Feeling a bit lost

[Dreamer235]

Hello this is the first time I am posting, and to be honest I didn’t imagine today I would be posting of all days. I felt like I have been pretty positive of recent, but maybe it’s just I keep telling myself to be positive and yet I still feel very anxious

long story short,

the last few months I have been supporting a family member through a lot of health issues, and they have had a lot of complications along the way which has brought a lot of challenges mentally for myself and other family members. We lost our beloved mother very young, whilst I was in my teens ( a few years back) and the possibility of loosing someone else I love always sets me on edge.

i also decided to have my very own pet for the first time who is very young and enjoys keeping us on our toes, rushing to the vet potentionally paying thousands to keep them alive.

all in the matter of 4 months I have gone through these struggles and I feel like it is endless and it’s going to be a long rollercoaster and all I want is a rest.

i have spoken to two doctors on two separate occasions, the first time i bursted into tears, only for this doctor to laugh and say it will be alright, which turned me off speaking about my emotions.. I said I expected he would be able to help me by pointing me into the direction of speaking to somebody.. which he said there was somebody at the medical Centre only I tried to book myself in and due to work hours I could not see this person so I shrugged it off and never rebooked... 3 months later I was going through a very anxious moment in time and was not coping, getting chest pains, freaking out over the slightest moments, not sleeping properly. So I spoke to another doctor and she recommend I speak to Someone (different medical Centre) only for them to be on holidays and not returning until the next year but also prescribing me some antidepressant medication (low dose) which seems to work but tonight I feel anxious ( 3 weeks in) basically I wrote wondering two things

what do you do if you can’t find somebody to talk to? I feel for people who are at their limits and can’t speak to somebody

And

does life get easier? Does the peak craziness ever end?

[Mon68]

Hey Dreamer235,

All the professionals will tell you that anti depressants take time to work and it usually is about the 6-8 week mark and with anti depressants you may have to change a few times to get the one that is right for you. Speaking from experience, is do not be afraid to speak to a doctor if you do not feel that you are feeling ok after the settling in period.

You have done a great thing by reaching out on here to speak to someone, this is a good place to start. In my situation I have a few trusted friends who know of my situation and if I am really anxious I call them and speak to them. I also have been known to speak to Lifeline 13 11 14.

It seems that you have been busy looking after other peoples needs and what you need to do is also stop and do some self care and self love. Treat yourself to a long hot bath with a book, get out into nature take a walk, get that pet you decided on. They love unconditionally. Do something just for you. At times of being really anxious I know that I need to get out which can be quite a struggle, but I do it step by step and go and sit in a quiet corner of the library and read a book or take something that I am interested in doing. I try and stay away from technology.

With seeing a medical professional, make sure that you find someone that you can go to and trust with your mental health, I would ask friends, family or a post on social media does anyone know of a great doctor in the area. Once that you have a recommended doctor, ask for a double appointment and go and have a talk with them, tell them that you are entrusting them with your mental health. Ask them how they deal with people with anxiety, treat it like an interview for job only this time you are employing someone to work with you regarding your mental health. If you need take a trusted friend or family member with you so that they can also give you their opinion on the doctor. Once that you have found that doctor, do not change or start seeing other doctors because you can't get into your GP.

If you want to see a pyschologist sooner rather than later, I would google pyschologists in your area on Wednesday and ask if they have someone available for an appointment in the near future. I know this sounds overwhelming but just write the numbers and names down on a bit of paper and each time you call one you can cross them off your list, so you can actually see that you are achieving something.

Good Luck with your journey.

[baet123]

Hey Dreamer235,

Welcome to BB and thanks for posting and sharing your situation with us. It is great to have you here! You will find these forums as a loving, caring and non-judgemental space where we all support and care for one another!

Mon68 made some great points so I will just add a few things.

Sorry to hear you have been struggling for a while now but things to get easier and I believe that finding appropriate professional help will be of great assistance to you. I can tell you are an extremely caring, intelligent, strong, brave and resilient person and better days are absolutely ahead.

I really love how you are staying as positive as possible and this is amazing and is a testamant to your character. I know at times it is difficult to remain positive when life is throwing a lot in your direction but it is really important as having a good mindset and a positive mentality is key to improving our well-being.

Congratulations getting your first pet! That is amazing. I have 2 cats myself and they always keep us on our toes but they show a great deal of unconditional love and are an amazing source of strength and positivity in our lives. May I ask what type of animal?

Sorry to hear that you have had some really crappy experiences with doctors in the past but this is by no means common practice. The way doctors have treated you in the past and essentially "laughed" off and dismissed your concerns is a ridiculous and It is absolutely negligent practice on their behalf and shouldn't be practising physicians. Stick with the medication. It will take 3-4 weeks minimum until you start seeing its effects and there are always going to be bumps in the road.

There is always someone to talk to. It may not feel like there is but people and services are out there that would love to hear from you and others struggling at present. Unfortunately, as you mentioned many people don't know who to talk to and aren't aware, from no fault of their own, the services available. I think it would be worth seeing a psychologist and consulting your doctor treatment options available along with medication. A combination of therapy with medication has the ability to yield great results.

Better days are ahead and I sense 2019 will be a better year!

Look forward to hearing back from you.

Your friend,

Nick.