Lets all be anxious/depressed together.

Hersheys · 21-06-2013 12:20am

Marzipan85 wrote: »

therapists (if they are suitable trained/qualified) should have no problem with that. you could always just ask initially, if you didn't just want to blurt it out without knowing if they were comfortable. Like 'is it ok for me to talk about issues like this'? then you're not making an assumption. if you have a properly trained therapist, they are trained how to listen and respond appropriately to all sorts of issues.

Well therapist is trained & knows of the past issues with the abuse but am kinda regressing a little & dealing with things through sexual stuff and I know that's wrong.

Marzipan85 · 21-06-2013 12:29am

Hersheys wrote: »

Well therapist is trained & knows of the past issues with the abuse but am kinda regressing a little & dealing with things through sexual stuff and I know that's wrong.

don't know why i'm on so late! the only thing you can't mention to a therapist is sex with a minor (person under 17 years) cos they are obligated to report that to the guards. but other than that. like if you are being promiscuous (with ppl over the legal age) i'm sure therapists deal with that all the time.

Gremlinertia · 21-06-2013 8:47am

Hersheys wrote: »

Well therapist is trained & knows of the past issues with the abuse but am kinda regressing a little & dealing with things through sexual stuff and I know that's wrong.

I don't think the therapy thing is too linear in structure though, so wouldn't see it as regressing, more like that's the bit that's at the surface currently and so it's what you need to talk about this day/week/month whatever..

Hersheys · 21-06-2013 10:17am

I just feel guilty if she's made a plan to work on X this week and then I rock up and focus on Y. It feels counter productive.

allandanyways · 21-06-2013 10:25am

I've just started counselling after several years of anxiety, depression, self harm, self medication, out of character behaviour etc.

The problem is, when I'm in the counselling sessions, I'm really calm and just talking about the stuff that p1sses me off. I'm not crying, I'm not upset.

I feel like I'm wasting her time, and work are paying for the sessions so I feel like I'm wasting their money as well.

I don't know why I'm so depressed, I think it's just "in" me, and I don't know what the point of me going to counselling is now, since I don't seem to be getting stuff out as such.

Anyone have a similar experience?

Viva La Gloria · 21-06-2013 12:43pm

Marzipan85 wrote: »

don't want to be putting you in a box, but sounds like your self esteem is a little low (like most people's is!). your mental health is really important, and there's no shame whatsoever in looking after it. getting yourself better is just as important for you as it is for any other person with a severe/moderate/mild problem.

No, you're right. That's part of my problem!

Marzipan85 · 21-06-2013 1:58pm

allandanyways wrote: »

I've just started counselling after several years of anxiety, depression, self harm, self medication, out of character behaviour etc.

The problem is, when I'm in the counselling sessions, I'm really calm and just talking about the stuff that p1sses me off. I'm not crying, I'm not upset.

I feel like I'm wasting her time, and work are paying for the sessions so I feel like I'm wasting their money as well.

I don't know why I'm so depressed, I think it's just "in" me, and I don't know what the point of me going to counselling is now, since I don't seem to be getting stuff out as such.

Anyone have a similar experience?

sure you don't have to be crying to merit seeing a therapist. i'm sure it's easier for therapists to really deal with issues when their client is calm enough to think clearly. if you're discussing stuff that pisses you off, then you're getting something off your chest.

i've done about 3 years of seeing a psychotherapist, and think i might be done with the one-on-one scenario. getting to the point where i'm sick of talking, talking, talking. and feels easier to be with a group of people, where you can just contribute to discussion and stay quiet if you want. think this is something i can get a bit of enjoyment from too. if going to individual therapy doesn't give you a sense of 'getting something off your chest', or even a sense of enjoyment, you could try joining a group, like Aware or something like that maybe? being in a group removes that isolation (and sometimes over-analysis of self), and you can see how 'normal' other people are who suffer with mental health problems.

carlab_ie · 21-06-2013 2:10pm

Hey all, been struggling with depression for 10 years. I moved to Ireland almost a year now and it has been great, been feeling much better actually. The worst is being alone and all that. Sometimes I feel really suicidal, but then I look at my cat and I think nobody would be there for her if I took my own life.

Royal Irish · 21-06-2013 5:57pm

Anyone know if GP's in Ireland are allowed prescribe Diazepam, valium, xanax, and the likes?

Been having panic attacks which seem to be getting worse lately and my GP said only a consultant doctor can prescribe them and GP's cannot.

Hersheys · 21-06-2013 10:15pm

Royal Irish wrote: »

Anyone know if GP's in Ireland are allowed prescribe Diazepam, valium, xanax, and the likes?

Been having panic attacks which seem to be getting worse lately and my GP said only a consultant doctor can prescribe them and GP's cannot.

Tbh I'd say its just that he doesn't want to prescribe them. Are you on any other medication for anxiety?

If yes, interactions can occur so its best to have them prescribed by a psych consultant who understands the meds better.

If no, gp's are loathe to just hand out benzos like smarties to anyone who walks in saying they've panic attacks. Maybe talk to your gp about long term solutions, counselling/meds. Benzos may seem like the answer but they are for short term anxiety issues. Your issue seems more persistent.

Hersheys · 21-06-2013 10:17pm

allandanyways wrote: »

I've just started counselling after several years of anxiety, depression, self harm, self medication, out of character behaviour etc.

The problem is, when I'm in the counselling sessions, I'm really calm and just talking about the stuff that p1sses me off. I'm not crying, I'm not upset.

I feel like I'm wasting her time, and work are paying for the sessions so I feel like I'm wasting their money as well.

I don't know why I'm so depressed, I think it's just "in" me, and I don't know what the point of me going to counselling is now, since I don't seem to be getting stuff out as such.

Anyone have a similar experience?

What issues do you want to work on? Could you write them down and give them to the therapist so he or she knows what you want to achieve from it?

Hersheys · 21-06-2013 10:19pm

carlab_ie wrote: »

Hey all, been struggling with depression for 10 years. I moved to Ireland almost a year now and it has been great, been feeling much better actually. The worst is being alone and all that. Sometimes I feel really suicidal, but then I look at my cat and I think nobody would be there for her if I took my own life.

Where are you based? Do you have any social outlets? May ease the loneliness.

Hersheys · 21-06-2013 10:21pm

I am in the midst of one of the most stressful times of my life. I'm going to get through it but its bloody hard. I can't see the light yet but I will keep trying to head in the right direction if nothing else...

Life... They say when it serves you lemons make lemonade. I'm drowning in lemonade & there are still truckloads of lemons arriving.

Royal Irish · 21-06-2013 11:04pm

Hersheys wrote: »

Tbh I'd say its just that he doesn't want to prescribe them. Are you on any other medication for anxiety?

If yes, interactions can occur so its best to have them prescribed by a psych consultant who understands the meds better.

If no, gp's are loathe to just hand out benzos like smarties to anyone who walks in saying they've panic attacks. Maybe talk to your gp about long term solutions, counselling/meds. Benzos may seem like the answer but they are for short term anxiety issues. Your issue seems more persistent.

Not on anything. I have been trying to get an appointment with someone on the more mental health side of things since February with no joy.

Hersheys · 21-06-2013 11:12pm

Royal Irish wrote: »

Not on anything. I have been trying to get an appointment with someone on the more mental health side of things since February with no joy.

Will your gp not prescribe a more long term solution?

Viva La Gloria · 21-06-2013 11:36pm

Hersheys wrote: »

I am in the midst of one of the most stressful times of my life. I'm going to get through it but its bloody hard. I can't see the light yet but I will keep trying to head in the right direction if nothing else...

Life... They say when it serves you lemons make lemonade. I'm drowning in lemonade & there are still truckloads of lemons arriving.

Sending lots of positive thoughts and lemon squeezers your way!

Hersheys · 21-06-2013 11:53pm

Viva La Gloria wrote: »

Sending lots of positive thoughts and lemon squeezers your way!

Thanks

Just trying to juggle so many balls & wish I had the confidence to stand up for myself

tell some people, who are aware how much pressure I'm under, to FRO so I can put me first for once

Marzipan85 · 22-06-2013 10:48pm

Hersheys wrote: »

Thanks

Just trying to juggle so many balls & wish I had the confidence to stand up for myself tell some people, who are aware how much pressure I'm under, to FRO so I can put me first for once

don't you mean 'juggle so many lemons?'

Hersheys · 22-06-2013 11:39pm

Marzipan85 wrote: »

don't you mean 'juggle so many lemons?'

See? I was so stressed that I confused balls with lemons. At least I know why my game of tennis was quite bitter and sticky... It was a lemon, not a ball. D'oh!

Lightbulb Sun · 23-06-2013 12:18am

I sense an in-joke.

NegativeCreep · 23-06-2013 12:38am

Anyone have any calming techniques for interviews? It's a phone interview and it's tomorrow. I'm not too nervous now but I know I will be tomorrow?

Hersheys · 23-06-2013 8:41am

Lightbulb Sun wrote: »

I sense an in-joke.

Ah I just made reference to lemons and lemonade in a post on Friday

Hersheys · 23-06-2013 4:34pm

Stress

Cannot find any of the positivity I've had the past few days.

Gremlinertia · 23-06-2013 4:43pm

Hersheys wrote: »

Stress

Cannot find any of the positivity I've had the past few days.

Have you tried the mindfulness that worked for you before?.

Hugo Stiglitz · 23-06-2013 4:51pm

NegativeCreep wrote: »

Anyone have any calming techniques for interviews? It's a phone interview and it's tomorrow. I'm not too nervous now but I know I will be tomorrow?

I find Olbas oil great for calming me down and controlling my breathing.

NegativeCreep · 23-06-2013 5:09pm

Hugo Stiglitz wrote: »

I find Olbas oil great for calming me down and controlling my breathing.

Just got off the phone there. It was OK, went completely red and am now soaked in sweat but at least he couldn't see that!!

Hugo Stiglitz · 23-06-2013 5:33pm

NegativeCreep wrote: »

Just got off the phone there. It was OK, went completely red and am now soaked in sweat but at least he couldn't see that!!

Fair play for going through with it! Fingers crossed that you'll get it

NegativeCreep · 23-06-2013 6:50pm

Hugo Stiglitz wrote: »

Fair play for going through with it! Fingers crossed that you'll get it

Hopefully I do

Anyone know the price of xanax in a Pharmacy? (Definitely not looking for it off the street)
I think I might ask my doctor to prescribe me some. Could come in handy fr things like interviews, exam and meeting people for the first time.

I've realised now that my anxiety is way worse than my depression and I think my anxiety could even be the cause of my depression! I used to think I was majorly depressed and slightly anxious but this is definitely not the case!

NegativeCreep · 24-06-2013 5:35pm

Didn't get the job. Didn't fuckin want it anyway. The medical card people would want to pull their head out of their asses and just send my feckin medical card already. GP visit cards aren't much good and it's just frustrating when you KNOW you're eligible for a med card.

Call Me Jimmy · 24-06-2013 5:48pm

That is strange re: medical card. They have been very timely and good about my medical cards (had it for the last 2 or 3 years). Is there a problem or are they just taking their sweet time about it?

Sorry to hear about the job but if ye didn't even really want it your probably better off. Ye'll get something, try and stay positive.

NegativeCreep · 24-06-2013 5:59pm

Call Me Jimmy wrote: »

That is strange re: medical card. They have been very timely and good about my medical cards (had it for the last 2 or 3 years). Is there a problem or are they just taking their sweet time about it?

Sorry to hear about the job but if ye didn't even really want it your probably better off. Ye'll get something, try and stay positive.

I'm a full time student and financially dependent on my parents (my Dad is the only one with any income and his only income is basic state pension).
Three times in the last year I have applied for a medical card and gotten the GP visit card which is useless in fairness. I know I'm eligible for the Medical Card (the people at citizens information and my doctor say so anyway) and my father has one so I don't see what different between me and him. Income is far below the limit.
Maybe it'll just come.

Hersheys · 25-06-2013 8:03am

NegativeCreep wrote: »

I'm a full time student and financially dependent on my parents (my Dad is the only one with any income and his only income is basic state pension).
Three times in the last year I have applied for a medical card and gotten the GP visit card which is useless in fairness. I know I'm eligible for the Medical Card (the people at citizens information and my doctor say so anyway) and my father has one so I don't see what different between me and him. Income is far below the limit.
Maybe it'll just come.

Have you submitted a letter with medical grounds as to why you need a card?

NegativeCreep · 25-06-2013 12:12pm

Hersheys wrote: »

Have you submitted a letter with medical grounds as to why you need a card?

No

Would they accept depression and anxiety as a reason?

Hersheys · 25-06-2013 12:26pm

NegativeCreep wrote: »

No Would they accept depression and anxiety as a reason?

If you can get a letter from your GP outlining that you require regular appointments to monitor medicine or any other long term illness and how you are under financial stress which is adding to your anxiety and how it would be beneficial for you to have a full card rather than just a visit card, they should give you one.

Depression/anxiety are just like any other long term illness. Just cos you can't "see" them, doesn't mean they're not there or that they're any less serious than other illnesses.

ulinbac · 25-06-2013 2:27pm

Hey Folks,

I've had panic disorder about 16 months now and would like to consider myself at the stage of managing it. There is no such thing as a cure, as we need anxiety/stress in our lives and its more to do with accepting it for what it is and realising when the panic and negative thoughts are there, we need to realise what they are annd cannot harm us. Easier said than done!!!!

I will elaborate on my story another time, but just to let you know that I was hospitalised in May last year, but with the help of a fantastic medical team in SJOG, great support from family and friends I'm here and fortunately able to work in a good/highly stressful job in and IB and loving it!!

Anyway, I wanted to pass on some tips that I found helpful that may help others

1. Talk to somebody (GP, family member, friend, teacher etc.) as soon as you think there is something wrong with your mental health. It is by far the biggest obstacle you will face and you will feel a great deal of stress lift from your shoulder

2. Research. Part of my job is solving problems and with my stubborness treated it in a similar way that i would in work. I'm not saying Dr. Google!!. Ask you doctor, psychiatrist, counsellor etc. for books websites etc. It is very common so don't fear reading about it, though it can be uncomfortable to read about at times.

3. DIET!!! Is very important. Im not saying no sweets, common sense like not spending the day eating crap. Fruit veg etc. need to be part of your daily diet and DON'T skip breakfast

4. Exercise according to your abilities a few times a week. No better way to get rid of aggression/anger etc.

5. HYDRATION HYDRATION HYDRATION!!!! When I increased my water intake to 2.5litres from 1.5 a day ---- Notable decrease in anxiety

6. Meditation. I do Transcedental meditation and finds it works quite well. 20 mins in morning and evening (most days)

7. Counselling/Psychiatrist. Did pyschotherapy for 9 months, was great in delaing with issues. I still go to shrink once a quarter just to see how I'm doing. make sure you have the right one though.

8. Recovery Inc. helped me for the first 6 months out of hospital. very nice and dedicated people and great structure in place

9. Panic Away Programme - You can google that :P

10. Routine -Anxiety hates structure

Hope this helps

pinkstars · 25-06-2013 2:59pm

Hi there,

I will copy and paste what I have said in the other forum.

Thanks for the info. So interesting. I try to meditate too, what sort of meditation is the one you use? Do you mind me asking are you on meds too?

I think the Panic Away Programme is quite expensive, I did think it was a scam at one point (sorry)

I was doing well up until a few weeks ago but I am very unwell since.

ulinbac · 25-06-2013 3:48pm

Hi Pink,

What other forum was it?

I use Transcedental Meditiation (TM). Found it really good but expensive at the start. It depends what suits but I noticed a decrease in about 2 days in anxiety. That said I still do get heightened anxiety but recognise it. It tends to happen when I havent kept up my TM, exercise or moving around with work. (I work as a bank contractor so move around countries a bit)

I'm not on meds and tbh don't like taking them. The reason for this is because I have had to take tablets for spinal problems over the years and I really HATE taking meds. I looked at anxiety of more of an equation to be solved. My medical team saw this and decided no meds, which I was happy with. That said, if people need meds then take them (don't stop unless told to do so by your doctor!!

However, I don't like how easy Xanax are prescribed by GPs without getting to the route of the problem. I had one doc tell me the get over my attack (first one and rang ambulance thinking heart attack)! It has amazed me how some people think they have been given meds and they will be fine, when there is hard work needed to do yourself.

In the 16 months I've taken 6 Xanax (last one was in Jan on a flight) and I always feel worse on the come down. I remember been given a Diazepan and sleeping tablet one night and felt so crap the next day i refused them from them when offered again. This is not to be hard or anything just my opinion and I had loads of supprot everyday to help me aswell!!!!

Pink,

It will pass, honestly. Can you meet with your counsellor at all?

pinkstars · 25-06-2013 4:43pm

Sorry don't have a chance to send a full on reply now, but I sometimes post in the forum 'Let's all laugh at people with depression'.

I try to practice mindfulness, I think meditation is really good.

If only I had more time!!

Hersheys · 25-06-2013 4:49pm

Have you tried the headspace app?

pinkstars · 25-06-2013 5:02pm

No, tell me is it good??

NegativeCreep · 25-06-2013 5:22pm

Hersheys wrote: »

If you can get a letter from your GP outlining that you require regular appointments to monitor medicine or any other long term illness and how you are under financial stress which is adding to your anxiety and how it would be beneficial for you to have a full card rather than just a visit card, they should give you one.

Depression/anxiety are just like any other long term illness. Just cos you can't "see" them, doesn't mean they're not there or that they're any less serious than other illnesses.

Will the doctor write a letter saying all that even if I've never been to her about my depression or anxiety before? I'm worried that she'll think I'm making it up just to get a medical card. Like, what do I say to her? Also, if I apply on medical grounds and since I'm still financially dependent on my parents, would I have to get them involved? I don't want them knowing that that's what I'm going to the doctor for.
I know that depression and anxiety are proper long term illnesses but i'm always afraid that people won't believe me if I say I have it.

Hugo Stiglitz · 25-06-2013 5:35pm

As far as I know if you've got continuous care like seeing your doctor for ongoing depression/anxiety issues you should be ok for the full medical card to cover your visits and medication.

Hersheys · 25-06-2013 7:53pm

pinkstars wrote: »

No, tell me is it good??

Very. It's expensive to get headspace for the year, but if you're into guided meditation its defo the way to go.

Hersheys · 25-06-2013 7:54pm

NegativeCreep wrote: »

Will the doctor write a letter saying all that even if I've never been to her about my depression or anxiety before? I'm worried that she'll think I'm making it up just to get a medical card. Like, what do I say to her? Also, if I apply on medical grounds and since I'm still financially dependent on my parents, would I have to get them involved? I don't want them knowing that that's what I'm going to the doctor for.
I know that depression and anxiety are proper long term illnesses but i'm always afraid that people won't believe me if I say I have it.

Wait. I'm confused. You say you've a GP visit card - surely this GP knows your depression/anxiety issues? Best thing to do would be to talk to your GP about it. Your family wouldn't need to know the reason you got the medical card.

Call Me Jimmy · 25-06-2013 7:59pm

Does anyone with anxiety get a recurring symptom that I suppose is a tightness in the abdomen/chest?
I haven't been doing yoga for a while and that may solve it but it just constantly feels like I am uneasy there, like the muscles are constantly flexing / (spasming?).

It's just really uncomfortable and annoying but I may be focusing on it too much.

Hersheys · 25-06-2013 8:00pm

Yeah I get that.

Call Me Jimmy · 25-06-2013 8:07pm

Now that I think about it I remember a book about anxiety that said something along the lines of 'let it churn' referring to a churning stomach. I'll test on the bus to see if I can concentrate and allow it to be, see if it makes a difference.

NegativeCreep · 25-06-2013 8:16pm

Hersheys wrote: »

Wait. I'm confused. You say you've a GP visit card - surely this GP knows your depression/anxiety issues? Best thing to do would be to talk to your GP about it. Your family wouldn't need to know the reason you got the medical card.

Yes I have a GP visit card but have never gone to the doctor about depression or anxiety before.

pinkstars · 26-06-2013 9:45am

Hersheys wrote: »

Very. It's expensive to get headspace for the year, but if you're into guided meditation its defo the way to go.

How much is it for the year?

Hersheys · 26-06-2013 10:10am

Sixty pounds sterling. It's a bit steep but there's a 10 day free trial so you could see if you find it helpful. I just find his voice quite soothing, some of the voices on those tapes are horrific.

Lets all be anxious/depressed together.

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