I don't know how I'll ever be me again.

[Toffieefee]

I've lost all my confidence. I just can't get right. It's not the virus itself. It's the changes in routine. It's literally affected me in everyway. Energy wise. Appetite wise. Period wise. I've ended up stuck home since march. I've walked and walked. We've been to woods. Parks. Etc. But mostly I've just walked close to home. The reason being since lockdown my hormones are out of whack. PMT symptoms are worse. Low grade nausea half the month. 1-3 headaches a month. I've had a trapped nerve that affected my vision. I've had 4 panic attacks. All in the night. Never had them before. I have managed to get those under control. I've been feeling so much more positive. last week I had four solid days in the garden and walking with the kids. I felt at peace. Then out of nowhere the low grade nausea came back. I've lost weight. My appetites not great. Yet im feeling much happier.

If I could just stop feeling rubbish I could start building back up. But I can't seem to catch a break.

I've spoken to the gp and tbh she was really unhelpful. She put it all down to anxiety and gave me a link to refer myself to counciling. No interest in testing my hormones, thyroid etc. I just feel that something is out of balance and I don't know how to put it right. They didn't want to give me meds as they said they are short term. I also need to alert and functioning for my kids.

I literally don't feel depressed. But just weak, sickly, occasionally anxious (week 3 of my cycle this starts)

I've kept a diary for six months and I can see patterns to alot of things.

Anyone got any ideas. Currently in bed with low grade nausea. Third night in a row. No obvious reason.

I wouldn’t rule out anxiety or depression. It’s a fallacy that it’s all about low mood etc. It can affect people in lots of different ways. But equally just because the world is weird now it doesn’t mean people stop getting other things wrong with them! It’s not Covid or nothing. Go back to the GP if you think the symptoms need further investigation.

I agree, it does sound like your symptoms could be caused by anxiety and depression.

Counselling can be really helpful.

Trauma related anxiety responses?

I would imagine there will be a good deal of trauma in society associated with COVID related upheaval and uncertainty. This is a traumatising time for many.

Does anxiety and depression only manifest at certain times of the month though? As someone going through menopause I know first hand how awful hormonal imbalances can make you feel.

I'd get a second opinion OP

Sounds like anxiety/depression. Affects me in similar ways, but you won’t catch me crying in bed. That’s just not the way it goes with me. I’m REALLY fat though, and the eating has spiralled out of control since March. If I took away the comfort eating I would probably want to lie in bed all day and cry. I looked back at a photo of me in 2017 and I was so slim looking and happy. I literally thought what the hell has happened to me.

I would say you need to focus on self care and exercise. (I need to follow my own advice). God this is tough. I won’t go on antidepressants because I believe this is a reactional depression and nothing to do with brain biology. You can’t pathologise everything in life. Sometimes life is just a bit shit.

Pills won’t solve this, well not for me anyway. Maybe try a course of kalms?

Sounds like menopause to me. Esp if periods are becoming irregular and mood changes happen in a cycle. Ask to speak to a GP who specializes in menopause in your practice, there's often one. If not, then ask for a referral to the menopause clinic.

Or premenstrual dyspeptic disorder (PMDD). Would need thyroid, Vit D & Fsh checked.

You can order home blood tests for thyroid and hormone levels via someone like Medichecks. Might give you some peace of mind.