Depression mixed with epilepsy and ptsd

[Aaron2018]

I have been struggling with depression and ptsd since i left the army and lost my massive support base i had while i was in. It was made worse in 2013 when my partner at the time decided she no longer wanted me because I was no longer army and didn’t have the nice income flowing in. This sent me into an out of control spiral that was made worse by my parents and family treating me like crap because they seen her as the best i could get and my mates always getting drunk and high which caused me to try to commit suicide. And since then i have suffered from nightmares and bad days where my mind gets stuck in a loop of my mistakes and completely messes me up and is putting a major strain on the relationship i now have wirh my wife of two years as my past keeps rearing its ugly head when i either get too stressed or the insomnia takes over as it has tonight and no matter what I try i just cannot switch off the mechanisms that is my brain and memories from the past that make me feel like total crap within myself. It is worse that i don’t really have anyone else to talk to as we cant afford to see a counselling person and alot of my issues stem back to the army. It just makes life hard especially when all i want to do is sleep and curl up with my wife but my head gets so messed up that i dont get the satisfaction of having a decent sleep ever.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Aaron2018,
  Wishing you a warm welcome to the forums. It takes a lot of courage to be so open and honest with your feelings, and we are so glad that you have reached out here tonight. We can hear that it's been a long journey for you, and we are so sorry to hear that these memories from the past are affecting your rellationship and sleep. Please know that you've come to a safe, non-judgemental space and our community is here to support you through this difficult time. If you feel up to it, we'd also really encourage you to reach out to our Beyond Blue Support Service, which is available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport. One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals to help you through this.

We would strongly urge that in overwhelming moments you get in touch with our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467). You are not alone here, and we hope that you keep us updated on how you're going whenever you feel ready.

[geoff]

Hello Aaron2018, please can I and along with Sophie_M offer a warm welcome to the forums.

Your doctor can offer you a mental health plan, which entitles you to 10 Medicare paid sessions with either a psychologist or a psychiatrist per year and due to COVID-19 you are able to have more free visits.

I know from what you've said that with epilepsy seizures can be brought on by the various difficult situations you are facing, and I say this simply because that's exactly what happened to me until the medication was increased or the doctor wanted to change it.

I'm not a doctor and not qualified to say this, only know from my previous experience and any damage I've done, so would really like to hear back from you.

Best wishes.

Geoff.