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Original poster

Has anyone here reached absolute rock bottom and recovered ? How?

12 replies

nowheree · 16/04/2019 10:30

Mental health/depression/postnatal depression

What helped ? When you realised you were at that point what did you do

OP posts:

happypotamus · 16/04/2019 11:40

Yes. I took me to get to that point to ask for help, because when you are at rock bottom it can't get any worse so I reasoned I might as well ask for help because there is nothing left to lose. (I was a student, I was depressed, there was no way on earth I was going to be able to finish the course in the state I was in).
It actually did help. The university department was more supportive than I had ever hoped for. I accessed counselling and saw a GP regularly (most weeks).
Now years later I know that it is a shame that things had to get to rock bottom before I could ask anyone for help.
I recommend reaching out to other people even though I know how scary it is (there have been other not quite rock bottom hard times more recently, and I am still not very good at admitting I am not ok and asking for help). Does anyone know how you are feeling? Family? Friends? Professionals (GP, HV)?

Original poster

nowheree · 16/04/2019 11:47

Family aware
No professionals

I’m trying to get through minute by minute at the moment and trying to tell myself that I can find small things to make me feel better but I keep crying.
I’m scared to ask for help after past incidents

OP posts:

SandAndSea · 16/04/2019 11:52

My way is to accept where you are and embrace it. So, I would let yourself cry. Give yourself this time in the knowledge that it's not going to last.

Original poster

nowheree · 16/04/2019 11:52

I just want to sleep really I’m cold tired run down and so depressed I wish I could just go to bed but I can’t as have dc

OP posts:

happypotamus · 16/04/2019 14:00

Do you have anyone who could look after DC for a bit so you can go to bed? If you don't want to tell them the real reason why (though I recommend telling people the real reason), maybe tell them you are ill?

How old are your DC? Are they old enough to sit in front of a film or Cbeebies while you hide under a blanket on the settee for a bit? Not necessarily the best parenting, but sometimes you just have to do whatever it takes to get through the day.

AfterLaughter · 16/04/2019 14:02

Very fucking slowly with lots of medication and zero support.

Starface · 16/04/2019 15:03

One foot in front of the other. One step at a time. Each day as it comes. Knowing for sure it will eventually get better, and reminding myself of this very explicitly. Prayer. Counting, quite literally listing my blessings and reminding myself of them, and thanking God for them. So ultimately, the twin prongs of patience and gratitude.

Concentrating on routine, getting up, getting dressed, getting out once a day.

Reminding myself that these are just thoughts I do not have to agree with them. Though these thoughts rise forbidden in my mind, but they do not represent what I truly believe or think. Riding the wave but knowing I will reach the safety of the shore.

Squiff70 · 16/04/2019 15:20

Yes, I have. I won't go into graphics but made a very serious attempt on my life a few years ago. I did recover through time and some pretty hard work at times. Shout from the rooftops if you have to - do everything you can to get the help and support you need from healthcare professionals - starting with your GP if you don't aready have a mental health support worker or CPN etc.

Whilst you're waiting for support from healthcare professionals, there are lots of helplines and go-to charities and agencies that are ready and willing to support you as and when you are ready. Of course you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123 but there's also Suicide Prevention UK who offer a 1-to-1 chat service through Facebook (not 24 hours) and have a huge list of helplines on their page too.

Wishing you the best of luck on your journey to recovery, and don't be afraid to reach out. You can also PM me if you prefer.

InternetArgument · 16/04/2019 15:23

Yes. Sleep routine despite insomnia. Physical exercise and being outdoors. Talking to people and not being isolated. Not eating sugar and processed foods (sorting out gut biome). No booze etc. Took a couple of years.

fanciedabitofachange · 16/04/2019 15:25

Hello @nowheree, I was you six months ago, I'm emerging now.

All I can say is that it does, very gradually, get easier. What helped with me was completely taking my foot off the gas in all areas of my life, and forgiving myself for doing so. Then literally just surviving minute by minute.

babyno5 · 16/04/2019 15:31

Please ask for help OP
I've hit bottom twice-2 serious attempts at taking my life. Lots of medication, therapy and support has got me to where I am today (content with life and medication free)
It was such a hard journey but so glad I made it xxx

BlueMerchant · 16/04/2019 15:32

Yes. 3 years ago. I'm clawing my way back up and I'm beginning to have more good days than bad and can finally say I recognize 'myself' again.
CBT helped greatly. Good food. Zero drink. Self care. Getting outside. Reading Paul David 'At last a life'. Calm app. Pushing myself to do things that I was avoiding.

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