Bombshell

[Travla]

I am just been diagnosed with depression anxiety and am still coming to terms with it. Over the last few months I have been trying to figure out what's wrong with me having headaches, dizziness, sore back, tiredness etc. I never even considered that it could be my mental health that's needs attention so am slightly shocked but now at least it all makes sense to me. I moved from NZ to Aus 2years ago and although I love it here have struggled to make friends which has never been an issue for me before. Along with a couple of other things to juggle in my life this feeling of 'stress' has built up and got worse over the last few months. I now feel quite anxious sometimes when at work, in meetings or places with big crowds. I am quite hard on myself &dont think I should feel like this since I do have a good life and am only 26.

My partner was quite confused when I told him asking me what I'm anxious about exactly... When there isn't one thing that causes it that I know of. I'd like to help him so he also knows how to deal with this & support me as I don't want him to feel at all responsible.

I have started on meds (which I know can take a while to take affect) and am going to speak to someone. I am feeling quite nervous about the whole process but hope to make things better before they get worse...

[Neil_1]

Hi Travla

None of us ever ask for this illness ... it just somehow sneaks up on us and attaches itself to us and bingo, we've got a mental living hell that we have to somehow cope with.

I like the fact that you've sought out a professional (no doubt you GP, yeah) as you're on medication.  And yes, you got it perfectly right in saying that they do have a bit of lag time before they actually kick in ... so yes, there's no instant cure and also a lot of the time, the meds will just make things manageable;  but I think that depends on the level of where your illness is at.

It does sound like your boyfriend is a caring and supportive natured person, which is a fantastic thing to have.  Perhaps one time in the future, if you say, go back to your GP, perhaps, he might be able to go along with you and then he might be able to learn "on the spot" a bit more about what you are suffering and might be able to pick up some tools or tips to help assist you with the support you need.

Speaking of support, you have come to the right place ... this site is absolutely brilliant and has many wonderful people here, who are largely facing the dreaded illness themselves.  But they come here and provide advice, care and support to people who reach out for it.  It's a wonderful 'on-line' supportive community.

Please feel welcome to come back as often as you like to post again.  We'll be here for you.

Kind regards

Neil