Anxiety, depression and a Psychologist

[Teenager_1997]

Hi All,

This will probably come out as word vomit as I struggle to express things through words sometimes.

I have suffered from depression/anxiety/self-harm since I was about 11, however was not diagnosed or 'helped' (i suppose you could say) until I was 14, when I began seeing a psychologist and continued to do so for almost 3 years. I only stopped seeing her because she went to have her baby. I was feeling quite a lot better about things and life was looking up, I was finishing school and going to uni, I was excited and happy for once. But then the problems came back. Except the difference is, there isnt really a real reason for it; i like uni, i like my friends, i like my job..... Nothing is bad except Im depressed and Im anxious to the point of feeling physically sick. Not wanting to go back into the horrible spiral I told my mum and we went and saw the doctor today, he recommended I go back to my psychologist, or another one. But the thing is I dont think I want to. The idea makes me embarrassed and anxious, and I just cant see it helping me in the long run. It helped me when there were actual things making me upset and anxious, but the problems have come back and I just cant see talking about something that just isnt there to talk about is going to help me..... Both of my parents are depressed (both medicated and functioning fine), if that makes any difference?

Im just not sure what I should do, the thoughts of self-harm are coming back a lot and I really dont want to go back down that path again. 

I would really appreciate anyone's advice and a fresh outlook on the situation.

Thanks guys x

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[beyondblue_Online_Communi]

Hi Teenager_1997, thank you for sharing your story with the beyondblue forum community.

Sounds like you have been struggling on and off with depression for long time. It is really good to read that you sought professional support in the past and that you found it helpful. You have taken another good step by going to the doctor. We would also urge you to start seeing a psychologist again. There is no shame in seeking professional support when you need it. The psychologist or counsellor can help with new strategies as well as looking at the underlying causes of your worries.

Often lifestyle changes can make a big difference too. Try to look after yourself by getting exercise and eating and sleeping well. While this won’t make your troubles go away it will help you deal with whatever comes your way.

Remember you do not have to put up with feeling this way. You can get help and begin to recover. Please remember that we are here for you too. We encourage you to call the beyondblue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 if you would like to speak to one of our Counsellors. We can help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with counselling support, information and referrals to ongoing support services in your area.

[Doolhof]

Hi Teenager,

I have just come across your post and noticed it was some days ago. I hope you are still checking your posts! Sometimes there are so many people sending in messages, that posts move over to the next page very quickly.

I'd like to welcome you to the Beyond Blue Forum and hope you stick around for contact, advice and sharing. The moderator has given you some great advice.

From my own point of view, I have sometimes thought I can handle things on my own, only for the depression to escalate and then to become almost unbearable.

There doesn't always have to be a reason for depression to be present, it can just be there if we want it or not.

Last year I tried to be strong and thought I wouldn't bother my Dr. any more, only to fall into a heap and was hospitalised in the end for two weeks.

The time in hospital did me the world of good, but I could have handled things so differently if I had admitted I had a problem.

So my suggestion is to follow up on the ideas the moderator has given you and also follow your DRs. advice and see a psychologist.

I hope you can put some of the ideas given to you into action!

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools