While I'm waiting

[Checkthebatteries]

I have depression and anxiety and I'm in my 20s. No medication. I've also been told there is a possibility I have cancer and have to have tests. They are meant to be quite invasive. I'm told it's urgent, which has got me really scared about what's going to happen and what the tests will say but every time I call the specialist I can't get through.

I don't want to tell my mom because she has some serious health and safety issues going on and this will stress her out. Especially as I'm her golden child. My dad is seriously old school and will tell me to harden up. Our relationship is deteriorating fast.

I've been out of therapy for six months but I've asked my therapist if I can come back. However, I asked a month ago to deal with some financial and emotional stuff that is still there and getting worse and never got a reply. I'm hoping it's changed this time.

I have no friends or partner or other family to talk to or to help me through the process.

I need some advice on how to get through this. I feel so ill and stressed out and I don't think I can function properly in the other aspects of my life like work and uni. And I don't exactly qualify for support groups as I don't have a diagnosis yet.

[kanga_brumby]

Hi I would not stress to much. Because over the last few years I have had UTI after UTI. I was referred to a urologist had tests done found a bladder problem. There was a growth in the bladder. They removed it checked it. It wasn't cancerous. More tests no cancer. So if I were you stay positive, eat healthy exercise regular. Get as meany tests done as you can till you have been told one or the other. Then act appropriately if you eat healthy and exercise. It makes your life better.

Kanga

[MsPurple]

Hi Checkthebatteries

Sorry to hear about your health scare. I wish the best for you and hope you get the clean bill of health. My brother recently had a scare, but it was negative. I'm only saying this to give you hope. It maybe good to expect both scenarios.

I understand the whole leaving therapy and feeling like you need to go back. I have been in those shoes before. It is ok to need to go back. Sometimes you need to go back for a little bit to help you out especially when you are going through a tough time. When I was struggling with my move I went back and I found it really helpful. I suggest you going back just for a chat would be a really good idea.

Now with you being concerned about telling your parents. I had this concern to with my mental health. I felt like I would be letting my parents (especially my dad) down. This is not the case. He was just as proud of me and loved me just as much once I told him. He was proud I was open with him and happy that I was getting help. He was happy because he knew I was ok and dealing with my problem. Now I know you maybe concerned about your parents reaction especially with the cancer tests, but trust me your parents will want to know and support you. It is a scary time for you and I think it would really be helpful if your parents were there to support you. I'm sure they would want to be.

SomeWh

[MsPurple]

sorry my computer froze and I pressed post this because I thought I was gonna lose all I had written

Some things you can do while you wait for your appointment is to hang out with friends, family and to try take your mind of the tests. There is no point looking into it and stressing about it now. You can cross that bridge when it comes. Looking into it will just make your anxiety worse. Another suggestion is to try meditation to stop your racing mind. I do this some nights before bed if I can't sleep. I also find it reduces my anxiety and it helps with self acceptance. I use an app on my iPhone. Maybe that is something you could consider.