I need to, but can't, let off steam

[whattodoo]

I am going through several very stressful situations at the moment. All are seperate and unconnected and, as far as I can see, unresolveable.

I am not coping. I rant at my DP but he can't do anything to help.

I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but I can completely understand why people self-harm, feel very tempted to do so myself and on several ocassions have wanted to jump in the car and drive until the hurt goes away.

I feel powerless. I am frustrated that there seems to be nothing that is in my own control.

I just want to run away, but have no-where to go.

I don't know what to do, how to solve this, where it will end.

Hmm, maybe physically tiring yourself out would help?

I don't have experience of what you're going through but when I've had a really bad day I run either on the treadmill at the gym for half an hour or outdoors. Exercise, as I'm sure you know, releases some sort of endorphins which make you feel happier and more relaxed.

I know it's not the solution but may help with the symptoms.

I would also say exercise. I've recently had a bad depressive relapse and when I'm really low an hour in the gym or at kickboxing definitely helps, and I feel a lot more clear headed afterwards.

My GP and therapist both suggested it and although I was sceptical at first it does do me some good. It doesn't help with the causes, but it helps me to feel better and more in control for a while.

If you're having thoughts of self-harming though I would definitely suggest talking to your GP.

Good luck .

I agree with the others - if you feel the urge to get away from everything by car, leave the car and walk, run, cycle. Get those endorphins going, then have a hot shower and a nice drink.

Endorphins are great - I've recently discovered the joys of Zumba. I have only missed one weekly session since I started as I love it - dancing at the same time as exercise, time without children and other worries. It has definitely helped me.

Zumba is fab!

I know everyone is talking about exercise and I wouldn't knock that at all and have found it helpful during my bad days (only a walk in a small wood though) and then I "allow" myself to lie under my blanket on the bed which is a haven. You sound depressed as most of us who are want to run away and "disappear" so that we are free of the pain but of course this isn't possible. I do sometimes get in my car and drive but it isn't a good idea, beause I am not really safe on the road, and it makes me feel worse not better, but i know how strong the urge is to run away. Also the SH I can understand - I don't do that but do soemthing else that I don't want to post, but it is a signal to my DP that I am getting out of control and he tries to calm me down.

I think you should see your GP about the way you are feeling just now.

I appreciate that you might not want to talk about your problems on an open forum, but can you write them down, talk to a trusted friend or relative and try to look at them 1 by 1, rather than seeing them as one huge insurmountable hurdle that you will never climb.

Life I'm afraid does go on, no matter how crap we feel. Am having a bad day here too and can't understand why my neighbours are chatting and laughing and I'm feeling I just want to hide under my duvet. Ah well - it is somehow good to know that we are not alone with these horrid feeling. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Thanks ever so much for all replies.

I actually had a bit of a melt-down the same morning that I posted this. I don't remember much about it, but it resulted in my employer calling my DP and GP. was prescribed ADs same day (had been on them previously but due to a misunderstanding had stopped taking them) and am to see my GP again this week.

thanks for advice. I have heard before that exercise can be a tonic, and certainly can't do me any harm - I need all the help I can get at the moment.

Its early days yet, but I feel slightly stronger now that people know how I'm not coping. I was trying to keep everything under control before, but I guess that feeling the need to self harm was an attempt at a cry for help. Sadly I didn't cry loud enough to prevent me falling somewhere very deep and dark.

I'm determined to pull myself up from this. And will try not to let it get so bad again.

Thanks for your words everyone. 'words on a screen' they may be, but they certainly made me feel listened to, which means a lot.

I really really hope that you get better soon, and am glad that you're getting some help now.