Terrified to open up

[dunross]

Hi everyone,

As I write this I am shaking. I have been reading these forums for the past 24 hours after my girlfriend recommended them to me. The decision to register and write my first post is truly terrifying. Even though I am anonymous on this forum I want to try and connect with you over my mental health experience, as well as the experiences of the community. But this prospect is very scary.

So far I am only comfortable with my girlfriend, my psychologist and my psychiatrist.

I've been receiving treatment for depression and mild anxiety since mid 2015 but it is something I have struggled with my whole life. This week I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

I am not sure how much more of my story to tell you. I am struggling with every aspect of life at the moment.

I hope trying to connect with this community will help.

Although I am very nervous, I look forward to hearing from you.

d

[swtpotato]

Hi dunross,

I know how hard it is to make that first post, so honestly well done for getting to the point where you want to continue seeking help, I will try and give you a warm welcome.

I am still relatively new compared to many others here but have found it a very non-judgmental caring place, where I have come to accept many of my issues more than ever before.

I am 22 female studying at uni. I was not diagnosed but am almost certain I had MDD last year to earlier this year, and have struggled with anxiety to different degrees for as long as I can remember, both of which I am now being treated for.

You can use this thread to vent, share your experiences, ask questions, or just chat if you would like, and you can check out others including the social zone. I am sure many people would benefit from hearing of your experiences. But say as little or as much as you would like.

How has your treatment been going?

It is good to meet you and hope to see you around,

- m

[Branka]

Dear Dunross

Wwelcome to the forum. It's really good that you have made a start. I myself kept debating about opening up about my own issues and it's scary. The people are supportive and hope you know that you are not alone.

I have suffered from anxiety all my life and depression since I was 16. It's horrible. Now I find myself in a situation with my abusive son and find it hard to make a decision about moving out.

Please open up and share your thoughts. It will make you feel better. Sounds like you have a great girlfriend. Take care.

[geoff]

hello Dunross, I'd like to welcome you to the site, and yes it is very scary deciding what you want to say, whether you go straight to the point or whether you decide to approach it with care, because you're not sure what sort of reaction you may get.
You write a comment, look at it, edit it and then delete it only wishing that you hadn't done that, so you sit looking at the screen, probably with tears in your eyes, but desperate to post something, so you start again and then press post.
With having anxiety then you've also got depression, the two of these go together, although one may seem to be more dominant than the other, it's just as likely to be reversed, however both of them are there causing you much distress and sadness.
One of my concerns is that seeing a psychologist as well as a psychiatrist may conflict in their treatment, such as, you say something to one of them that has been spoken about with the other then they may not agree or question why it has been spoken about, this may not happen, it's just a thought.
This site is anonymous, no one knows who you are or what you look like, so you're safe and please know that this forum is built on trust, so please don't worry and hope to hear back from you. Geoff.

[Mathy]

Hi Dunross and a big welcome to you!

Yeah, the struggle over the first post is scary, because it means putting your description of self out there in public (anonymous of course), well done, you won that battle 🙂

It’s lovely that you have a supportive girlfriend and health professionals who you are comfortable with.

Let us know how you’re getting along, cheers M 🙂