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I need some support, I don't know what to do

mayab
Community Member
Hi everyone, I'm new here but I just thought I'd give this a go. I'm not sure where to start exactly- I've had severe anxiety, depression and OCD for the past 5 or so years of my life but it has gotten really bad in the past couple of years. I've been getting more intrusive thoughts and recently had a few weeks off because of suicidal issues. I don't really know what I'm hoping to get out of this post, I just can't seem to deal with everyday life. Even the smallest things like getting on a train or walking around the city by myself trigger my anxiety, and on top of that I just have a constant backlog of depressive and existential thoughts that I can never pull myself out of. I just don't really know what to do anymore; I feel so stuck in my life, like everything I have tried already hasn't worked and nothing is changing- my parents don't want me to go on medication (I'm 17) so they've given me a lot of natural things to try and I've seen a psychologist but that hasn't been effective. I don't always know how to articulate what I'm feeling but I'm just in a constant state of stress and pain, sometimes physical. When it's really bad my chest tightens and really hurts and I can't breathe. I do talk to friends about it, but the problem is that the ones I'm closest to are dealing with the same issues and we can't really help each other. Regardless of this, it's just always the same cycle- I have a panic attack or a breakdown, I talk to my parents and friends, nothing changes then everyone moves on. I was just wondering if anyone has any suggestions of what I should do, or if anyone has experienced the same thing. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
2 Replies 2

stroppytom
Community Member

You need to see a good psychiatrist in your local area. Your GP should have a list he/she can refer you to. The problem is that because the therapies you have used so far are reactive (like putting a patch on a blow-up swimming pool that has sprung a leak). You've seeking help for specific episodes (which is good...don't get me wrong) rather than tackling the entire shooting match. Such treatment would be proactive and prophylactic (offering protection for any future outbreaks). This is where a good psychiatrist comes into play because the doctor will not just be reacting to your symptoms but they will be actively involved in sorting out your behavioral triggers and treatments which will work for you. They may team with a psychologist who will offer CBT and counselling.

Remember...despite the fact that you probably feel alone in your battle against the demons troubling you there are people who can help you and understand your torment because they've been there themselves, This site is an excellent site and springboard.

stormcloudz
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

Hi Maya

I just wanted to say hello and welcome. There's lots of lovely people on this forum who will understand your experience and want to help.

I have experienced the anxiety, and really understand the physical symptoms too. They can be overwhelming. Medication really helped me, but everyone is different. Your parents might need to be educated by your GP.

Sometimes we go through a period where we feel really stuck and things are really intense. Please remember that things can improve, and we can lend you some strength and hope. Don't give up, Maya.