Hi I’m new and I need help

[Bonabie]

Hi, I’m a 22 y/o enrolled nurse currently studying to be a registered nurse. Whilst studying I work for a nursing agency giving me the freedom to work when I choose. All my life I’ve been living with anxiety disorder which has then stemmed depression, panic attacks, OCD, insomnia and many phobias. My problem is that I’ve only recently been diagnosed. I always new I was different, I was just never really educated on mental health disorders until I studied it through nursing but the main thing that made me realise what I had was an add on tv for anxiety. It was one of those adds that are like “If you suffer from the following you may have anxiety”and I realised that yes I suffer those things everyday but I thought everyone did? When I finally realised straight away I went to my GP which then referred me to a psychologist. My problem at the moment is that I’m finding it really hard to cope. I just feel like I’m not getting any better and that I will never get better and it’s making me very very sad to the point where I don’t sleep at night, I find it difficult to get out of bed and shower and pretty much do anything and I just don’t know what to do. My psychologist doesn’t seem to be helping very much, she talks about herself a lot but because I’m new to it I’m just not sure how it is supposed to work. I live with my parents and they really don’t understand me at all even after all this time. During a panic attack they yell at me to stop and then start to laugh at me which obviously makes its much worse. Sorry for rambling I just find it very hard to talk about these things in person so this is a lot easier for me to let it out. The depression is definitely affecting me a lot at the moment and I really am not liking it but I don’t know how to make it stop. I need help.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Bonabie,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for being here. You're totally in the right place.

I'm sorry that you're struggling with this and it sounds like both your psychologist and your parents aren't really that understanding or helping right now. I am glad that you're seeing a psychologist though because it shows me how motivated you are to change the way you're feeling.

Although to be honest I feel frustrated too - it's not your psychologists job to talk about herself. It's your time and your money! There are lots of different tools and strategies and techniques psychologists can use depending on which one you see, but all of them focus around you - not her. I feel like if the session is about her then it's kind of wasting your time, and I couldn't recommend highly enough to see a different psychologist.

I feel like maybe there's a few more things I could say, but I don't want to overwhelm you, so instead I'll just say this: it does get better. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, insomnia and phobias do not have to rule your life.

There are a few resources that might be helpful, like brochures, apps, free online courses, books etc - feel free to pipe up if you're interested in this. It's certainly not the same as therapy but it might help you feel a little bit more in control. Here's one of the many resources - https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Anxiety

[Doolhof]

Hi Bonabie,

Hopefully you are still connected to the forum. I know it can feel a little daunting when you first join here, you don't know what to expect. I see Romantic_thi3f has responded to you.

One thing with being diagnosed with conditions, is you can now use that information to realise what is happening to you and why, research your conditions and find ways to help yourself as much as you can.

Yes, we have a name for the condition, but that does not mean the condition is who we have to be in a negative way.

Sorry to read the psychologist is not being all that helpful. Maybe you could have a list of what you would like to discuss in a session and keep reminding her that it is you that needs the help.

If you do some research on say anxiety and panic attacks, you could find a suggested strategies that will help you and ask her to explain it further to you. Or like Romantic suggest, try another psychologist if that is possible.

If you call the Beyond Blue phone service, 1300 22 4636 the support people may be able to suggest places you can receive help and assistance in your area. They have assisted me numerous times.

Please know you are welcome to share here any time and as often as you like.

Cheers from now from Dools