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Guest_4502 Nothing helps body-related self esteem when it's true
  • replies: 6

I don't hate anyone. Not my abusers. Not anyone... except myself. I have exhausted multiple therapists with the net result being 'you're completely right, our only advice is to bottle it up and pretend it's not the problem it is'. I have been in ther... View more

I don't hate anyone. Not my abusers. Not anyone... except myself. I have exhausted multiple therapists with the net result being 'you're completely right, our only advice is to bottle it up and pretend it's not the problem it is'. I have been in therapy for years. I've beaten loss, grief, infidelity, divorce, depression, anxiety, identity issues, trauma, everything so many others can't. But this is different. Telling me to ignore what I hate, and focus on other things, is INSANE. It's like starving to death and saying your shoes look nice. You're still starving to death, they're different topics and don't in any way or form balance each other out. Or watching your uninsured house burn down, being happy your car is shiny. You have nowhere to live, and are financially devastated, but you can go cut hot laps of the city on Friday night. I'm fit, I'm healthy, I'm employed, other things are good about myself and my life and even my appearance. But none of it matters. It's like a glass of drinking water with a few drops of poison in it. What else is there doesn't matter, the overall picture is still coloured by the poison. I'm just exhausted. This will never change until the day I die. No amount of positive thinking, ignoring it, bottling it up, pretending it's fine, none of that will ever change it. That's all rubbish advice, I need a solution and there isn't one. I'm trapped. This is me and no amount of therapy will change how flawed my body is and how much it had affected or continues to affect my life, despite me soldiering on trying not to let it hold me back.

FeelinTired What are some questions that are important to ask before starting with a new therapist?
  • replies: 3

Hey all. I've spent the last few weeks short listing about 50-60 therapists to find someone for long-term treatment. In the past year I tried about 4-5 therapists and none really seemed qualified to help me. I learned that none of them have 'clinical... View more

Hey all. I've spent the last few weeks short listing about 50-60 therapists to find someone for long-term treatment. In the past year I tried about 4-5 therapists and none really seemed qualified to help me. I learned that none of them have 'clinical' qualifications and it's mostly been Gestalt or Jung theory, but more importantly I didn't have a conversation before booking, it was just 'are you available, what time should we book?'. I want to find someone I can click with, I'm going to call each potential therapist and ask them a list of questions (assuming they have availability) to see if they are a right fit. I have a rough idea of my 'problem', albeit it's difficult to discuss upfront. I don't know what 'kind' of therapy would help, I'm just looking for someone who makes me feel like there's hope and can give me some assurance that I'm not wasting my time. For people who have actually improved from their therapy, can you recommend me some vital questions to ask before committing to a session?

melhun79 PNES the diagnosis and how to sort it
  • replies: 2

My husband has just been told he has PNES which is short for psychogenic non epileptic seizures. Caused by his brain not coping with what he is going through. He gets this sudden dizziness then what he describes as an empty feeling inside then will e... View more

My husband has just been told he has PNES which is short for psychogenic non epileptic seizures. Caused by his brain not coping with what he is going through. He gets this sudden dizziness then what he describes as an empty feeling inside then will either just stop responding with eyes open or closed then starts with an fitting motion. no one has helped or told us how to guide him out of these. He saw a psychologist yesterday but she didn’t really give him any ideas. Is this something he will recover from and stop having? it seems to happen when he feels some sort of pain somewhere in his body, or anticipation of seeing a doctor. wondering if anyone else has gone through these and come out the other end and stopped them? Or clues on how to help him?

EllyJ EMDR - your experience and thoughts
  • replies: 2

Hi all, my psychiatrist has suggested me undergoing EMDR treatment for PTSD. My PTSD is from childhood sexual abuse, and it is aiming to desensitise me to those memories. I would like to know if others have received this type of treatment, and could ... View more

Hi all, my psychiatrist has suggested me undergoing EMDR treatment for PTSD. My PTSD is from childhood sexual abuse, and it is aiming to desensitise me to those memories. I would like to know if others have received this type of treatment, and could provide any words on your experience and words of advice. I'm kind of concerned about digging through all the traumas that I endured over approximately 12 years, but I'm looking for whatever treatment I can to relieve some of this. Many thanks in advance for your responses.

Elizabeth Louise How do I know if my husband has BPD?
  • replies: 6

I suspected my husband had BPD two years ago when i saw a drastic change in his behavior and he suddenly asked for a seperation. I felt like it was out of spite for "abandoning him". I felt that there was something else going on due to his deteriorat... View more

I suspected my husband had BPD two years ago when i saw a drastic change in his behavior and he suddenly asked for a seperation. I felt like it was out of spite for "abandoning him". I felt that there was something else going on due to his deteriorating mental health and because it was so impulsive. He was on medication for 20 years with an anti convulsant or mood stabilizer. Problem is a neurologist had prescribed this drug (not a pshychiatrist) and gave him the green light to come off it. But maybe it helped him! Even if it was for a different diagnosis. He had withrawls for 3 months crying feeling sad, not eating, not sleeping well. Then Covid hit in and his anxiety was through the roof. He had nerve pain in his arms at night which kept him awake all night not knowing why. Turns out the meds were masking pain. But the sleep issues continued horribly for 12 mths. Natural meds didn't help. I suggested sleeping tablets but he refused to listen, see therapist but he got offended. With covid, and increased responsibilities at home, lack of sleep, pressures with work, social isolation, he struggled to cope and Burnt out. He said he felt like he was going to die. This had an impact on our marriage but he believes our marriage was the problem. I think it was the other way around. His poor mental health created more conflict. He says he felt abandoned and unloved because I'd watch netflix or when he chose to sleep in the spare bed and felt alone when he woke up through the night. But he chose to sleep there! He's naturally an anxious and paranoid person and has a short temper. Now i think he has PTSD too. He cant handle stress and I have been walking on eggshells always doing something wrong. Meanwhile he idolises his parents and worships the ground they walk on. It seems like all he wants to do is be around them and just spend all day with them. I just feel that deep down there is an underlying issue with his mental health. How will I ever know? How will he ever know? He's finally seeing a Psychologist but I think the focus is on the seperation. I doubt that he explained the above as he doesn't acknowledge his health issues. He really needs to see a Psychiatrist.

guitarhwyrose Really struggling
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm a long-time reader of the forum. Now in my desperate state, I can't really think of a better way to describe it than that, I am nervously reaching out in the hope that someone/anyone here can relate to me even if just a little bit. First of a... View more

Hi, I'm a long-time reader of the forum. Now in my desperate state, I can't really think of a better way to describe it than that, I am nervously reaching out in the hope that someone/anyone here can relate to me even if just a little bit. First of all I want to say that I've made an appointment with my GP to do a mental health plan. Unfortunately that appointment isn't until 10 Nov so I want to try and help myself between now and then. A bit about me:- I'm 38/f.- In a relationship which I am very happy in, my partner 41/m is amazing.- I have Type 1 diabetes which I've had for coming up 13 years. It has been badly controlled because I turn to sugar and junk food to make myself feel better. I have recently seen an endocrinologist who is great.- The rest of my family (younger sister, younger brother & my mother – no father on the scene for nearly 25 years) is riddled with mental health issues.- I used to be in excellent physical condition, athletic and sporty, and very sure of myself. Never had many friends during school and copped a bit of bullying at the start of high school. Made some good friends when I moved to Melbourne at the age of 18, and never had any problems making friends until I was about 25.- No longer have any friends at all.- My main issue is crippling anxiety which in turn has made me extremely depressed. I can't go out and meet people because I'm petrified that nobody will like me. I can't work or volunteer because I'm terrified that I'll be no good at it, stuff things up, and they'll get rid of me. Even though I know I have good qualities, I struggle to believe and don't believe that others will see them even though in the past I've been told by colleagues and bosses how good I am at my job and various other very nice things. One boss even said I was the company's most complimented staff member ever (by clients) and he didn't know how they ever got by without me.- I procrastinate, get bored easily and can't stick with anything. In the 19 years I've been in the workforce, the longest I have ever been in a job is eight months. Oh god I could probably type all night but will leave it here. Thanks and sorry to anyone who read this far. I know I'm not alone but I feel so alone in this.

Puglett Did you want to be 'diagnosed'?
  • replies: 8

Hello everyone, Lately, due to the difficulties I've been experiencing, I've had a strong desire to get a proper 'diagnosis' (beyond just anxiety and depression symptoms plus OCD). I feel like more could be going on with myself. Did you ever go throu... View more

Hello everyone, Lately, due to the difficulties I've been experiencing, I've had a strong desire to get a proper 'diagnosis' (beyond just anxiety and depression symptoms plus OCD). I feel like more could be going on with myself. Did you ever go through a time when you really wanted to be diagnosed? I feel it would help me understand myself. I was also wondering how much info is okay to take to a Psychiatrist appointment? I have gone through different (free online) assessments myself and would like to share my concerns and results with the Psychiatrist, I have actually collaborated 'heaps' of information to take. Thank you x

kelpom Son refusing to see Psychologist
  • replies: 2

Hi, first time here. I’m at the end of my tether. My 13 yo son has been getting screened for adhd etc. the psychologist keeps calling him back to do more tests or doesn’t look at the screening forms for weeks which I feel is prolonging things. My son... View more

Hi, first time here. I’m at the end of my tether. My 13 yo son has been getting screened for adhd etc. the psychologist keeps calling him back to do more tests or doesn’t look at the screening forms for weeks which I feel is prolonging things. My son has anger issues and is very rude when we go. I wasn’t expecting this many appts however I have to take him tomorrow. I feel he will refuse. It’s after school. She’s had everything I can give her. Is it acceptable for me to go on my own. if I want therapy for him I’ll make that choice. Right now I want the screening to be done. I was told 4 appt plus parent appt. It’s been 8 tomorrow I think. I understand but am getting frustrated. I am also seeking my own mental health help as I’m now extremely down with my own issues. thank you for listening.

shayne w Adult Adhd
  • replies: 5

Hello there is there anyone else who has adult adhd and would like to discuss how it effects their life and what treatment they feel works..?

Hello there is there anyone else who has adult adhd and would like to discuss how it effects their life and what treatment they feel works..?

Honeybee12 Intrusive thoughts consuming my anxiety
  • replies: 2

hi everyone I’ve recently had an intrusive thought ever since I heard someone tell their coming out story. I haven’t been taking my antidepressants regularly for 2 weeks, like not at all. There’s been no reason why and I had a panic attack in front o... View more

hi everyone I’ve recently had an intrusive thought ever since I heard someone tell their coming out story. I haven’t been taking my antidepressants regularly for 2 weeks, like not at all. There’s been no reason why and I had a panic attack in front of my partner. I’m convincing myself of things that aren’t true, but I question every single thing about myself right now. I’ve started taking my antidepressants, contraceptive (yaz) and a hormone tablet for my hair loss. I’m a hormonal, paranoid, anxious insomniac. When I feel great and ignore the stupid intrusive thoughts that scare me into questioning my whole being, I feel fine. it’s hard to speak about to others in my life as they don’t respond or know what to say. What are some strategies I can use to ignore these severe intrusive thoughts?