Advice for Seeking Professional Help (Trigger Warning- Sexual Abuse, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Feelings)

[Chloe_M]

Hey guys,

My life at the moment is really complicated, so I'll keep it brief:

• My parents are extremely strict- they don't let me do anything, when my boyfriend (who was also my best friend) broke up with me, they didn't know
• I was touched inappropriately last year by someone who I had known for years (not a family member, a peer)
• I suffered from depression(?) after the breakup for about 5 or so months (I don't have a diagnosis because my parents didn't know)
• I have stopped now, but I had been self-harming for around 2-3 of those months
• A couple of weeks ago, the depression and anxiety was so bad that I wanted to kill myself
• I am always anxious- I have a constant feeling of dread in my stomach
• I have panic attacks frequently that sometimes are for no reason- these involves sweating, shaking, hyperventilating and crying
• I really hate germs and am kind of obsessed with washing my hair and sanitising my hands
• A lot of my 'friends' judge me and some of them bitch behind my back
• I find that my anxiety is not at the front of my mind when I dance or when I am on this forum helping others
• My ex and I are friends again, but some weeks he ghosts me and flirts with random girls, and some weeks he acts like my boyfriend again
• I have only recently 'come out' to my parents about being anxious all the time
• I am going to see the school counsellor on Monday
• My parents are going to take me to a GP and get a referral to see a psychologist

I would like some advice on how to talk to a counsellor/psychologist and some general info about confidentiality and stuff like that.

Thanks guys xx

Chloe_M

[geoff]

Hello Chloe_M, I'm pleased you have posted with a concern about yourself because it's important to get the help you need.

I'm sorry for what you have been experiencing and to be touched without your permission is always a no-no.

It's always difficult to talk with your parents when they are strict because there are certain topics where you need support, but not when they won't let you, however, it's good they are taking you to see the doctor.

Ask if you can also have some time with the doctor by yourself, this will give you time to open up to them, but what I would do is to write down on a piece of paper what you are worried about.

From what you have told us there is a possibility that you may have OCD, and I say this because of your obsession, but I wouldn't let this dominate your conversation with the doctor, because there are many other issues you have mentioned.

It would be great to hear back from you.

My Best.

Geoff.

[startingnew]

hi there Chloe_M

thats alot to deal with but im glad your parents are supportive in the sense they know you need some help and well done for seeking some help yourself.i second all of what Geoff has said and writing things down can be rather helpful.

the psychologist and/or school counsellor you see should explain the confidentialtiy parts to you straight up and if any quetions arise or if you have questions before you go there writen them down and dont be afraid to ask or express your concerns.

well done for reaching out for some support both online and offline.

[Birdy77]

Hi Chloe 😊

Here is your thread! Thanks for posting on Strummer's thread.

🌻birdy

[Chloe_M]

Hi there guys

so I went to the counsellor yesterday. He told me what to expect when I go to Headspace, and how I would go about making an appointment, which I will do this arvo. He also told me a bit about why we actually have anxiety. It was very interesting and had something to do with the fact that we are very evolved with creatures. He said it's good that I am on board with it, as well has my parents, and that I should definitely go to headspace because having a constant feeling of dread and anxiety is not a normal level of anxiety.

I found that after talking to him, I feel way more confident about talking to headspace and seeing the counsellor again.

Thanks for all your support 🙂

Chloe_M

[startingnew]

hi there Chloe

Well done on going to see the counsellor 🙂 your sounding like your headed in the right direction. ive heard headspace is rather good as well. i went there just over a year ago for a program and found it really good. im not sure if youve been told but they also offer other things too like group activities so you can meet new people too and have those supports and friendships.

this is some really good news 🙂

How are you feeling today? are you at uni/tafe/school (sorry not sure on your age)?

[Chloe_M]

Hello, and yes I'm at school.

However, I'm not feeling that great. This morning I was on top of the world, I was so happy and hyper. But about an hour ago, within a few seconds, i hit rock bottom. I was on a high and then all of a sudden I was really depressed. And I have no idea why 😞

The group thingys sound good though- it would be great to talk to some other teenagers that are struggling with whatever I am struggling with.

Thanks startingnew x

[startingnew]

HI Chloe

Mental health sure has its way doesnt it! has something happened while youve been at school that you found upsetting? it mightve been something small. of course you dont need a reason but am wondering if you had a trigger arise

Since your under 25 theres a site called Reachout that might help you too. ive read some of the things there and found it helpful as well when i was first learning about my mental health. i think they have forums too so you would be talking to people your own age as well.

have you had a look at the Headpsace site at all? that can help you get a 'feel' for the place as well and some services they offer besides counselling.

I read that you have made an appt to see a counsellor which is really great

[startingnew]

oh and also theres a thread here called the friends cafe for under 25s as well so you can interact with younger members here as well, they often share there threads so you can support one another as well as interact socially. feel free to pop in if you havent already done so 🙂

[Chloe_M]

thanks startingnew 🙂

I'll check out that forum

I've been on ReachOut and Headspace, I'm just kinda worried that there might be something wrong. I don't have a diagnosis for anything, so I'm unsure whats actually going on with me. My friend's sister is bipolar, and she thinks I might be bipolar, because I am either super happy and hyper, or super depressed and suicidal.

Yesterday in PE, I was really happy, running around like crazy and actually enjoying the subject (I hate PE), and then all of a sudden I was curled in a ball on the ground. My friends are really worried.

Chloe