggle to find an English-speaking therapist that is A) covered by insurance and B) taking new clients. | | | | | OP is in Zurich and even if not, you can often schedule therapists early or late if travelling is needed.
I suggest they try to send an email first since energy is at a premium with depression. A short email asking if the therapist is taking delegated patients (paid by insurance) for the type of therapy sought for in English. I would make a form letter and send out about ten.
| 
04.06.2020, 22:26
| Forum Legend | | Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Zurich
Posts: 13,975
Groaned at 1,360 Times in 903 Posts
Thanked 20,971 Times in 8,014 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | Most expats don't tend to build strong bonds and rather prefer to hop from flower to flower like a butterfly. Its all temporary, next year you are in the valley, then in Berlin, Barca... | | | | | There are many expats who want to liv in Switzerland long-term, you are just generalizing without putting much thought into things | Quote: | |  | | | My three best friends here are swiss (2 german, one french). And by friends I mean what I described above about emotional intimacy. I have zero friends amongst expats. Fun fact, I met and chatted to many more expats than swiss in my years here. They all but few just lacked the depth. | | | | | Maybe you lack some qualities that attract people to you and didn't make many friends as a result? Stop blaming and labelling everyone else. There are many people who have expat friends bit no Swiss friends as they are notoriously tough nuts to crack, whereas expats are much more culturally open. | Quote: | |  | | | P.S. I think you are just pissed at me for mocking the brits :P | | | | | I hardly know any Brits... why are you so focused on Brits?  I just think your posts in this thread are so far pretty low in good judgement.
| This user groans at Chuff for this post: | | 
04.06.2020, 22:34
|  | Junior Member | | Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Nyon
Posts: 96
Groaned at 24 Times in 7 Posts
Thanked 96 Times in 41 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell
Depression is something that is greatly affected by planning, meaning if you don't have goals or plans made for the future and there is nothing to wait for or work towards for, then everything may seem pointless and grey.
I would advise taking a break from the everyday activities and spend some time (days / weeks) reflecting on the past, what were you goals back then and what events made a difference to you.
You can use those insights to make some plans for the future goals. In ideal scenario you would have smaller weekly/monthly goals, and few grand ideas during the year which to strive for. Might be trying out some new things or travelling to somewhere exotic (aka out of comfort zone)
All that being said, the 'common' ideas suggested can also make your life a little bit more colorful:
- Getting a pet. It's a big responsibility, but well worth it. You can make an animals life great and it will provide you with attention and affection.
- Exercising more. It's scientifically proven that spending time outdoors or in a gym will boost your well-being. It's cliche, but proven.
In more severe cases there have been breakthroughs about using Psilocybin to treat depression. It's proven to be way more effective than usual medications (that all come with major side-effects) but I don't know the legality and availability of LSD/K/shrooms in Switzerland..
| This user would like to thank Atheri for this useful post: | | 
04.06.2020, 22:51
| Senior Member | | Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: ZH
Posts: 493
Groaned at 32 Times in 21 Posts
Thanked 529 Times in 250 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | ... | | | | | I am sincerely trying to give good advice to OP here, you may disagree with me, and its up to OP to take it into considaration or not. Your cheap attempts to provoke me on the other hand look strange, especially taking into account your excellent reputation on this forum.
| The following 2 users would like to thank LifeStrain for this useful post: | | 
04.06.2020, 22:56
|  | Forum Legend | | Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Zurich-ish
Posts: 5,230
Groaned at 294 Times in 210 Posts
Thanked 11,133 Times in 4,186 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell
Let's not turn someone's post about their depression into an argument, please.
We all have different opinions. And that's just the way it is and always will be.
| The following 7 users would like to thank Pancakes for this useful post: | | 
05.06.2020, 01:06
| Member | | Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Zurich
Posts: 218
Groaned at 35 Times in 23 Posts
Thanked 193 Times in 112 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell
OP, please don't get a pet or get married in order to cure your depression. That's about as useful as having more kids to save a dead marriage. There's good advice here about finding therapy, seeing a doctor that will make sure you don't suffer from an underlying condition, and perhaps joining a social group or finding the energy for exercise. There's also some really good clinics in Switzerland for convalescence in case things get really bad. There's no easy fix, if it were, there wouldn't be so many people going to therapy.
| The following 5 users would like to thank NotSwissEnough for this useful post: | | 
05.06.2020, 06:57
| Forum Veteran | | Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Risch
Posts: 791
Groaned at 39 Times in 24 Posts
Thanked 864 Times in 446 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | Depression is something that is greatly affected by planning, meaning if you don't have goals or plans made for the future and there is nothing to wait for or work towards for, then everything may seem pointless and grey.
I would advise taking a break from the everyday activities and spend some time (days / weeks) reflecting on the past, what were you goals back then and what events made a difference to you.
You can use those insights to make some plans for the future goals. In ideal scenario you would have smaller weekly/monthly goals, and few grand ideas during the year which to strive for. Might be trying out some new things or travelling to somewhere exotic (aka out of comfort zone)
All that being said, the 'common' ideas suggested can also make your life a little bit more colorful:
- Getting a pet. It's a big responsibility, but well worth it. You can make an animals life great and it will provide you with attention and affection.
- Exercising more. It's scientifically proven that spending time outdoors or in a gym will boost your well-being. It's cliche, but proven.
In more severe cases there have been breakthroughs about using Psilocybin to treat depression. It's proven to be way more effective than usual medications (that all come with major side-effects) but I don't know the legality and availability of LSD/K/shrooms in Switzerland.. | | | | | Planning: It is catch-22 with regard to planning, of course having positive plans helps, just when you are depressed........
LSD/: The time to take recreational drugs is when you are feeling great. If you can get accepted to take part in any of the clinical trials being done on hallucinogens as a treatment for depression then that is a different matter. Any medication/drug regime is best done with professional guidance.
Alcohol: Lots of people self medicate with alcohol - with bad depression the results are generally shit
Cannabis: CBD Ok, Weed treat with caution
| 
05.06.2020, 07:10
| Forum Legend | | Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Swiss Confederation
Posts: 11,501
Groaned at 409 Times in 335 Posts
Thanked 17,648 Times in 8,925 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | Get married? Or at least start seeing someone? Not easy in CH, but if you moderate your appetite, everything is possible. | | | | | | Quote: | |  | | | Do you really think that is helpful? | | | | | | Quote: | |  | | | No, so why didn't you delete it? | | | | | @Medea, not sure why you think this particular post should have been deleted.
I found it funny, it's the type of advice my grandmother would have given, to anyone who did actually asked for or...not. lol
If LifeStrain is a male it's even funnier imho, or maybe it just shows we're not that different after all.
I don't know, maybe it's about cultural differences here....but I would not censor every innocuous post, however appropriate or not.
I agree, getting married is not the solution and not even that simple after all but trying to date, to go out more is quite OK. Of course coupled with other advice OP did get here. | 
05.06.2020, 07:10
| Banned | | Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: CH
Posts: 10,970
Groaned at 2,032 Times in 1,120 Posts
Thanked 5,139 Times in 3,246 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | Hi all,
I have been in switzerland for a few years now, but the last 6 months or so I've really been struggling mentally. I live by myself, and as I get older I've become more unhappy.
Today I took the step of talking to my doctor and they recommended a few things
- Some medication
- Counselling (but with 3 month wait time )
- that my doctor will tell my company/HR that I need to reduce my work time to 50%
I'm not really sure about this last point. I have had an issue a few years ago where discussing with HR has caused a whole heap of problems that almost lost me my job. Plus with how things are with the economy, I imagine the company will be reorganising in the next 6 months. I would say I'm already the most disposable one in my team, I don't know that I should make myself more visible in this way. | | | | | " As I get older". What is your age now?
| 
05.06.2020, 07:14
| Forum Legend | | Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Swiss Confederation
Posts: 11,501
Groaned at 409 Times in 335 Posts
Thanked 17,648 Times in 8,925 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | Its shallow. Full stop. | | | | | I guess you have some stories to tell....... | 
05.06.2020, 07:27
| Banned | | Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: CH
Posts: 10,970
Groaned at 2,032 Times in 1,120 Posts
Thanked 5,139 Times in 3,246 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | @Medea, not sure why you think this particular post should have been deleted.
I found it funny, it's the type of advice my grandmother would have given, to anyone who did actually asked for or...not. lol
If LifeStrain is a male it's even funnier imho, or maybe it just shows we're not that different after all.
I don't know, maybe it's about cultural differences here....but I would not censor every innocuous post, however appropriate or not.
I agree, getting married is not the solution and not even that simple after all but trying to date, to go out more is quite OK. Of course coupled with other advice OP did get here.  | | | | | Yes my mother always used to say " get married and make an honest man of yourself". Still trying to work that one out | This user would like to thank omtatsat for this useful post: | | 
05.06.2020, 07:42
|  | Forum Legend | | Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Switzerland
Posts: 22,938
Groaned at 449 Times in 346 Posts
Thanked 18,077 Times in 10,088 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | @Medea, not sure why you think this particular post should have been deleted.
I found it funny, it's the type of advice my grandmother would have given, to anyone who did actually asked for or...not. lol
If LifeStrain is a male it's even funnier imho, or maybe it just shows we're not that different after all.
I don't know, maybe it's about cultural differences here....but I would not censor every innocuous post, however appropriate or not.
I agree, getting married is not the solution and not even that simple after all but trying to date, to go out more is quite OK. Of course coupled with other advice OP did get here.  | | | | | All too often I think we get flippant comments like this in threads where people are clearly struggling for whatever reason. Even a mod questioned it.
I'm not talking censoring every post, though I don't call that one innocuous as it could have upset the OP, but sometimes posters here need to think before posting in some threads. Or stay out of them completely.
| The following 3 users would like to thank Medea Fleecestealer for this useful post: | | 
05.06.2020, 07:50
| Banned | | Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: CH
Posts: 10,970
Groaned at 2,032 Times in 1,120 Posts
Thanked 5,139 Times in 3,246 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | All too often I think we get flippant comments like this in threads where people are clearly struggling for whatever reason. Even a mod questioned it.
I'm not talking censoring every post, though I don't call that one innocuous as it could have upset the OP, but sometimes posters here need to think before posting in some threads. Or stay out of them completely. | | | | | Not everyone is the same!! Some people act first and think later. Stop putting everybody in the same box
| This user would like to thank omtatsat for this useful post: | | 
05.06.2020, 08:18
|  | Forum Legend | | Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Switzerland
Posts: 22,938
Groaned at 449 Times in 346 Posts
Thanked 18,077 Times in 10,088 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | Not everyone is the same!! Some people act first and think later. Stop putting everybody in the same box | | | | | I'm not, just saying some people who do act first might need to look at changing that habit in certain threads. | The following 2 users would like to thank Medea Fleecestealer for this useful post: | | 
05.06.2020, 08:21
| Forum Legend | | Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Geneva
Posts: 4,019
Groaned at 37 Times in 31 Posts
Thanked 5,612 Times in 2,012 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | Most expats don't tend to build strong bonds and rather prefer to hop from flower to flower like a butterfly. Its all temporary, next year you are in the valley, then in Berlin, Barca...
My three best friends here are swiss (2 german, one french). And by friends I mean what I described above about emotional intimacy. I have zero friends amongst expats. Fun fact, I met and chatted to many more expats than swiss in my years here. They all but few just lacked the depth.
P.S. I think you are just pissed at me for mocking the brits :P | | | | |
Well, you would be forgiven if you had mocked the ENGLISH!!! | The following 3 users would like to thank McTAVGE for this useful post: | | 
05.06.2020, 08:28
| Forum Legend | | Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Swiss Confederation
Posts: 11,501
Groaned at 409 Times in 335 Posts
Thanked 17,648 Times in 8,925 Posts
| | Re: Depressed and unsure who to tell | Quote: | |  | | | All too often I think we get flippant comments like this in threads where people are clearly struggling for whatever reason. Even a mod questioned it.
I'm not talking censoring every post, though I don't call that one innocuous as it could have upset the OP, but sometimes posters here need to think before posting in some threads. Or stay out of them completely. | | | | | I agree in principle, but tbh I haven't sensed that OP was upset. He/she even gave a brief explanation re. relationships.
As I also doubt that the other poster's intention was to deliberately hurt OP. Kind of misguided desire to help imho...
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | Thread Tools | | Display Modes | Linear Mode |
Posting Rules
| You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | All times are GMT +2. The time now is 21:20. | |