A message of hope

littlemisspippa · ‎07-05-2015

Hi all,

I wanted to spread a message of hope. I have recently relapsed into anxiety (with depression). Around 3 years ago, being bullied at work with a number of stress made me have a number of panic attacks, issues with sleeping and eating and just feeling like a walking zombie. I had a melt down and it took me 3 weeks before l was better to go back to work. During this time I saw my doctor and got treatment. It was that hardest time in my life and yet te proudest because l went back to work, lodged a compliant with HR because l couldn't let him do that to others. I don't know what happened with him but that's not my issue. I continues working for 3 months and on the morning l was penning my letter to leave work, I was called into a meeting to be told my job was made redundant. I was going to leave and yet l scored a redunancy payout!

I made the mistake of thinking l was better earlier this year and l stopped taking my tablets. Considently this, I lasted a fairly long time before my anxiety took over. Add a breakup, stressful work, neighbour issues, moving, sick grandma etc. I am back on my meds and l knownl will be fine. I say l have an anxiety disorder but when it gets out of hand, I get symptoms of depression.

. Know that depression is just a disease and you can get better (just remember to listen to you doctor!). Tell yourself you are not a depressed person you just have depression. Be kind to yourself as this is a terrible disease and let others help you recover. Practice smiling and force yourself o laugh and be silly - eventually you won't have to 🙂

please remember you are not along as this affects far too many and l hope my message has given you hope

pippa and her kittens Bam Bam and Pebbles (see profile pic)

HA1 · ‎07-05-2015

Hello littlemisspippa (+ Bam Bam & Pebbles)

thank you for such a positive and wonderful post. It made me feel good just reading it and I am sure others will also.

What you say is of course so true. I also like the phrase "you are not your mind".

Thank you again.

Take care

k

littlemisspippa · ‎08-05-2015

hi hideaway,

thanks for your message! I'm glad you liked it. I will try to share some of my recent experiences so if somebody else has that experience they know they're not alone.

One recent experience was that l started crying and l didn't know why. I was also walking along a very busy street. I could have been embarrassed but l remember just embracing the tears. I said to myself "Pippa, you are just crying but that doesn't mean you're sad. It's iust the disease that is doing it. So smile and hold you're head up!" Nobody noticed or if they did either didn't care or said nothing out of repect.

Fight fight fight and remember you're not depressed, you just have a disease called depression and you can fight and win! xx

pippa & bam bam & pebbles

HA1 · ‎08-05-2015

Hi Guys

Thank you, your posts bring a smile to my face.

Please keep talking.

When I walk in a shopping mall, I feel so vulnerable, I feel disorientated, and lost. I have to check and double check to make sure which way I came in so that I can find my way back again. If my partner is with me, I cling on to her hand so hard.

I will wait for your next post.

K

Anthe31 · ‎10-05-2015

Hi littlemisspippa, you have a wonderful message that makes me smile but sad at the same time. I live with a depressed husband, his depression can make him a mean person when angry. His depression is severely affecting me. I just wish he would seek help, listen to his doctor and take antidepressants. He won't and his getting worse. Its testing me and the strength of our marriage. I wish he had your mentality. Stay strong, and you are truly remarkable.

littlemisspippa · ‎11-05-2015

Hi K,

i am glad l am helping you in what small way l can.

I would like to reassure you about your experience. I have many moments when l am too caught up in my thoughts and l realise suddenly l don't know what l'm doing. Being in crowded places makes me very anxious.

You are blessed to have a partner to help you through. First thing to remember is breathe - deep breathing centres you and gives you comfort. Don't worry if you forget where you are going. Stop or find a seat, take several deep breathes and give yourself time. When you feel ready, stand back up and keep on going. Check the directions as much as you want or need - depression / anxiety makes me really forgetful so l have to be kind to myself and make things as simple as possible. With time you will be able to find your way without even thinking too much!

Keep the questions coming 🙂

xx

littlemisspippa · ‎11-05-2015

Hi Anthe31,

Thankyou for your message and kind words. I am sorry to hear that your husband has depression and that it's negatively affecting your life. I can only imagine how hard it must be for you.

Do you know why he won't seek help? He may not realise he is acting angry etc. If he doesn't, l would gently tell him that he hasn't been acting like himself and you're worried. He may be in denial that he has depression - if so, l would reassure him that (unfortunately) it affects many people but, like other illnesses, is curable. He may be terrified and is scared of it being confirmed.

If he hasn't had a checkup recently, it would be a good reason for him to go. Offer to go with him as support. Depression has a lot of physical symptoms (for example sleep difficulties) - if you are aware of these you can suggest him seeing a doctor to sort these out (and hopefully the doctor would work out it's depression).

I hope that helps and all the best!

xx

Pippa and Pebbles and Bam Bam