Just need to write this down

[junkcollector]

I am having a very stressful time at the moment.

Before Christmas my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he suffers mental health problems (bi-polar 2) so it was the emotional effects that were worse for him than the actual cancer (which it appears is not so bad as they first thought).

Then 3 weeks ago my DH was ill and on visiting the GP was sent for an emergency ecg to the hospital. He has an appointment with a cardiologist on Friday. His dad died young from heart disease so he is very worried.

Finally last Thursday I went round to my gran's for a cup of tea and while I was there she had a major stroke. She is now in hospital and the doctors have given her a couple of days to live. She has no awareness. My whole family is waiting for news.

Much less importantly I am job hunting at the moment and had to cancel an interview on Tuesday because I'm just not up to it this week.

I feel completely stressed out...I'm avoiding friends and have a thumping in my chest. I'm wondering if I'm slipping into depression. I'm not really asking for anything I just needed to write everything down. I should probably visit my GP.

junkcollector - just wanted to reply and wish you all the best. You really have had a tough time the last couple of months. A visit to the GP would be a good idea as you don't want to slip into a depression spiral.

Look after yourself and I gope everything turns out OK.

Yes, see your GP. But don't just accept a prescription willy-nilly. GPs tend to love ADs and they have their place (I've reluctantly started them again) but they shouldn't be the first port of call. Be aware they are there in case you need them.

Meanwhile, can you put a halt to the job hunting atm? Go easy on yourself. Currently they are valid and very sad reasons for your stress, so it isn't neccessarily depression - just a perfectly natural reaction to what are dreadful circumstances.

Get the GP on side, be kind to yourself, get out in the fresh air as much as possible, take it as easy as you can. Just wait and see how it goes.

Good luck. Keep posting if it helps you x

I agree with Orm - just be really honest with your GP, and the exercise / fresh air is a really good idea - it does wonders for my dh who has clinical depression.

Thank you for replying.

I feel better just having written it down and your advice about fresh air was absolutely spot on. I tend to forget about the obvious things. I've been shut in rooms with sad people all week which hasn't helped.

I have made an appointment with the GP just for a chat. My sister pointed out this morning that it might be good to talk to someone about witnessing the stroke.

You're right about the job hunting too!

Thanks again.