Voices

[HugAndRoll]

I'm under a lot of stress ATM. 2 children with additional needs (not severe but not typical, one awaiting diagnosis and a combined professional total of 7); goalposts being moved in work constantly for reduced benefit; dh possibly being made redundant in the next month or so; aunt has breast cancer; friends only contact when it's something for them, not one of them is there to talk to; money is very tight to the point of being a struggle etc.

I have reached cracking point and have spoken to the dr today who has arranged an appointment for me with another dr in the practice tomorrow. I was on sertraline but came off it last month (hard work under a dr).

I have a voice in my head (my voice) that constantly says I'm useless, worthless and my family would be better off without me. I've had the voice in the past, once I took an overdose and I used to cut myself. I haven't done anything since having my children who I love to pieces but this voice is overwhelming. I kept imagining crashing my car into a wall when driving today and although I don't want to do anything to hurt my family, I also don't know how to get help for this as I'm scared ill lose my children.

Can you ask your GP to refer you for counselling? I am pretty sure they could listen to you telling them this without overreacting as regards your children. I realise that waiting lists are long but it's worth a try, otherwise a private counsellor may have a sliding scale of charges depending on income (Relate does).
The Doctor tomorrow may be able to prescribe a different antidepressant. Please don't feel bad about taking it, it may help you get back on a even keel and deal better with the stress.
You have recognised that you need help and have been really strong since having your children. I think both these facts are very positive.
I hope the appt goes well tomorrow.

Thank you. I'm having strong thoughts of cutting myself. Will go to bed to stop myself. Dh wants me to get signed off work to have one element of stress removed. He's as supportive as he could be which is good. My appt isn't until 10.40 and I have to go to work before and after. I have a free line I can ring through work and I'm under occ health already. Just can't cope anymore.

Sat in the waiting room digging my nails in my arm. My dh and dses are the only things that are stopping me doing worse. My life isn't even that bad, I feel like a twat for feeling like this. A weak, stupid individual.

Try not to blame yourself (((( HugAndRoll ))))

I've been signed off for 2 weeks and put on fluoxetine. Has anyone got experience of this ad? I've been on sertraline before but had not appetite control and couldn't lose weight on them.

Were you able to be honest with your GP, did you explain that you are hearing a voice? Hearing a voice in your head can be a sign of stress and not necessarily anything else. You won't lose your children for being stressed, you deserve help. Did your GP talk about referring you to someone to talk to, I think this would be useful.

I am on fluoxetine and have had minimal side effects from it.

I was honest and she was lovely. She said its likely to be a combo of stress and coming off the sertraline too soon (I requested I come off it due to the weight issues) making me go into a depressive episode (long history of depression rearing its ugly head). Thank you for asking.