Daily support needed

[Ames82]

Hi all,

this is a little complicated and I’m still bit nervous to post but here goes... I am not in a good place right now. Severe depression and anxiety. My meds have been increased but it simply isn’t helping. My psychiatrist and psychologist are pushing for me to be admitted into a psychiatric hospital but I’m not up for that . I hide my illness to my family and friends for a number of reasons and my admission to a hospital would mean a whole part of my life unveiled which would come as a shock to them. I’m not ready for that. I have formal therapy once a week. At the moment this isn’t enough. I was recommended the mental health crisis team to check in but again it’s too hard to talk on the phone... I even have anxiety about taking phone calls so I avoid it . Problem is I really need some consistent support as it helps me give something to focus on and get through. Is there any other alternatives apart from a hospital admission. Is there a sms support around. I know there is online chats but I hate re explaining my story every day. I don’t know if any of this exists but I’m really trying to reach out . I have no safe family and friends and I’m in a dark place and I can’t get out of it.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Ames,

Good on you for posting. I know how nerve racking that can be so I’m glad you decided to post.

I feel severe depression and anxiety can be so debilitating. It takes such a huge toll on us...

I get what you’re saying about how you’re looking for daily support but it can be very hard to find. I also understand that talking on helplines/phones triggers your anxiety, and using live online chats can be exhausting as you have to repeat your story each time.

So I was thinking perhaps an alternative is to simply write on the forums daily. Your previous posts will show up meaning you wouldn’t have to be constantly re-telling your story. That said, the main drawback is we aren’t professionals here. We can give support as peers (i.e. everyday people who also live with mental health issues) but not as professionals...

Hopefully other forum members chime in with their suggestions.

Once again, good on you for writing here. I feel that was brave and, if you’re feeling up to it, but no pressure, I hope we hear from you again.

Kind and warm thoughts,

Pepper

[Alexlisa]

Hello Ames,

I'm really sorry that you're having such a tough time. It sounds so hard and I'm glad you reached out here.

I know that you said you don't want to be admitted to hospital, and I've been in that position too. I fought for years against the idea, but then I did go to hospital and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. If you have private hospital cover please consider it as it is an amazingly supportive environment where you can feel safe and less alone while you get help to find your feet. I learnt so much about how to manage my illness. There are lots of different types of people there who are going through the same thing as you, and I've never felt so well supported in my life.

The other thing you could consider is outpatient day programs (if you have private health cover). The private psych hospitals usually run day programs every day where you go there to get support for the day, and then go home. This might be a good option for you if you're worried about your family/friends knowing. Again, the psychologists and people that I've met at these groups make me feel so much less alone and overtime I've become comfortable to open up to the group and find it really grounding to know I have that regular support.

I hope this helps a little. I know that the thought of hospital can be very scary, but please think about it. If you want to know anything more about it, just message back.

Take care,

Alexlisa x