Depression

xjlmummy

Hi all,
Ok so how the bleep do I get the gp to take me seriously? Tried to go with DH and 3 DSs to beach today but totally panicked in car (luckily DH was driving) so ended up screaming and crying at mum's house (nearest "safe" place). Absolutely terrified in the car, also increasingly agoraphobic, only really controllable in bed at home but even then my stomach hurts with stress and my head keeps whooshing.
Anyway, 3 valium later and DH gets me an emergency gp appointment. He looks at my recent history, agrees a lot is going on and says maybe he'll refer me back to the counsellor on the local CMHT (but there's a 4 month waiting list). I asked for an assessment with a psychiatrist, more and stronger pills to get us through the weekend or even admission to the local acute MH unit, but nada - "go away and think about it and come back on Wednesday. Seems an awful long way off from where I am now....

Sorry to moan, you're all going through stuff I know.
S.x

Tiff_2

Hi flis!:hello:
Good to hear from you hun.;)
quote=flis21

Hi All,
Sorry I haven't been about much last 2 days. I confessed that I was feeling a bit down and stressed out so people have been 'entertaining me'!! Anyway, back on my own now. Looking forward to another Friday night on my tod. Hubby is working till 10.30. Can't wait for tomorrow, when I get to see him all day.
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time angel. I am proud of you for telling people how low you're feeling!:T Because you did that hun, people were able to try to help or be careful not to make too many demands on you. It's not a sign of weakness to tell those around you how you're feeling angel - I think it's very smart.;)
You really need to start to praise yourself for managing when OH isn't there angel.:T It shows that with a lot of effort, you can cope on your own hun. In time that will get easier if you tell yourself good things each time you do it on your own. We're very good at putting ourselves down but self praise is very important and will raise your self esteem.;)

Anyway, today hasn't been too bad. Read a book in one sitting. Then put a couple of movies on and started a jigsaw puzzle. It will probably end up sitting on my dining table for 2 weeks until I get fed up of looking at it unfinished and just put it back in the box, but it gave me something to do this afternoon!!
Now remember this flissy angel - it's important for you for when you feel your mood slip.
You have said that you did all these things to help yourself - and it helped!:j Hun, it worked!:T Well done. It's very hard work I know, but you did it!:A

Being creative or active in some way seems to help - especially the creative part. The good things here are that you are trying to manage your ill health and that you've done things that got you through.;)

Now don't laugh ok? Or go rabid on me.:D But... go to somewhere like Wilkos, buy a pack of felt tip pens and go to the colouring book section. No, Tiff hasn't finally lost her last marble!:rotfl:
In that section, you will find books full of intricate geometric patterns. May be called doodle books? Anyway guys, these are extremely good for distracting yourself when you're anxious. They are addictive, published regularly, and because you have to concentrate hard on colouring in the very complicated patterns, it distracts you from your anxiety and can leave you fully relaxed. Some people do them as a hobby. I've seen them being used by mental health activities staff - it really does work.;)

Not feeling too bad. Hubby has been making sure I take my meds everyday, which helps. I am terrible for forgetting them and it does make me feel really low if I haven't taken them.
I'm so happy that OH is so supportive angel. If you're having trouble remembering your meds, and buying one of those pill boxes doesn't work, then try writing down the list and times of what you're supposed to take in a little notebook, and put it in plain site so that you can keep checking it.
Write down the date and the time and the name and amount of whatever you take. By making this an activity in itself, it should help you remember once it becomes habit. Another thought is that as well as keeping a little notebook, you could ask a family member or good friend to phone you when your meds are due. This will hopefully help to reinforce the routine.;)

I must say guys, that you have to take your meds continously for them to work properly. There's no point otherwise.
If you're going for a night out, you can't not take them for a day or two, so that you can drink. It's very dangerous to mix alcohol and meds. By stopping the meds, you are stopping your recovery.
You may think one day won't make a difference but believe me, it can. Plus you then also get into the habit of stopping them, especially if you socialise regularly. And then the meds don't have chance to build up in your body and do their work properly. Sorry guys, don't mean to lecture.:o If you didn't need these meds, and there wasn't a prescribed way of taking them, then you wouldn't have been given them. It's your help that you're messing with imho.;)

Not much planned for the weekend. Might be going to sister in laws for a BBQ tomorrow if the weather is nice (and they can buy a BBQ, they are going out in the morning to look for one!)
Anyone else got any plans?quote
I'm glad you've got something to look forward to angel.;) It's supposed to be extrememly hot this weekend!:cool: Don't worry if you haven't got anything planned for the weekend guys. Relaxation is fantastic therapy! (As is spending money and Justin Timberlake!:D :rolleyes: )
Tiffy's got to clean out the litter tray and cat bed and then I may do some gardening. Musn't forget to schedule some catnaps.;) Very exciting.:rolleyes:
Anyway angel, have a good weekend. Thinking of you hun - keep up the good work!
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

Tiff_2

Hi xjl!:hello:
I'm so sorry you're not well angel. Keep as calm as you can hun - it won't help your anxiety though I can understand why you're so upset.;)

quote=xjlmummy
Hi all,
Ok so how the bleep do I get the gp to take me seriously? Tried to go with DH and 3 DSs to beach today but totally panicked in car (luckily DH was driving) so ended up screaming and crying at mum's house (nearest "safe" place). Absolutely terrified in the car, also increasingly agoraphobic, only really controllable in bed at home but even then my stomach hurts with stress and my head keeps whooshing.
Ok hun, you were brave enough to give it a go - well done!
And, you have safe places planned for if you do feel poorly when you're out! These are two positicve things angel.:T
Hun, I know you're trying but you must get the drs to listen before you get truly agoraphobic. I would also mention your physical symptoms when you're in bed hun as they may be able to help with those, even if they are due to anxiety. Always better to get them checked out too.;)

Anyway, 3 valium later and DH gets me an emergency gp appointment. He looks at my recent history, agrees a lot is going on and says maybe he'll refer me back to the counsellor on the local CMHT (but there's a 4 month waiting list). I asked for an assessment with a psychiatrist, more and stronger pills to get us through the weekend or even admission to the local acute MH unit, but nada - "go away and think about it and come back on Wednesday. Seems an awful long way off from where I am now....
Ok angel, I would not be satisfied with these answers if I'd just been through that experience.

The first thing to do if you're still feeling like this, is to see another dr. Don't leave it. I'm no professional, but 5 days is an awfully long time to have to think about it. I'm sure you must have thought about it, for you to even have asked for it!:rolleyes:

I know they're extrememly busy, but if you need a dr urgently, ask for a home visit. If not, make an appt for Monday.

Another option if it happens out of hours as an emergency, is to go to A&E or Newdoc.

You can also phone NHSDirect for help with your mental ill health. NHSDirect are able to advise on mental as well as physical ill health.

Mental health acute clinics are usually fairly, if not totally, full. If your local clinic is full, the mental health professionals can admit you temporarily to one in a different area if they feel you need that care and there's a space - even if it's a private one. It's always best to be nearest to home angel for the sake of continuity of care, but there are such options, in an emergency.

If you speak to another dr, make sure OH is with you hun. Witnesses can help people act sometimes if they can verify all you're saying.

Ask again for help, make sure they know how very ill you feel. Ask again to see a psychiatrist if you feel the need hun. Every hospital has one on call 24 hours in emergencies.

Also xjl, ask for a referral to the local Crisis Team if you're not admitted.
They can phone you (or even visit you if you're very poorly) daily and can evaluate your situation. You can also contact them at your worst times for support.
They can access emergency help should it be needed and are trained psychiatric professionals. You may even want to call your local mental health clinic and ask for their number to see if they can help in an emergency.

Next step, imho, is a trip back to the gp's on Monday with OH or Mum to verify your situation. The professionals do know best and if you're not happy with the response from one dr, see another one angel to get another opinion. If you really can't wait until then hun, try the above sugestions.

Sorry to moan, you're all going through stuff I know.
S.x
quote
Don't worry about that hun.;) Take care angel.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

EthelBloggs

Hello everyone :hello:

Sorry I've not been around for a while, I didn't feel comfortable posting here as I was feeling stalked and harassed by someone, however I've realised now that it's their problem not mine and if they've got nothing better to do than pester me then f*kk em!

Hope everyone's fine and enjoying the lovely sunshine I've not read back cos there's just too much of it, but I have noticed it's been a bit quiet of late.

Lots of love

xxxxxxxxxx

Sazbo

EthelBloggs wrote: »

Hello everyone :hello:

Sorry I've not been around for a while, I didn't feel comfortable posting here as I was feeling stalked and harassed by someone, however I've realised now that it's their problem not mine and if they've got nothing better to do than pester me then f*kk em!

Hope everyone's fine and enjoying the lovely sunshine I've not read back cos there's just too much of it, but I have noticed it's been a bit quiet of late.

Lots of love

xxxxxxxxxx

Elloo ethel hunniiiiiiiii:D :j :money: Good to see ya! Sunshine's fab innit, not that I've been out today lol! I got one eye on Man U v Watford. Sadly, Man U a goal up already:rolleyes: How's you hun? Been clearing out Boots with ya vouchers recently?

Luv,
Ms Sazbomberrrrrxxxxxxxx

gillette147

Hello two of my fave girlies xxxxx

I mite have SADD coz now the weather's good I feel alot better/optimistic.

Went out for a coffee with ex-workmates this morning and heard they've forced my other mate there into a worse job or he would have been made redundant....so glad i'm out of there.

I've lost £35 at one casino but made £61 at another...so i'm up on my 3hrs "work" today.

I've got man U on tv but Nine Inch Nails playing on PC.

Ooooo is it 1-1?

I mite paly more attention now.

Sazbo

Hello you, our favourite badger! :wave:

Sadly Man U are ahead again. Grrr. Chelsea had better win tomorrow or there'll be serious rattle throwing out of the pram at Saz Towers tomorra.......

Glad yr feeling better in the sunshine hun, I think seeing the sun always makes everything feel better for me.

Don't go too crazy in them casinos now, d'ya hear?:)

Sazzyxxxxxxxxx

gillette147

I'm £721 up and £700 of that has been made in the last 10 days.
It's very welcome after 5 months off work.

EthelBloggs

Hellooooooo to favourite badger and one and only sazbomber :wave:

I think I'm the same too in terms of SADD.. mnd you I've been taking the Vitamin D whenever I remember and omega 3 and those helped a bit too. Back in my yoof, I used to use sunbeds and they had a big effect on my mood.. I felt fabulous

done sod all today but sit in the garden in me vest n knickers, lol. I enjoyed it, not sure what the neighbours thought, hehehee


I want to learn how to do that matched betting thing.. I've seen some peeps on here making thousands out of it n I want some!!! It just seems so complicated :eek:

Sazbo

EthelBloggs wrote: »

Hellooooooo to favourite badger and one and only sazbomber :wave:

want to learn how to do that matched betting thing.. I've seen some peeps on here making thousands out of it n I want some!!! It just seems so complicated :eek:

lol i looked at that too. decided it was too much for my one remaining brain cell to figure out... maybe badger can give us a tutorial:D

Ethel you got DD with you this weekend?

Sazbomberxxxxxx