Stressed

[Meghan74]

Hi everyone, recently I’ve been feeling really uneasy. Just the other day I burst into tears just because someone was rude to me. I don’t know why I couldn’t control my emotions. I feel overwhelmed by life and I honestly feel like there’s this weight pulling me down. I feel alright at home, but as soon as I go out the door I feel a bit uncomfortable. When I’m out in public with friends, or with family I feel fine. It’s just when I’m by myself I feel vulnerable. As someone who has never felt self conscious, why do I feel like this now?

Please let me know if you guys have any tips or suggestions! I just want to be feel good again:(

[geoff]

Hello Meghan, and thanks for posting your comment.

Depression is a lonely illness, it's not the same as being a private person, and sometimes when we 're with family or friends we pretend that everything is OK, but as soon as we return home all this weight of depression lands on your shoulders.

Bursting into tears at the smallest thing, especially when someone is rude to you isn't a pleasant at all, and I'm sorry this happened.

Loneliness is awful because it creates anxiety, depression and may affect your eating, sleep patterns and can increase your negative thoughts, that's what has to be broken, but you need to learn what your trigger points are, and the best way is to contact your doctor, who may then refer you onto a psychologist.

Ask them about the 'mental health plan' this entitles you to 10 free sessions with a psychologist.

It would be good to hear back from you.

Geoff.

[Meghan74]

Thank you Jeff for your advice. For now I want to avoid going to the doctor because I share my GP with the rest of my family, so I don't want them to be concerned about me. I'll see how I feel in the upcoming weeks, hopefully this was all just temporary. Uni has just been really difficult lately and I have really poor time management skills which has been adding to my stress. A holiday would honestly be the best medicine right now, but I need to wait a month for my break.

Once again thank you for all your support!

[smallwolf]

Hi,

Just a quick reply because I have to get a doctor myself shortly. I read your initial post about tips and suggestions... Have you looked at the threads on the forums about (1) grounding, (2) relaxation and (3) mindfulness. One book my psychologist wanted me to read was "The happiness trap". If you can get a copy of that book, it is a good resource and cheaper than psych sessions. I have other ideas I can tell you of if you are interested?

Tim

[Meghan74]

Thanks Tim! I'd love to hear more of your ideas.

[smallwolf]

One idea... I have 2 apps on my phone, recommended by my psych. The first is called virtual hope box. Not saying that you need this program per se, but one of the distraction tools is a word search game. The difference between this version and other versions is that the version in this app only uses positive words. Repeat those thoughts over a period of time and they work for me. So if this this program then a word search tool.

The other app is relax melodies, which contains sounds that you can layer on top of each other. (Free and paid versions.) Both have meditation functions as well.

I also write a gratitude journal. Sort of. I also have write down 3 things to look forward to, plus pleasure, accomplishment for the day, and find 3 positives in each day. And when looking at accomplishments or positives then don't discount small things like brushing teeth, showering etc.

Also,

Walking...

Music...

Reading...

Basically, something or anything that brings us back to the present moment. And not to think or worry about the future, of things that could be. I write this for myself and you, because this is something I have the deal with, or work through myself.

Tim

[geoff]

Hi Meghan, thanks for your reply.

Your doctor has confidentially on your file so no one in your family should know what's going on, however, have you thought about seeing your own doctor, all your files can be delivered to this new doctor.

I know this means establishing a new contact and knowing that the two of you can relate to each other, sometimes it maybe worth it, then your family don't need to know when you have to go.

Have you thought of deferring your uni after the break or at the end of the year, so you can concentrate on looking after yourself.

Best wishes.

Geoff.