Overwhelmed and numb. How do you reach out?

[Lulu1630]

If my loved ones were feeling so lost, overwhelmed and numb, I would hate to think they couldn't reach out to me! Yet life is TOUGH! I'm so overwhelmed that even trying to cook a stirfry (our quick and easy meal) paralyses me. I feel I can't reach out as I barely have the energy to write initially, let alone respond.

How do you ask your loved ones for help? How do you move past your paralyzing moments?

[Quercus]

Hello Lulu and welcome 😊

Funnily enough you've just done my first step... Put it in writing.

At my worst I had no words left or energy to explain. So hubby asked me to write down what a bad day feels like. Honestly. Bluntly honestly.

I put on masks to perform for my loved ones but that didn't help. What helped was telling the truth. On paper the words looked so horrible. But noone could misinterpret and I couldn't play down my pain and exhaustion.

Hubby took me straight to the doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist. Best thing anyone has ever done for me.

My point is the very first step seems so difficult and scary. But it can be as simple as writing down your worst and handing it over. If not a spouse book a long appointment with your GP.

It can get better Lulu. And I hope you stick around to share your journey and allow us to cheer you on.

Nat

[smallwolf]

Initially I didn't ask. I felt sooooo low that I did the K10 test here on the beyond blue site - the score indicated I should see a GP. The next morning, the feeling from the night before became worse. So I called my parents, and the call started with me crying down the phone line and saying "I can't do this anymore". Well I saw my GP and then referred to a psych.

That was the start of my journey.

It is hard to tell someone that you are having problems. And it takes a lot of courage.

And depending on reaction of loved ones, whether you see a GP, whether you follow through with some therapy etc. It is also the start of a new journey, as you travel down the path of hope to a new life, where things are not so complicated as they seem now.

Let me know if you any questions.

[Lulu1630]

Oh Nat! The masks are what get me through my working day! And that is what zaps the last of my energy. I'm already on meds and have seen a few psychs but none that I have clicked with.

My dear mum had a nervous breakdown last year and my dad has just had a stroke and been diagnosed with early onset dementia. I'm their support network. But i also have a demanding young family.

Seeking help from a new psych again feels so hard. I love seeing a glass half full and desperately try to view life that way but I'm fearful of putting more energy into another bad fit (with a psych). Looking forward to a fresh start tomorrow x