Not sure what to do...

Sean123 · ‎22-06-2014

Hi everyone, I'm new here so I guess this is my introduction. I also need a step in the right direction so any words are appreciated.

I'm 19 and it's only since the start of the year where things have fallen apart a little bit. Over the last 6 or 7 months I feel myself slowly getting worse. It's only in the last 2 months though, that things have gotten on top of me. Almost everyday I feel down, depressed or like the world is against me. The pressures of uni are overwhelming and everyday I survive feels like it's been a struggle. I've been getting nervous and anxious more often over heaps of different things as well.

With all of this going on, I am not sure what to do. My uni offers free counselling and am not sure how to go about that. I don't know if counselling is the right step for me, does anyone have any experiences to share?

Also, in terms of my friends, well my social life isn't terrible. I have a decent amount of 'friends' but only really 2 or 3 close friends. One of my close female friends noticed I have been more down and asked if I was ok. I just opened up a little bit (because I feel I can trust her) and told her that I wasn't doing so well. She seemed quite supportive, and I kind of want to let her know exactly what is going on, but can't really bring myself to say any more. Is telling her a good idea? I feel that having a friend to rely on could help if things ever got really rough but don't know how to ask her to chat, let alone if I should or not.

If anyone is willing to share some advice or let me know their opinions, it really would make a difference. Thank you! 🙂

vip · ‎22-06-2014

Hi Sean welcome to the forum I too suffer with anxiety and yes take that counselling offer up that definitely helps . My anxiety was through the roof when I sat my TEE exams which now think they are called leaving exams (Yr 12) if you still don't feel counselling has done much then please see a GP and you may need some meds to calm the anxiety . As for friends don't worry I only have 2 or 3 too that I trust and can speak with take up that offer and use that shoulder to lean on to get you through it. Hope that helps take care

Struggler · ‎22-06-2014

Hi Sean123

I strongly recommend seeing the free uni counsellor and open up to her. They can help work out the cause of your depression or the trigger and take it from there. They can also help extension for your exams if you need to or ask for supplementary exams. They can do heaps more. When I was in uni, I went to them and I came out feeling a lot better.

Another course of action is to see a sympathetic GP who might refer you to a psychologist to work out a health plan for you. If you are student, you might have a health care card and expenses are all taken care of, I think. It's been so many years since I was in uni. There is also a list of GP listed here on this forum.

Regarding your friend, I am of two views. One, she might feel sympathetic and supports you but remember supports wear thin after a while. On the other hand she might feel she already has her own problem and doesn't want other's as well. It is up to you. Going to professionals is the safe way.

Please let us know how you get along and take care.

Struggler

geoff · ‎23-06-2014

dear Sean, welcome and thanks for posting.

I agree with what Struggler has said about mentioning on how you are feeling to your friend.

I once told my 'best man' about my depression and what has happened, but that was the last time I ever had contact with him, he never rang me or came to visit me.

This may not happen with everyone but odds on it does.

I am in two minds about uni counsellors, only because they don't have the experience that a psychologist has, but considering this it's the first step to seeing them, but I also suggest that you see your GP who can organise a medicare plan for you, which means that you have 10 free visits to a psych.

I would also consider deferring your uni course and return to it when you are feeling better, because at the moment your not well enough, so your concentration is not 100%. Geoff.

k_therase · ‎23-06-2014

G'day Sean123

I have been through a similar situation.

As I turned 18 everything just went down hill and I now suffer from anxitey, depression and panick attacks. I had to leave school and pushed all my friends away.
I am now 19 and things are still tough, I have tried to suicide twice now but i highly suggest doing something before it gets to this point.
I stopped every method of help and support and it all ended pretty badly.
School councelling is the first step and just making sure you take some you time out of uni because that is such a massive pressure.

I suggest keeping up the updates on here, and there are many services out there such as head space, youth services and support centres that are of great help.

just keep your head up and talk things out with your mind before they get too far and overwelming.

Sean123 · ‎23-06-2014

Thanks all for your words. It means a lot to know that there are some caring people out there.

Today, I called the uni counselling service and have booked a full session late this week. I actually felt better after I did it, knowing I'm taking a step to help myself. I hope to be able to completely open up, so I can really find out why I'm feeling like this. If it doesn't go as well as I hope, I will see my GP too, and get some help from there.

In terms of my friend, I understand exactly what you're saying. She might not even understand any of what I'm going through, or be as supportive as I like. But, in the years I've known her, I feel like she won't just turn her back on me, and if she does, then she isn't the close friend that I though she was. I'm still undecided as to whether I should tell her or not, but really would like that safety net with a friend (or friends) if I take a turn for the worst. I guess that's part of going through this, all the indecision and self-doubt changes how you see situations really affects you.

AGrace · ‎23-06-2014

Hi Sean,

A wise choice to see the uni counsellor. If they cant help im sure they will at least point you in the right direction for where to get some support.

Regarding your friend, if you feel comfortable chatting with her, why dont you just ask her if she would be happy to be someone you can lean on and someone to lend an ear and keep an eye on you? That way you'll have your answer before going into detail.

Let us know how you go with the counsellor. You've come this far, hang in there.

AGrace