Hi there The Real Mel,
It sounds like you have started a great plan on the way to better health. Waiting for appointments can be frustrating but be persistent as these services are quite typically busy. Waiting for test results can also create a sense of anxiety for some people as well as social events such as your upcoming family weekend and also having to take time off of work. Even though these are all positive steps, they can also come with worry and stress.
To help you get through the weekend and other times, there are definitely some strategies you can engage in. A few suggestions that come up on the forum include an app called Smiling Mind or another called MoodGym that many people have had some success with. Learning about your mood and a skill called mindfulness can be a great way to help with some symptoms. Often thoughts can be recurring, sometimes they are negative, sometimes they are full of worry, and we don't give our mind the rest it needs. Mindfulness can be a really useful strategy for people that allows your mind to rest and can improve sleep and help you to better tackle lives problems. Certainly you will develop a more concrete plan with your health care provider when you finally get an appointment but this might be a good start.
Being aware of different strategies will also help you better prepare for your appointment. I am sure by going through the beyondblue forum you will find lots of other resources and strategies others have used to help them through their low mood and worry. You can also access the beyondblue support line on 1300 22 4636 where you can chat with someone immediately which can really help you though a bad day or difficult period.
Keep on reaching out TheRealMel - you have already started a really positive journey towards improving not only your mental health but your physical health which takes incredible strength to do.
Wishing you the best possible outcome,
Nurse Jenn
