Hello all, I’ve just joined and after reading some posts thought I would introduce myself. I’ve battled depression to varying degrees most of my adult life and have had a couple of significant episodes of anxiety lasting months in the past. I had severe postnatal depression and anxiety when my daughter was born, as well as postnatal psychosis and several months of menstrual psychosis in her first year. I spent seven weeks in a mother baby unit as a psych patient. I’ve been on the same antidepressant medication since she was a week old, she just turned 14.
I’ve had a tough year with my 85yo Dad’s health which is now thankfully much better but I do worry about him and my Mum as I am very close to them. I’m studying a masters degree in social work and I know I put huge pressure on myself to excel... I’m not a perfectionist by any means but I do obsess about the study. I’ve become very isolated and haven’t been looking after myself at all. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who is also my best friend, but he’s been traveling so much for work and I miss him terribly - he has been away this week, due home next Friday.
Last Sunday, it was as though something inside me snapped and anxiety exploded, and I’ve been struggling to cope. The thoughts are mainly around fear of death and loss, and general feeling of dread. I saw my psychologist and GP today and I’ve been reaching out for support from friends which is not easy for me to do. I called the BB helpline a couple of days ago and spoke to a really helpful guy so I decided I’d come here and sign up.
I’m doing my best to challenge thoughts and stay mindful etc, but it’s hard 😕 I’m doing guided relaxation meditations, would be interested to hear what strategies are helpful for others.
