For anybody struggling ❤️ #2

[Okivia2020]

I haven’t left the house in three days, it is now unavoidable and I am dreading it. When did life get so hard? I swear I had my tit together once upon a time! Since October 2023, I have spent a total of 56 weeks in a mental health hospital. My last admission was 17 weeks long, and I was discharged last month. I am going back to work on Wednesday. April Fool’s day! An auspicious start. I don’t know how I’ll do it. I can’t seem to get myself out of bed before noon. I’m spending an obscene amount of time on my phone - Instagram and Reddit and just general doomscrolling. I get myself into a blind panic about the meds I’m on from reading all the arguments for and against. I’m getting no daylight, no movement and I’m not eating enough. My old eating disorder friend has been keeping me company as I isolate. I know what I should do, I know motivation follows action, I just am struggling to care. I’m comfortable in my discomfort, choosing the familiar hell over the possibility of an unfamiliar heaven I guess.

Anyway! I have been sitting on all of this for the last six weeks. Thank you for giving me a safe space to voice it.

Firstly you can do it! I really relate to you aswell as I have really struggled to “get out” it’s not a bad thing to feel isolated. For me personally I just want to feel safe scrolling the internet is something I do for everything, probably not healthy for any of us but day to day life in this day and age. I think you’re sooo brave for going back to work and I believe you can do it! april fool, April Schmool. Update us after your first day back

 

[allthingschocolate]

I hope you feel better just think how relaxed you will feel away with your family and how happy they’ll feel that your in their presence

Thankyou so much really appreciate it, yes I hope so too 🥲

 

[AL10]

I’m sure they’re just being overly cautious. Until there’s something to worry about, we won’t be too worried. Hopefully you’ll get an appointment soon, peace of mind is priceless.

Turns out they found a pea size lump and my doctor failed to tell me that so that’s freaking me out more! Can’t wait to get this scan out of the way and I pray I don’t have cancer x

 

[Queenbee22]

I just needed to reach out a bit regarding the struggle I’m having…

I left an entirely toxic work environment in September and came to a new one. It been going well but staff absence and staff leaving has now met me with feeling overwhelmed. We are constantly on the phone at the moment and sometimes I feel like a lot falls on my shoulders considering I’ve only been there 7 months. I think I cannot cope with stress after my last role and don’t know what to do. I’m so unhappy in life, I feel trapped in this job which is stressing me out, I can’t find a man and I wish every day for a different life. I’ve tried changing meds, counselling etc but I feel utterly broken. I get so depressed with the slightest downfall.
Thanks for listening

 

[Okivia2020]

I just needed to reach out a bit regarding the struggle I’m having…

I left an entirely toxic work environment in September and came to a new one. It been going well but staff absence and staff leaving has now met me with feeling overwhelmed. We are constantly on the phone at the moment and sometimes I feel like a lot falls on my shoulders considering I’ve only been there 7 months. I think I cannot cope with stress after my last role and don’t know what to do. I’m so unhappy in life, I feel trapped in this job which is stressing me out, I can’t find a man and I wish every day for a different life. I’ve tried changing meds, counselling etc but I feel utterly broken. I get so depressed with the slightest downfall.
Thanks for listening

I totally relate. It’s hard when things get on top of you but try and think this - a lot is on your shoulders because they trust in YOU. But if YOU want to leave then the ball is in your court and just start applying for a new job. They always say the best time to secure a new job is when you’re in one right? So just hold on in there! Just do a few applications a week and you’ll soon be hearing back. In terms of finding a man, you got this too! You need to believe in yourself and think of all the good qualities you have a man should be looking for you! Something my grandma told me was say to yourself everyday what you’ve achieved or are proud of or you like about yourself. I bet you can do that

 

[BettyRose]

I haven’t left the house in three days, it is now unavoidable and I am dreading it. When did life get so hard? I swear I had my tit together once upon a time! Since October 2023, I have spent a total of 56 weeks in a mental health hospital. My last admission was 17 weeks long, and I was discharged last month.

I am going back to work on Wednesday. April Fool’s day! An auspicious start. I don’t know how I’ll do it. I can’t seem to get myself out of bed before noon. I’m spending an obscene amount of time on my phone - Instagram and Reddit and just general doomscrolling. I get myself into a blind panic about the meds I’m on from reading all the arguments for and against. I’m getting no daylight, no movement and I’m not eating enough. My old eating disorder friend has been keeping me company as I isolate.

I know what I should do, I know motivation follows action, I just am struggling to care. I’m comfortable in my discomfort, choosing the familiar hell over the possibility of an unfamiliar heaven I guess.

Anyway! I have been sitting on all of this for the last six weeks. Thank you for giving me a safe space to voice it.

Firstly, well done on reaching a point of discharge - that's not an easy feat!

In terms of doomscrolling, as a fellow doomscroller I've found putting time limits on my social media, insta and TikTok really helpful with bringing my screen time down.

 

[flowersaresopretty]

I haven’t left the house in three days, it is now unavoidable and I am dreading it. When did life get so hard? I swear I had my tit together once upon a time! Since October 2023, I have spent a total of 56 weeks in a mental health hospital. My last admission was 17 weeks long, and I was discharged last month.

I am going back to work on Wednesday. April Fool’s day! An auspicious start. I don’t know how I’ll do it. I can’t seem to get myself out of bed before noon. I’m spending an obscene amount of time on my phone - Instagram and Reddit and just general doomscrolling. I get myself into a blind panic about the meds I’m on from reading all the arguments for and against. I’m getting no daylight, no movement and I’m not eating enough. My old eating disorder friend has been keeping me company as I isolate.

I know what I should do, I know motivation follows action, I just am struggling to care. I’m comfortable in my discomfort, choosing the familiar hell over the possibility of an unfamiliar heaven I guess.

Anyway! I have been sitting on all of this for the last six weeks. Thank you for giving me a safe space to voice it.

Sorry to hear this - I left a mental health hospital nearly a year ago now for the second time and I struggled initially with this when I came out. Motivation and mood was low but there is always something good to look forward to and so much hope. Not sure if you’re speaking to someone about how you’re feeling but would recommend if you’re able. I’ve been off social media since I came out cause was just too depressing. Exercise and running have really helped - as has listening to music. Raye’s new album is so beautiful and full of hope!
Also i know going back to work seems daunting but bring back to work will help your sense of purpose.

Really rooting got you it’s difficult but just as I often need to remind myself take things day by day

 

[Rockin' Robin]

I'm really feeling low at the moment.
One of the reasons is because I recently reluctantly visited a place , which holds mostly unhappy memories for me. I know it is unhealthy, but I'm holding on to resentments from years ago. I know I should not have gone, but I did.

 

[Carapop]

Sorry to hear this - I left a mental health hospital nearly a year ago now for the second time and I struggled initially with this when I came out. Motivation and mood was low but there is always something good to look forward to and so much hope. Not sure if you’re speaking to someone about how you’re feeling but would recommend if you’re able. I’ve been off social media since I came out cause was just too depressing. Exercise and running have really helped - as has listening to music. Raye’s new album is so beautiful and full of hope!
Also i know going back to work seems daunting but bring back to work will help your sense of purpose.

Really rooting got you it’s difficult but just as I often need to remind myself take things day by day

Oh thank you so much. It’s always lovely to hear someone else’s experience. Sadly this ain’t my first rodeo either! This was my fourth admission. Since October 2023 I’ve spent a grand total of 56 weeks in hospital. I am better at being in than out at this stage! Honestly, I’d live there if they let me. How was your experience?

 

[Carapop]

I'm really feeling low at the moment.
One of the reasons is because I recently reluctantly visited a place , which holds mostly unhappy memories for me. I know it is unhealthy, but I'm holding on to resentments from years ago. I know I should not have gone, but I did.

I’m so sorry. Places can really hold a lot of trauma. Were you under pressure to go? Or was it your own choice? Sometimes we pick at a scab knowing it will hurt but can’t stop ourselves.

 

[flowersaresopretty]

Oh thank you so much. It’s always lovely to hear someone else’s experience. Sadly this ain’t my first rodeo either! This was my fourth admission. Since October 2023 I’ve spent a grand total of 56 weeks in hospital. I am better at being in than out at this stage! Honestly, I’d live there if they let me. How was your experience?

Gosh that must be so difficult- you’re incredibly strong to be able to go through that and it’s great you’re so open about it. I’ve found it so hard to speak to people about it. I haven’t spoken to many people that have gone through it so sometimes I wonder too what others experiences are like. The last time for me was 8 years ago and I just never thought it would happen again. I suffered with psychosis after a miscarriage this time round, it was quite traumatic and I just stopped sleeping essentially. It was incredibly hard being back out and dealing with everything but I’ve had such good support and work has been amazing thankfully in doing a phased return. At first I was gutted it happened again but I’m just glad I was able to get the help and back on the medication I needed. I still struggle on some days though as things can linger from hospital (not sure if you’ve experienced this) but I’m slowly realising there is and always will be hope in the situation. And when I get in my head about things I go outside for a run or walk/ or go to Zumba and I just feel that normality again. Don’t have things like that that make you happy in the day to day and give you those endorphins?

 

[Rockin' Robin]

I’m so sorry. Places can really hold a lot of trauma. Were you under pressure to go? Or was it your own choice? Sometimes we pick at a scab knowing it will hurt but can’t stop ourselves.

Sorry it has taken a while for me to reply, I needed to de-stress and try to figure out how to cope. Unfotunatley my immediate "coping mechanism", was to binge on a whole packet of cookies. Which of course is no solution.

The traumas happened many years ago now, I thought maybe I was strong enough to visit the place. I've been back to the place, a few times, but dipped in and out of local shops and pubs. I perposely didn't linger on those occasions. On this occasion however, I visited with my partner who has a favourite pub there. He also wanted to spend some time at a pub that was closing down. I didn't mind, I like visiting pubs.

After we had visited the pub, he wanted to go to his favourite pub. I declined, it is a micro-pub which can get quite busy. I really don't do crowds. Instead I caught a bus to a supermarket on the outskirts of the town. After my visit, I tried to contact my partner, but it just went to answer phone. I decided to go back into the town, and see if he was still at the micro-pub.

Trying to squeeze through the wall to wall customers, was quite stressful. I found my partner at the back of the pub, chatting away to people. He didn't know I was there, because he had his back turned to me. I let him carry on talking, he was enjoying the conversation.

My late brother had close connections with the town, other close family members lived there. To be back in that environment, stirred up the traumatic events from the past. I stayed there too long on this occasion.

 

[AL10]

3 month wait for the breast clinic for an ultrasound for me, my god that’s so long away I can’t cope

 

[AladdinSane]

3 month wait for the breast clinic for an ultrasound for me, my god that’s so long away I can’t cope

Were you referred on an urgent 2 week pathway? They should always refer you on that if they suspect cancer.
I'm sorry you're going through this, it is so stressful

 

[boomska]

I had a therapy session tonight and we spoke about how I’ve been feeling. It’s definitely helped , and made me feel like I’m not alone. But one of the reasons I’ve felt lonely recently is because I haven’t been socialising!

I’m a socialable person and like doing things, meeting new people and friends, but I guess I got it into my head that I’ve got to become an introvert to enjoy my own company and be the person I want to be.

 

[J3N1800]

Hi all,

What a loving, wholesome and supportive thread. I love Tattle for this.

I've been struggling with some symptoms of stress, anxiety for about six months.

I went to the doctor with high blood pressure readings (confirmed during my appt) and physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue.
I was asked to record my BP readings for a week, which averaged out as less concerning.
I was also sent for an ECG, which came back ok.
The doctor suggested everything looked ok, but the physical symptoms may be due to 'slow building stress' and suggested I see how I get on...

Since, I've tried to manage this myself. I've gone through 2 bottles of CBD (which didn't have a significant effect, but felt like *something*) and I'm currently a few weeks into taking daily Ashwahganda tablets which I believe reduce cortisol (the stress hormone)

Additionally, I have attempted to resolve some work stress - which has been ongoing since November but a lot of 'promises' made are taking a while to come into fruition.

I am still struggling with regular headaches, fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, I feel super sensitive most days where a single incident could spiral into tears and a meltdown.

I'm curious at what stage I go to the Rr and explain I've tried to persevere, but I'm struggling and what are the next steps are likely to be?

 

[Carapop]

Hi all,

What a loving, wholesome and supportive thread. I love Tattle for this.

I've been struggling with some symptoms of stress, anxiety for about six months.

I went to the doctor with high blood pressure readings (confirmed during my appt) and physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue.
I was asked to record my BP readings for a week, which averaged out as less concerning.
I was also sent for an ECG, which came back ok.
The doctor suggested everything looked ok, but the physical symptoms may be due to 'slow building stress' and suggested I see how I get on...

Since, I've tried to manage this myself. I've gone through 2 bottles of CBD (which didn't have a significant effect, but felt like *something*) and I'm currently a few weeks into taking daily Ashwahganda tablets which I believe reduce cortisol (the stress hormone)

Additionally, I have attempted to resolve some work stress - which has been ongoing since November but a lot of 'promises' made are taking a while to come into fruition.

I am still struggling with regular headaches, fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, I feel super sensitive most days where a single incident could spiral into tears and a meltdown.

I'm curious at what stage I go to the Rr and explain I've tried to persevere, but I'm struggling and what are the next steps are likely to be?

Today. Make an appointment today. You’ve been struggling for six months. You’ve made changes and they haven’t alleviated your anxiety. Most medications for anxiety take 4-8 weeks to take effect. Although honestly sometimes just taking that next step can be in and of itself a comfort. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll feel the benefit. Meds can be life changing. They have saved my life. And it’s not a life sentence. It is just something that you need right now.

Edit:

Wait! Just to rule out all possible physical causes!

Have you had blood tests done? Thyroid issues or iron deficiency can sometimes present as anxiety too.

How old are you? Could it be perimenopause? I have always been anxious but my anxiety spiked when I started the peri.

 

[J3N1800]

Today. Make an appointment today. You’ve been struggling for six months. You’ve made changes and they haven’t alleviated your anxiety. Most medications for anxiety take 4-8 weeks to take effect. Although honestly sometimes just taking that next step can be in and of itself a comfort. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll feel the benefit. Meds can be life changing. They have saved my life. And it’s not a life sentence. It is just something that you need right now.

Edit:

Wait! Just to rule out all possible physical causes!

Have you had blood tests done? Thyroid issues or iron deficiency can sometimes present as anxiety too.

How old are you? Could it be perimenopause? I have always been anxious but my anxiety spiked when I started the peri.

Thankyou so much!
I haven't had blood tests, but will ask my GP!
i'm 36, so quite possibly...!

 

[Carapop]

Thankyou so much!
I haven't had blood tests, but will ask my GP!
i'm 36, so quite possibly...!

Have a look here and see if you have many of these symptoms. Peri can’t be detected by bloods, but by symptoms. If it’s peri, then HRT is lifechanging.

What are 34 symptoms of perimenopause?

A comprehensive list of the 34 symptoms of perimenopause including in depth information including hot flushes

www.mymenopausecentre.com

Go to doc and ask for a full blood panel to rule out thyroid and iron (make sure it includes ferritin!) and vitamin deficiencies. If it’s one of those, there are meds and supplements to address.

After exhausting the above avenues, ask GP if you could try an anti anxiety medication (they’ll probably recommend sertraline or lexapro). Be patient, they take time to take effect. And you may need to try a few different ones before you land on the one that helps you. Finally, please don’t heed other peoples experiences on them, it’s so incredibly individual, every body responds differently.

Sorry I sound like such a bossy know it all, but I’ve been through the mill over the last few years with all of this. If I can spare someone else, then it won’t have been for naught!

There are so many avenues to explore. I’m sure one of them will bring you back to yourself again.

Let me know how you get on x

 

[AladdinSane]

I'm going through a phase of being constantly anxious and on high alert. Constantly googling stuff and just stressing about everything.
Adult life is hard work. But I dont think we as a country make it easy for people at all.