Not sure what to say

[daniels87]

Hi Guys

i’m not to sure what I’m looking for here maybe just to get some validation that what I’m feeling is normal

over the past year I have been feeling very down and had thoughts that there is no point living anymore. Everything started to slowly return to normal until o had a car accident, not my fault someone came out right infront of me. Long story short my car was written off. Ever since I have suffered strange feelings like nightmares, inability to sleep, eat & feeling restless and getting angry easily

people have told me I’m suffering from PTSD but I’ve never had that before so I’m not sure if that’s what I’m feeling. The horrible thoughts are returning and I’m feeling very low again

Hoping some people can maybe point me in the right direction as to how to try and get through this

thanks

[Sophie_M]

Hi daniels87,

Welcome to the forums, we are so grateful that you reached out to us here tonight. We're really sorry to hear that you've been feeling so low over the past year, and that these feelings have returned after being involved in a car accident. It sounds like you're in a really tough space right now, but please know that you've come to a safe place to talk through these feelings, and our community is here to support you.

Can we ask, do you currently have any mental health support? We understand it can be really tough to cope with all of this on your own, but please know that there is always support available to you. If you would like some help finding mental health support, we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are 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 the friendly counsellors will be able to give you support and point you in the right direction for help in your area.

In addition to this, there are always counsellors available via phone for your most difficult moments. Some of these 24/7 services include:

• Lifeline - 13 11 14 (online chat available 7pm-12am) 
• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 (online chat available 24/7)

And if you find yourself in a situation where you become an immediate danger to yourself, this is an emergency and you should call 000 (triple zero).

Many in our community have also been through a lot in their lives and will be able to talk through these feelings with you. If you would like to post further, please tell us more about what's on your mind and how we can best support you through this.
 

[smallwolf]

Hi - just tagging your post so that I can reply later. Talk to you tomorrow.

[Croix]

Dear daniels87~

Welcome here and I'll get straight to the point. you asked for validation for what you have been feeling is normal.

The answer is no, far from it. Life is for most, while not problem free, well worth living with things to enjoy and look forward to.

It is a great pity the car crash put you back just wjen you were starting to improve a little. The symptoms you describe seem to me similar to some of the thing I've had with PTSD and depression including nightmares, inability to sleep, eat & feeling restless and getting angry easily .

So I'm no doctor, but might I suggest you go see one and in a long appointment explain your past history and your current state.

I found that competent medical help made all the difference.

As far as personal support is concerned, is there anyone you can lean on at the moment? Friends or family perhaps? Trying to face all this in isolation is very hard

I hope to hear from you soon

Croix

[quirkywords]

Daniel welcome to the forum.

Croix, Sophie and smallwolf have given you support and helpful suggestions.

cant add much without repeating but I appreciate the fact you are reaching out. Having a car accident is traumatic and will affect you. I had trauma at the start of the year and it is hard trying to work out what to do and what help is needed.

I think being honest and seeking help from medical, support services and family and friends. I learnt that keeping things to myself and pretending I am ok, does not help. The more honest I am and willingness to appear vulnerable helps me get the help I need.

Feel free to post here as much as you like. You are not alone.

[daniels87]

Hi Croix

thanks for the reply. I don’t really have anyone to talk too tbh I don’t really have any friends and it’s hard to talk to family about these kinds of issues

[daniels87]

Thanks mate I really appreciate the support

[josh1245]

hey daniels87 firstly I would like to welcome you to this wonderful online community and would like to also applaud you for your incredible strength and bravery in asking for help and support and telling your story. I'm really sorry that you are currently experiencing a hard time but everyone in the beyondblue community. I would recommend your gp and talk about what you are going through and them referring you to a qualified professional.

hope all is well in the future

best regards josh

[geoff]

Hello Daniels, to experience something like this after you believed you were finally beginning to overcome this illness is devastating, because there's much that goes through your mind, insurance pay-out, how are you going to get around without a car and any inconvenience you feel you are making for other people.

I can relate to this as I also wrote my vehicle off, the insurance was due the week before and it wasn't covered.

Whether or not its PTSD or a relapse is not for us to determine, but to experience this could include flashbacks, loss of sleep, poor concentration or to avoid situations is for your doctor/psychologist to help you with.

Take care.

Geoff.