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Chris_B Forums etiquette: give support to receive support
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newb... View more

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newbies are welcomed when they first post, and we understand that it’s a big step to post for the first time on a forum like this, especially if you aren’t feeling great. It’s important to remember, though, that these forums are a community of real people, just like you, not a one-on-one support environment like going to see your psychologist. To get the best out of being here, one of the best tips we can offer is give support to receive support. Being a good community member means: participating in different threads (not just your own), replying to people who have taken the time to reply to you (even if it’s just to say thank you), and... posting words of emotional support and encouragement when you see others who are hurting and reaching out. You don’t have to feel obliged to solve the problems of others: that’s not what we’re here for. But you can offer empathy and what you’ve learned from your own life experiences, even if it’s just a line or two, eg. “I don't know what to say, but I want to give you my support and tell you I care about what is happening to you and hope life will get better soon.” Try to develop an interest in the journeys of others here on the forums. You may be surprised at how good being an active, caring member here can make you feel. For those of you who have had good experiences giving support here on the forums, please post in this thread here and let us know how it has helped you on your journey.

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majho88 OCD Staring
  • replies: 4

Hi people, any struggling with OCD staring, I was diagnosed with OCD 5 years ago, I'm pure, BUT OCD staring is my monster that have pushed me away for social life. The people believe that I'm a creepy person, but it's difficult to live with that, and... View more

Hi people, any struggling with OCD staring, I was diagnosed with OCD 5 years ago, I'm pure, BUT OCD staring is my monster that have pushed me away for social life. The people believe that I'm a creepy person, but it's difficult to live with that, and every day that passed I'm a bit further for everyone an isolated. Any support suggestions for OCD staring would be appreciate. Thanks a lot

Evie-mae How do you tell your parents
  • replies: 5

How do I tell me parents about how I’ve been feeling nervous and all the signs for anxiety/depression. I feel like I need help but I don’t really know how to seek it. I’ve tried telling friends and teachers but no one really listens. Also I’ve been f... View more

How do I tell me parents about how I’ve been feeling nervous and all the signs for anxiety/depression. I feel like I need help but I don’t really know how to seek it. I’ve tried telling friends and teachers but no one really listens. Also I’ve been feeling like there’s no point of living and that no one would really care if I was dead. I haven’t done anything thing to hurt myself. I just feel like that when I am overwhelmed and when I’ve had a bad day (which is often). I’ve started hating going to school pretty much to a point where my body feels sick when I’m about to go to school. I should tell my parents but I don’t know how. Anyone suggestions

Kayelle17 Withdrawal panic
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone. I am 35. I first developed panic attacks when I was 14. I think back then I was put on my 1st med. My panic attacks continued on and off for years. At some point I changed medication to my 2nd med. When I was 25 things got a lot better. ... View more

Hi everyone. I am 35. I first developed panic attacks when I was 14. I think back then I was put on my 1st med. My panic attacks continued on and off for years. At some point I changed medication to my 2nd med. When I was 25 things got a lot better. I got a new job, new relationship and for the first time in my life my panic attacks disappeared. I decided I no longer wanted to be on medication. About 6 months after being off my life spiralled back out of control and I went back on my 2nd med. A few years later I stared getting side effects I believed were from the medication. I switched over to my 3rd med. Since then everything has gone downhill. I developed neurological symptoms (weakened legs, difficulty walking, tingling, nerve pain) have had MRIs done which show small areas of abnormality (T2 Flair) but neurologists do not believe I have MS, but have diagnosed me with Functional Neurological Disorder. Following that diagnosis I was put on my 4th med and switched to from my 3rd med. 5 weeks after being on my 5th med I began feeling strange, spaced out, having episodes of depersonalisation and derealisation. I went back to doc and said I wanted off this med. Little did I know it is one of the worst to get off. I decided I wanted off all meds, having been on for so long I don’t know what’s causing symptoms anymore, me or the meds. We decided to start with the 5th med. I was only on the lowest dose, so my doc took me off cold turkey. I have my 6th medwhich she said to take if things get really bad. The first week off was difficult, physical symptoms, mostly brain zaps. But I am now into the second week and the mental side effects seem to be escalating. I am living in a constant state of fear. I have intrusive thoughts, which I’ve never had before. I am terrified of these thoughts. I feel out of it all the time. I wake up in a state of panic. My brain feels ‘wrong’ I am not sure how to describe it. I am irritable but it is mostly the fear that is taking over. I want to go sit in a corner somewhere, like that will be the only place I feel safe. Even though I have my 6st med, I barely take it as I am terrified I will get addicted to it and don’t want another problem. I go back to my doctor next week. My mind is torn between maybe having to go back on meds (not my 5th med or or my 2nd med) or trying to stick this out. But I am terrified that maybe this is just me now. Does anyone else have experience from withdrawing?

HisOwn ANTIDEPRESSANTS-HOW LONG BEFORE THEY KICK IN?
  • replies: 7

Hi all..Im just wondering if I can ask advice about antidepressants here please? I have just restarted on antidepressants after being off them for a long time so can't remember now from years ago how long it takes before kicking in.. I had to restart... View more

Hi all..Im just wondering if I can ask advice about antidepressants here please? I have just restarted on antidepressants after being off them for a long time so can't remember now from years ago how long it takes before kicking in.. I had to restart them because just was not even getting out of bed each day except to shower and eat so life wasn't happening. I was made aware that they can sometimes make you feel worse before getting better which has been the case but hoping it won't be too long before I start to feel a bit better. I am on day 6 at moment and had 1 reasonable day yesterday but back to feeling yukky today so not sure if that is just medication or not. Anyway looking for support advice while I try to get back on my feet as I live alone with a daughter who has a disability and have lost connection with many of my friends because of the depression and didn't want to burden them with these sorts of issues. Many thanks

BlueSky77 I am not sure if I can cope anymore
  • replies: 1

Hi, I am a mature aged student. My partner is mentally unwell. I live a very difficult life and wish not to be here throughout everyday. You might ask why I am still here, it's because I have two beautiful young girls, who really need me. I have been... View more

Hi, I am a mature aged student. My partner is mentally unwell. I live a very difficult life and wish not to be here throughout everyday. You might ask why I am still here, it's because I have two beautiful young girls, who really need me. I have been studying nursing. I have to do 25 weeks of full time placements to finish my degree. Doing placement full time will be the straw that broke the camels’ back. The University doesn’t allow me to do my placement part time. what should I do?

foxandfate Finance and Money Stress
  • replies: 1

Hi folks How are you all managing anxiety over the cost of living and financial crunches? Things are tight and stressful at the moment. A product I buy at the supermarket has jumped from $8 to $12.95 in a few months (as an example), the cost of food ... View more

Hi folks How are you all managing anxiety over the cost of living and financial crunches? Things are tight and stressful at the moment. A product I buy at the supermarket has jumped from $8 to $12.95 in a few months (as an example), the cost of food has gone up and so have my bills (by most recent water bill has increased by $120 since the last billing cycle). Advice and stories welcome - thank you

theo-m Struggling to quit job
  • replies: 4

Hi there!I recently got a job. However I've been unable to work there because my anxiety either gets too out of hand, or my brain just turns off and I can't can't put my thoughts into words (very frustrating, can't even type out my thoughts My health... View more

Hi there!I recently got a job. However I've been unable to work there because my anxiety either gets too out of hand, or my brain just turns off and I can't can't put my thoughts into words (very frustrating, can't even type out my thoughts My health professionals all thought the job was a bad idea, but my jobactive person was really encouraging about it.However I'm beginning to come to the conclusion that I'm wasting work's time by being sent home everytime I go to work because I can't communicate beyond gestures.I'm not sure what to do. I know I need to give 2 weeks notice, but considering my past shifts, I won't be able to work those 2 weeks either, and I'm not sure how to put that in the letter without being extremely rude.

Bonisnothappy About to meet the source of my PTSD aka my narcissistic parent, am really anxious about what to do
  • replies: 4

unfortunately, this is an inevitable meeting, and they would never take my mental health seriously. I am doing all these plannings in my head to avoid getting more trauma but like always my dad is a professional trauma maker if he thinks I'm living a... View more

unfortunately, this is an inevitable meeting, and they would never take my mental health seriously. I am doing all these plannings in my head to avoid getting more trauma but like always my dad is a professional trauma maker if he thinks I'm living a happy life he must point out something to make me look miserable. I am kinda planning to make him shut his mouth by making up a story I don't know what I am talking about but I basically want to put myself into a role that will make him shut up and stop criticizing and stop visiting me. Any advice on dealing with narcissistic people? much thanks.

lucie1989 Constant pins and needles /tingles
  • replies: 1

Hi just wondering if anyone else gets constant pins and needles /tingles? this has been ongoing for the last two weeks in my feet and hands and is stressing me out. I’m unsure if I’m anxious or is it something serious. my vision is blurred I’m not su... View more

Hi just wondering if anyone else gets constant pins and needles /tingles? this has been ongoing for the last two weeks in my feet and hands and is stressing me out. I’m unsure if I’m anxious or is it something serious. my vision is blurred I’m not sure if it’s lack of sleep or constant googling and too much screen time I’ve been to my gp and they have referred me for a mri ( which I can’t get into for 3 weeks) I feel disconnected and so scared it’s something serious . I’m a mum of young children. would love to hear if others had the same symptoms