Hi, decided to start here.

[Becca1670]

I am Rebecca, and I need help.

I have battled mental health issues for almost a decade, starting in early adolescent years. Depression and anxiety are my worst two.. I has been really bad in the early stages and received medical help at hospitals, from counsellors privately and at school, tried a few medications, and overall never had much improvement. I have short bursts of happiness but they are hard to get and keep. I got to a point where I could barely get out of bed, I would barely eat then binge causing a tonne of weight gain. I also went through a hard breakup, I am now back with the same man after a couple year break where we wanted me to try and 'find myself' and have the space I thought I needed. I have seen some improvement now with him but I realise this means my good moods are dependent on him.

Recently I started my first full-time job, re-enrolled into University and started a sport. I overloaded myself to try and distract myself from mental issues but it made them worse, I have bottled things up and have recently lashed out a lot having large anxiety attacks and incredibly negative harmful thoughts. My partner isn't sure how to support me but wants to be with me and help me to get professional help. We have joined a gym to try and help with my mood and get me back to a body I am confident in, we also are working on improving our diet and cutting out bad foods and alcohol.

I have such a negative and worried that if I go down the path of seeking help I will waste time and money and still see no improvements.

What should I do to start my journey to recovery? Some tips would be wonderful because I am sick of wasting my younger years feeling beyond blue...

[Guest_0087]

Hi Rebecca

Welcome to the forums and it's great that you reached out here.

It is a tough one I know, because you really want to feel good and better about things, but when it doesn't work out that way it can be disappointing. The good thing is that you have someone who wants to help you and be there for you. That is a great start. Finding things together and working on those tings can be a good thing. Try not to look for quick results though because it can take time sometimes. Great that you are actively making changes though because that is the first step. Food and a healthy lifestyle make a big difference.

One thing I found for me is that I let my happiness be dependent on other people. That is a tough thing to do. You obviously want to spend time with the people who make you happy, but when you rely on the other person, you start to lose a bit of yourself. Self care is very important and taking that time for yourself to shut off from everything else and just that happiness for yourself is a great feeling. I love playing golf or watching planes, and it's often something I do myself which I find gives me a good lift.

You are doing a lot of the things that many would recommend and it's great to see you are taking those active steps. Can I ask how long you have been doing all of this for?

[geoff]

Hi Becca, welcome and thanks for posting your comment.

I'm about to log off but saw your comment, so this will be a short reply, until tomorrow when I can reply better.

Can I ask you to click onto 'Get Support' and scroll down until you see 'Publications to download or order', this can be done by ringing BB to order, but this booklet does explain so much about depression of all types it's worthwhile getting and also how to help someone?

Have a look and I'll get back to you tomorrow as I start at midnight.

Please enjoy yourself tonight, now it's night time, sorry.

Geoff.

[Becca1670]

Thank you for that 🙂

have only recently started the new changes such as gym and new diet. I had done this previously but lost motivation in a tough period. I am hoping having my partner will help me remain focused to achieve my goals.

[Guest_0087]

Hi Becca

I completely understand. Motivation is a hard thing and I have been through it too. You are very fortunate to have someone with you, so that is a good start. Now you also have the forum for that other support and motivation. We are here to help you when you need to talk or vent or whatever it is you want, without adding a burden on yourself or your partner.

You're doing well, so keep going at it and you will reach your goal. Keep us posted and let us know how you get on.

[baet123]

Hi Becca,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for posting. I can tell you are extremely resilient and that is amazing. You are also very brave for sharing your situation with us.

Sorry to hear that you have been through a lot in the past. I really believe your happiness/mood depending on others is not ideal to be honest. It is important to be happy and get ourselves right, not relying on others to make ourselves happy. I think it would be worth taking care of yourself and discovering who you are and being happy and content with yourself before you enter a relationship with another person again. Depending on others for our happiness is generally not the most optimal situation.

It is awesome that you are sharing your feelings and emotions. Keeping them in and bottling them up is almost never beneficial. It is also great to hear that you are exercising more and studying. This is amazing and you should be proud. This will help contribute to a balanced lifestyle which will go along way to improving your emotional well-being, self-esteem and improving your self-worth.

I recommend you go to your GP and ask for a mental health care plan which will entitle you to 10 free psychologist sessions. Whether you use this service to just chat and get everything off your chest or whether you work on some intervention techniques/methods including CBT & DBT just to name a few, this will be extremely beneficial for you and some professional help is something you should consider.

Don't be too hard on yourself. You are doing amazing and are an inspiration to a lot of people including myself.

Hope this helped.

Please keep us posted.

All the best and keep fighting the good fight Becca.

Nick.

[geoff]

Hi Becca, just wondered whether you have had a chance to look under the 'Get Support'?

When we try to feel better sometimes we are able to commit ourselves to do a few tasks altogether, but there's a limit as to how much you can do and that's what you have to careful of because eventually, it may become all too much.

Concentrate on what you feel you would enjoy better and get the help you need and ask your partner if he would like to go with you to an appointment.

Geoff.