New, saying Hi

[Kate1117]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new.

I support someone with diagnosed mental illness - my partner. That person is getting a lot of support. Me - not so much. Six years of this and I'm starting to come apart myself.

You know what it's like? When it rains, it pours. So, the perfect storm of multiple pressures and problems and responsibilities is buffeting me from every angle. I'm very strong. But when it gets this tough and it's all on me, I start to wonder what will happen if I can't keep up with everything. I have an appointment with GP next week so I'm being proactive - no worries there. But there's no time for myself - for fun, enjoyment, relaxation or good solitude, so I'm not sure how I can create the space I need to feel okay about the future.

Anyway, Hi!

On a brighter note (and to balance out those weather analogies), having some great weather in my part of Australia. Hope you're finding something good about where you are too!

[blondguy]

Hi Kat1117

Welcome and thankyou for being a part of the forums too!

I understand your situation as I have also looked after a loved one with mental illness and its a very difficult caring role to be in as it can be very taxing on our own mental health...

You are an intelligent and proactive person to seek some assistance and good on you....that makes you amazing

I used to have had chronic anxiety back in the 80's which has dissipated and now have depression under management (my super legend GP)

Im in vic and I really hope we can get some rain soon......its like a dust bowl here

I hope you can stick around the forums Kate......if you can that is 🙂

My kind thoughts

Paul

[smallwolf]

Welcome from me also... You seem have to have everything in order reading your post about the GP. Bonus point for you.I am sure you will, but with any discussion with a GP and/or psych. is honesty regardless of how hard to question might be. No answer is better than a lie. Your GP might also ask about family history of depression. You can get this from parents... I likely did!

You will find here people will have their own thread for discussion and may/will offer/add posts to other people's threads. You will also other threads under the BB cafe which can provide a simple distraction. The community here is very good. Hope to see you around.

[Kalinda123]

Hi Kate

I have been in relationships with a few people, the last two had diagnosed mental health issues. My previous partner had OCD and depression, and the one before that had bipolar. Basically you probably already know this but the more you can understand about the mental health issue, the effect of the medications etc, I think the better. So the more open communication you can have with your partner about their issues the better, and also even if it is your partner with the diagnosed problem, it doesn't mean you should have to always be the strong one. You should also be able to tell them your problem of needing some time for yourself. And you should also find a way to take it somehow. There are little things you can do (posting on the forums maybe a good start 🙂 ).

Also agree it is a good step to talk to the GP.

Kalinda

[Kate1117]

Thanks for the warm welcome Paul.

That was a good 'walk-around' the forum, thanks smallwolf.

I agree Kalinda, I need to let my partner know that I need my own time.

I think it will be one day at a time for this next couple of weeks. I just don't want to get to that stage where I can't get out of bed, can't bear seeing anyone. Been there before. Not really an option now that I have people depending on me.

See you around the forums!

[geoff]

hello Kate, and can I also welcome you to the forum.

It's great that you are helping your partner, but one thing you have to do is look after yourself because you need your strength so that you can know what to do and how to do it with your partner.

When the situation does become tough and you aren't strong enough to give the best advice, then little may happen or any resolution may not be appropriate, whereas if you have received help yourself then you will know exactly what to do.

You know one trigger and that's not getting out of bed which you want to avoid.

Get all the assistance you are offered by your doctor. Geoff.

[Kate1117]

Thanks heaps Geoff for your wise words.

I agree, I need to maintain my own strength. Maybe even find some fun (might have to remember what that is first!).