Mental struggle

[Scubascubascuba]

Hi all, it's difficult to explain I went from being my happy self to three weeks ago got a double eye infection which the dr said was conjunctivitis, results came back with hsv1( herpes simplex virus) in both my eyes and it's completely shattered me. My anxiety levels have been through the roof losing the will to function with the fear of going blind. I've never felt this low and helpless in my life, I really don't know what to do feeling trapped in myself with no where to run. It's such a uncommon thing to happen with my specialist telling me I could be the only person in the country with this condition which wasn't great for him to say knowing how it must feel to be me. I feel know one can help me and being lost is a understatement, I don't know how to live at the moment holding on for better days to come but my mind is so wired and stressed right now I feel it will never get better dreading my future. I'm crying out for help 

[Sophie_M]

Dear Scubascubascuba
 
Welcome to the Beyond Blue forums we are so glad that you have made you way here and had the bravery to post. Our fellow forum users will provide honest responses and suggestions, please know that this is a a safe space to discuss your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
 
Scubascubascuba, we are also reaching out to you privately to offer you additional support as we can hear it’s been a difficult few weeks for you; with becoming ill, having to depend on your specialist for the outcome of what may be a life changing condition, and this we imagine, is leaving you feel like you have very limited control.  It’s understandable as to why you are feeling as you mention, wired and stressed. 
 
When we become physically injured or unwell, it’s common for the symptoms including the worry that comes with illness can influence what we think, how we feel and what we do. We are glad that you are engaging well with your specialist, are you also in touch with your GP?  This might be a good step in talking about the feelings of helplessness you are experiencing right now and getting you in touch with someone, like a psychologist who can provide you with some strategies to navigate through this difficult time.
 
While you are waiting to hear from one of our lovely community members, you might like to give us a call, we are here 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via our WebChat. 
 
We’re so glad you reached out this evening, it really is a positive step towards better mental health and to know more than anything that you are not alone in this.  
 
Regards 
 
Sophie M
 

[mmMekitty]

Hello Scubascubascuba,

Although I see an Ophthalmologist regularly, I am no expert. One thing I find most helpful is information. If you can talk to your GP, or get another appointment with your specialist, take your questions & concerns, written down, if you want, & ask them to explain more. Is there a treatment - you didn't say. You don't have to, of-course. If no treatment has been offered, why not ask if there is anything that would treat this virus. I'd be surprised if there wasn't. I know  the Herpes Simplex Virus  could affect skin, cold sores & such, but as I said, I am not an expert.

I can only suggest making a long appointment with your GP to have enough time to ask all your questions, to talk over how you feel, & if you need extra help dealing with your fears & anxiety. 

I think it's agreat idea to call BB's Counselling Service, if you'd feel better beginning with that anonymous contact with a counsellor. You are always welcome to talk here, but the response is usually not so immediate.

Warmly,

mmMekitty

[Petal22]

Hi Scubascubascuba,

Im sorry you are feeling this way I understand it’s hard.

Im sorry for your diagnosis but did the doctor actually say you will go blind?

Please if you are googling symptoms on google please stop doing this because it will only make you feel worse.

When we are feeling very anxious it can make us catastraphonize it’s sometimes part of the anxiety.

You could have a chat to your gp about the way your anxiety is making you feel.

Please come back to us.