Depression flare up

[Maryjane12]

Hi,

 At the moment I am having a really rough patch. I am both depressed and anxious and I am starting to worry that this is something I am never going to overcome. I just want to stay at home in the safety of my room all day. I miss my family so much as I am away from them at uni. I am not sure if I can make it to the end of the uni year, and have been advised to maybe take some time off however I don't want to have to repeat what I have already done this year. I am feeling so down and sad all the time. I have no motivation and am always tired. When I'm feeling so down like this I want to just retreat and be on my own. At the moment I don't really have any friends I can talk to or hang out with so I am even more inclined to just be on my own all the time and this is making things worse. I just don't know how to cope anymore. I haven't been able to see my psychologist for a few weeks and was relying on seeing her last week but unfortunately she was unwell. I am seeing her again tomorrow but I just can't see this whole thing getting any better soon. I really don't want to be like this forever.

[HA1]

Hi Maryjane!

I do feel for you having to try and cope with studying at Uni and what sounds like depression, as well as having no immediate support network available.  

Although you mention that you are seeing a psychologist, you don't mention whether you have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety or if you are on medication.

Can I suggest that you contact student services (or some other appropriate body) within the university that you are studying.  They will be able to assist you in the way ahead; whether that involves obtaining special consideration or deferral of your studies.  In my view, your health outweighs all other things, and if it is an option for you, then you really should consider this carefully.  

Will it last forever, well we are all different, and with the right treatment along with allowing your body and mind to heal without any unnecessary pressures can work marvels.  

What else are your doing to cope with your illness?  

K

[Maryjane12]

Hi Hideaway 🙂

 Thank you very much for your response. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and at the moment am on a combination of two medications. I have not had much success in the past with medications so have this year tried a lot of different ones which has been very frustrating. I will definitely take up your suggestion to contact student services, that seems like a really good idea.

At the moment I am pretty much trying to ignore the thoughts and trying to distract myself from feeling sad, but it isn't very successful. I am also finding that I am retreating from others a bit.

Thank you again for your help.

Mary