Anyone else with poor MH really struggling? Handhold thread.

[JustBecauseYouCanBarry]

I suffer badly with anxiety, have been going to counsellor and on medication for a while now. My counsellor said when I first saw her that she's not had many patients suffer anxiety to the level I do. I'm not depressed but I have anxiety attacks often where I feel like my heart is going to burst, I can't breathe and I can't stop scratching myself until I come out of it. Often until I bleed, usually on my hands which have some scarring now.

This whole situation is really sending me into a downward spiral. I'm worried about losing my job, I'm worried about not being able to pay the bills, I'm worried about absolutely everything. I feel like I'm completely falling apart and now I can't see my counsellor either which I understand but I'm so worried. I was doing so well and this has just sent me tumbling.

Anyone else with poor MH really concerned and getting worse?

I've been messaging a friend who suffers very badly with depression and anxiety, and it sounds as if she feels very similarly to you. She's dreading lockdown if it happens, as social interactions are her coping mechanism - she needs to have something on every day, to see someone every day, as her reason for keeping going.

I don't know how to help her other than remaining in regular contact with her. So, no, sadly you're not alone - I imagine there are many other people feeling the same way right now. But if it helps, there are people who care very deeply and want to help - tell us what you need

OP do you take any medication to help manage your anxiety? If not, could now be the time to look into it? You shouldn’t be suffering like this and I’m so sorry you are.

Yes I take sertraline though I'm not sure it's working at the moment!

My problem is I can't stop my mind racing ahead ten thousand paces. So I think of one thing that leads to another and then another and then another and then before I know it I'm a wreck

It's good that you know you're doing it. If you realise it's happening, is there an activity or something you can start doing immediately, to stop your mind in its tracks by focusing on something else?

Red, unfortunately the one activity which is usually my go to I now can't do because of all this going on.

I'm trying to do some bits at home as much I can.

I feel so up and down, right now I think 'get a grip it'll be fine' but last night I just couldn't think logically.

It's not just this situation, I've been like this for a while now way before all this shit started. I went through a pretty huge health issue and it all stemmed from that, I've never been the same since and just can't control my worrying.

Yes me, I've actually had suicidal thoughts. I'm not suicidal, but I feel like there's no point in life if I can't live it.

I'm getting a bit paranoid, I exercise to help my mind and now that's being limited.

I'm terrified for the future for my children.

I feel exactly the same. This situation is going to knock down the very small amount of my mental health I’ve managed to build up. I feel like we’ve gone back about 30 years in terms of mental health care and awareness. People are being very dismissive of it because everyone’s so concerned about coronavirus. I get that but it is something that needs to be considered. Mental health has a huge impact on physical health.

I feel the same. I have a constant knot in my chest. I'm scared loved ones will leave me and I'll have to deal with this pandemic on my own. And that terrifies me.

Yes me, I've actually had suicidal thoughts

I didn't want to admit this but I found myself doing this last night. I haven't for a long time until now. I would never actually act on it but I used to think about it from time to time and realised I was starting to again last night. It's frightening.

I feel awful even moaning about it considering there's people out there losing jobs, dying of a horrid disease. But yes, I am panicking a lot that this will undo all the work I've put into improving my MH.

Struggling desperately . Have also considered suicide as a way of getting out of this in a controlled manner, rather than waiting idly to die from the virus . GP rang yesterday and I couldn’t bring myself to tell her, she’s prescribed me sleeping pills, anti depressants and propranolol . Told me to try and master breathing, sleeping and eating and drinking water but even that list is hard . Sleeping eventually, but I’ve lost 12lb in the last fortnight .

Dsis has multiple learning difficulties and struggling, two grandmothers both very elderly and one I know this will kill her either way (the isolation will get her if the virus doesn’t) and also a carer to my mum . Any and all support I had, literally gone overnight - and then I dropped my cereal a few minutes ago, and just sat and sobbed .

I feel exactly the same. This situation is going to knock down the very small amount of my mental health I’ve managed to build up. I feel like we’ve gone back about 30 years in terms of mental health care and awareness. People are being very dismissive of it because everyone’s so concerned about coronavirus. I get that but it is something that needs to be considered. Mental health has a huge impact on physical health.

This too ^

For years we've been told to exercise for our mental health, to reach out to people, now we are being forced into a very suffocating situation.

I realise there are people far far worse off than me. Also that people have lived through worse. But people are being extremely dismissive of mental health at the moment.

I'm sorry dontstockpile

Saying about support disappearing overnight is definitely true for me too.

My mum is my absolute rock and now I can't see her (understandably!) It worries me. She really is like my medicine when I'm feeling super low and I completely get why it's not possible right now but God it's hard. I find it difficult as well because she actually isn't in a risk category, she's a healthy mid 40 year old, but I have to not be selfish and keep in mind the advice. I'll be the first to admit though that I struggle not being selfish sometimes when I feel like this, my brain just wants to do anything at all to make myself feel better.

Yes, I'm really struggling with it. Wondering whether to contact GP. It's worse evenings. Going to bed earlier and earlier!!

I've also really struggled. I think the straw that broke my back was last night when Boris made his announcement. I see my parents almost daily so to not be able to for god knows how long is really eating away at me. Struggling with the uncertainty, lack of routine and constant wave of bad news. I'm not suicidal but have definitely had suicidal thoughts. I'm 17 weeks pregnant and can't stop thinking about how the whole thing is tainted and I feel tremendous guilt for bringing a little one in to such a rubbish place.

Morning all.

How is everyone feeling today? Feel very dull today is the only way I can describe it. Not sure how to do this mundane'ness' for the next however long.