Do I actually feel this way?

[Essy]

In my course we learn a lot about mental illness so I would say I have a quite thorough knowledge. For a long time I have known I am a little bit different but learning specifics about all the illnesses concreted my belief that I had mental health issues. Now I'm at the point where I am considering getting help but  starting to question whether I actually feel the way I think I do or if it is based on what I have heard and I am simply trying to categorize myself to try and make sense of my "differentness". what if I'm not sick and I am just wasting everyone's time.

[amamas]

Hey Essy I hear you

I was in the same boat. The only reason I ended up getting help (I was desperate for but was in complete denial of needing) was because I had to go to a therapist and then do an assignment on it for my course.  I couldn't handle finding a therapist (that should have told me something!) but I found a psychology place  that did free check ups.  My plan was to have the check up then the psych would help me find a therapist who'd do my assignment with me.

During the check up I started bawling just having someone listen to ME broke through all my denial and all the stuff I had spinning around in my head.

So after sharing how I found out how desperately I needed help. I'd say finding out if you have a mental illness or not is certainly not a waste of time.  You are worth it.  

Take care amamas

[notagain]

Have you taken any of the diagnostic tests? They will give you an idea of where you stand on the depression/anxiety spectrum. It probably wouldn't hurt to see a counsellor just to talk through your feelings. Maybe then you will understand the root of the issues you are facing and help you to understand yourself a little more. Don't be concerned about wasting people's time. If you get sorted now, when thing aren't too bad, you will save time in the future rather than waiting until things become unbearable. 

[CassieEmily]

Hi Essy,

I'm so sorry to hear that you're struggling. You're definitely not wasting anyone's time! You know yourself better than anyone else does, and if you think something is wrong, there's a good chance that something is. 

There's no harm in going to see someone, and it could really help you. Whether you have a mental health issue or not, it's a good idea to talk to someone about what you're going through. You shouldn't have to go through this by yourself, hopefully talking things through with someone will help.

Take care! xx

[geoff]

dear Essy, if you doubt that you may have depression then you should do the test under 'get support'.

It's this feeling as though there is something wrong with yourself, this questioning yourself then there is a great possilibity that this illness is beginning to affect you.

So please don't take too long, because those in denial are always a step back from overcoming this illness.

I took far too long before I started to get help, because I always thought that I could get better myself, and how stupid I was.

If you go and see a professional or just your doctor, and start talking to them, you will know straight off if you are depressed, because the tears will flow, so please don't take too long. Geoff.