Feeling really low at the moment. Need someone to talk to but I don’t have anyone.

[KellyM1998]

Hi all, I’ve been feeling really down recently. I suffer with anxiety and depression anyway, I’ve been told my cat has heart disease and I don’t know how long I’m going to have left with him and I think it’s just triggered my anxiety and depression.

I feel so lonely but at the same time I’m angry and irritated and can’t stand to be around anyone. Has anyone experienced this before? I’m hoping I’ll just snap out of it. I don’t really know what the point of this post is. It just feel good writing down how I’m feeling, even if nobody sees it.

So sorry to hear about your cat; it’s awful when your pets are unwell I’ve been there. No wonder you feel down. What are you up to today? Going in to work or spending time with your cat?

Have you seen your gp ? Could some medication or talking therapy help

I’m at work today! We don’t know how long cat has left, could be months, could be years! I know I’m being stupid but I think the diagnosis has triggered my anxiety.

I take medication already for anxiety but I think it’s just been triggered by finding out the cat isn’t well. I know I’m being silly but just felt like I needed to vent to someone.

Hi,
Sorry you feel like this, and very very sorry about your cat. Our cat is family and every bit as important as a human. Getting news of a loved one's severe illness is deeply upsetting so your feelings of irritability and anger are understandable.

But, as you point out, they don't help with making friends and overcoming loneliness.

Are you on medication? If not, would you consider it? I found ADs took the edge of that anger at the world and made it easier to be more relaxed around other people, so that I could socialise and feel more connected with the world.

Have you tried signing up for free CBT self referral on NHS - no need to contact the GP. It takes a while for your turn to come up (about 3-6 months) but is well worth it, especially if you choose to focus the six sessions on pne particular issue and goal, eg making friends.

Sorry if this is obvious advice, but are you treating yoruself with love and compassion> i know it's a cliche but it really is true that we make friends more easily when we have committed to being our own best friend - by that I mean treating yourself with kindness, respect and compassion - taking care of your body, your environment, allowing yourself treats and opportunities, facilitating proper relaxation. I spent years learning this - took me way too long - but am pretty good at it now and it really does help. if you;re interested in chatting about how to do that, I'm here.

Otherwise - have a little rant on here. I have to go soon but will check in later and loads of other people will come along. MN is brilliant at MH support. It is MN at its very best.

OP,. my post crossed with yours. Meds for anxiety and meds for depression do slightly different things. I found citalopram brilliant for getting rid of depressive anger and irritability. It was like a weight lifted. Is that worth discussing with your GP?

Having said that, you have every right to feel terrible when you get terrible news. You don;t need to stifle those feelings. You have every right to have a cry and a storm and a rant about it, and let the feelings out.