its getting worse

[kyraroar]

its worse than its ever been. the breath taken right out of me. constricted. stuck. lost.

[White_Rose]

Dear Kyraroar

Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. So pleased you have written in, even such a short post as this. I presume you are talking about depression as you have posted in the depression forum.

Can you tell me how your depression is worse and what has happened to make you feel so dreadful and unable to breathe. I wonder if you have had a panic attack as feeling as though you have lost your breath as well as feeling dreadful is what happens with a panic attack. They are pretty horrible when they happen and I found them to be incredibly scary.

I am going to suggest you have a look at the BB site, especially the information here. Explore the blue tabs at the top of the page and when you find information you feel is useful, then either download it or send for hard copies. Being informed about your mental health is always a great step to take.

I am sorry I can only offer general suggestions as I am not clear what is happening to you, so I will ask you some questions. Only answer what you feel comfortable with. Have you been diagnosed with depression, or any other mental illness? If so are you receiving ant professional from counsellor or psychologist? Have you been prescribed medication?

Asking these questions makes me sound a bit like a counsellor, but I can assure you I am no such thing. I am a person who has lived with depression for a while. At first it was devastating and I felt as though I could not breathe at times. Panic attacks all over the place. I talked to a psychiatrist for several years then my GP took over. I believe I had far more practical help from her than the psych for many reasons.

I had a relapse several years ago because of bullying and it took a while to get back to solid ground. I took antidepressants but none of them really helped. I either had horrible side effects or there was no improvement. Eventually my GP prescribed a medication from the original ADs and it works very well for me. Only one small side effect which I can live with.

Would you please write in again and tell me what is happening for you? I would like to help and support you as much as I can.

Mary

[Autumn_girl]

I know those days kryaroar where it feels impossible to move, let alone breathe...

Are alone? Is there anyone who can just be there with you for a bit?

If there isn't anyone there with you and you don't feel like you can talk, build your nest...

Two years ago my dad died without warning and last year my mum had a major stroke which has left her with vascular dementia. I couldn't get up off the floor on some days or leave my bed. Sometimes I still struggle, today is one of those days of feeling it.

When it gets bad I build my nest..I put on my comfiest clothes, get my favourite things around me: my books, my music, a warm cup of tea and snuggle under the blankets with a hot water bottle and just concentrate on breathing and accepting what I feel, breathing through it and around it.

Put your arms around you, cry if you need to and keep breathing. Take care of you just like you would take care of a little child that was sad and feeling unwell. When we feel extremely heavy and vulnerable, lots of gentleness is needed. Be gentle with you, breathe around the heaviness, slowly and gently. I hope you find some comfort in these words, I'm thinking of you and sending you kind thoughts x