Rock bottom, I don’t know what to do

[likeshesinsideaglassbox]

Started therapy a few weeks ago for long standing trauma. It’s brought back horrendous memories and flashbacks and I’ve basically gone into a bit of shutdown mode.

Got told to increase dose of normal meds which hasn’t helped, it’s just left me so sedated and foggy that even getting to the kitchen has become a challenge (wobbly on my feet).

I’m waiting on my MH team calling me back but I should be at uni, I haven’t contacted them, I can’t get up and do anything. It’s like my brain just can’t be bothered with life anymore.

I don’t think I’m a risk to myself so I can’t see anyone doing anything but I don’t know what to do.

MH team just said ‘someone will call at some point’, didn’t say when.

Urgent GP appointment to discuss today
Just go as you are.. throw on easy clothes.

GP will just tell me to ring MH team from experience. Or tell me to take more diazepam. I’m on 6x 2mg a day just now and can hardly function.

Echo this. Urgently request GP appointment. Are you a student or staff member at university. Contact university welfare services.

do u have confidence in your therapist? If so, they cd help guide you through this. There is going to be a lot of mental discomfort before this improves but you have done a very brave thing by starting the process of therapy.

any family or friends that are supportive?

your brain might b telling you it’s not ready to address traumatic events. In which case, distraction is not just a coping strategy- it’s an absolute need. Vigorous exercise, swimming etc are all really important ways to allow your brain to rest whilst you divert it to other things. You don’t have to enjoy it - regard it as you providing your brain with something it needs.

good luck 😀

Student but I’ve got placement today. Placement is within a uni department. I haven’t told them I can’t come in. I’ve got period type pain as well. My uni woukd be hugely supportive but I don’t want to say to them that I’m struggling. This is my final year and I’m worried about the backlash from not going in today.

I haven’t told family, they know I’m doing therapy but I don’t want to let them down at all by saying I can’t cope with talking about things.

I used to love going swimming. I haven’t done it in ages. I’m still laying in bed just now which definitely isn’t helping at all.

Firstly ring your placement and tell them, I know you don’t want to, but they will understand.

Second, ring Uni welfare and ask for support. You need it, be kind to yourself and allow yourself to have what you need. You would be kind to a friend so be kind to yourself.

Third, reconsider telling your family. You are not letting anyone down! If it was one of them struggling would you think badly of them? Of course not.

Really hope you start to feel better soon.

Thank you x MH team rang and said totally normal to be struggling, increased nightmares flashbacks etc. They said not to worry and to try use ‘staying well’ worksheet I’ve got. I managed to get up and eat something at least. They’re wanting me to try and shower, and also said to get in touch with placement too. Feel slightly better for eating something.

Well done for getting up and eating @likeshesinsideaglassbox, that’s great.

So two more tasks for today: making contact with the placement and perhaps having a shower. Does it help to think that those are the only two things you need to do today? You have already done very well to get out of bed and eat something.

Email uni if phoning is too much. Any contact will reflect well on you.

Best to be honest with them about why - you can do that later if too much today - as you will get protection due to it being MH related.

Shower is an excellent idea.

Open a window and breathe in fresh air.

Take care, just try to take tiny steps in the right direction today

You have to realise how good it is that you've got up out of bed.

Be kind to yourself,also remind yourself that everyone has bad days you are not alone in that.

Email seems a great solution, all you need to say is that you are unwell and you are sorry for not being able to attend.
Job done ✔️

Use all the anonymous free numbers if you need to talk about things.

All good advice, I’d also talk to your therapist about the reaction you’re having. Yes dealing with trauma is challenging but if the work is paced well you shouldn’t be incapacitated by it. Your therapist should have the knowledge and skill to be able to slow things down and work at your pace. If they can’t, I’d find someone else.