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"putting the SPRING back in our step - village support for depression and anxiety"

999 replies

LEMmingaround · 03/03/2014 21:29

Heres the new thread guys. What is this, thread 9?

This is a thread that is situated in a virtual village of support for those suffering from mental health issues, or just those struggling with what life throws at them.

Please feel free to join in.

OP posts:
TheUnemployableLeech · 01/04/2014 22:32

Glad to hear you're feeling better lem and you're back! Hope you got your DD off to sleep easily DD and you sleep well too snowy. I am a little drunk, so shall wish you all a good night and shut up Wine

NanaNina · 01/04/2014 23:50

Oh Lem I feel bad for putting a call out for you now- especially as you have had some rubbish days and been trying to keep off the laptop. I am going to spend less time on it now the weather's better but it can be a bit addictive can't it.

CIQ sorry to hear you are not good. Can you remind me how long ago was it when you first got poorly (as the medics say) - it looks like your on an SSRI and a SARI (not that I know much about meds) Are you just seeing the GP or have you been referred to a psychiatrist. I think the latter as GPs don't usually add in additional meds. If you haven't been referred to a psych maybe that's the way to go, to get a review of your meds. Having said that I know that fluctuations in our mental health is to a large extent the "nature of the beast" and it isn't that the meds aren't working, it's just that there can be ups and downs along the way.

I have been having fluctuations for some 4 years now since my 2nd major episode in 2010 and it's a real pain, but I have to be glad that the bad days always end, though this year has been rubbish but I have some family problems causing me stress. I saw the psychiatrist last week and he thinks the nose dive I've taken this year is due to the family problems but has also suggested I change one AD (an old fashioned tryclic) for an SSRI, and I've said I will see how I go and if April is as bad as the first 3 months of this year I will try the change of meds. I'm luckier than so many of you as my family are all grown and I have 5 grandchildren, but don't have to care for any of them on a regular basis, and I really do feel for you young mothers trying to cope with depression and young children.

How are things with you and the DH as I know things were a bit rocky a while ago. I wonder if this is anything to do with the way you're feeling.

Glad you're getting to see your pysch to say goodbye snowy - give the other one a chance - he might be ok and in some ways I think a "fresh pair of eyes and ears and brain" can sometimes be a good thing.

I'm not doing this AS quiz you're all talking about and I hope it isn't worrying anybody unnecessarily.

TUL hope your night out went well. Why do your PILs need to babysit if your DH is there..........sorry if this sounds nosy, but I really can't help feeling that things are not right between you and your husband. He sounds very controlling. What kind of father is he - good I hope, as he must have some good points.

Good night all

TheShimmeringPussycat · 02/04/2014 00:36

Don't worry too much about AS scores - really as far as I can tell, there is no syndrome, just a cluster of cognitive styles which don't fit in well with how the world expects everyone to behave these days.

With all the new "disorders" there are now supposed to be, it won't be long before "normal" are in the minority!

I'll report back after my feedback session on Thurs about what the tests showed.

TheShimmeringPussycat · 02/04/2014 00:36
  • "normal people"
equinox · 02/04/2014 06:27

You may well have a point there shimmering - hope I haven't upset anybody out there with their AS scores.

If it is any consolation I score 29 so I am borderline Asperger's too!

MissGuineapigs · 02/04/2014 06:55

Hi all, I've just found this thread, could I join? I think it could be very helpfulSad

LEMmingaround · 02/04/2014 07:27

Welcome missguineeapigs yes this thread is really helpful. If you feel like telling us some things about you. That would be great.

nana -please don't feel bad. I. Glad you did -I had lost the thread and felt awkward about coming back. I was really touched that folk even noticed I was gone!

OP posts:
LEMmingaround · 02/04/2014 07:31

Equinox am not upset about my score. Was shocked it was so high but thinking about it. It explains quite a few things. I doubt ill do anything with the information other than give it some thought as to whg I am me. I tend to agree with tsc that we are all different and it is a personality trait.

OP posts:
MissGuineapigs · 02/04/2014 08:02

Where to start! I have bad anxiety and depression. I'm a hoarder (although not extreme according to OT), I have bad avoidance problems, and suspect I have some form of Aspergers. I'm having a lot of problems with CPN, which has lead to me going to PALS, anyone have experience with them?

LEMmingaround · 02/04/2014 08:17

It sounds like you have a lot on your plate just now. I don't know about pals but a fair few of us have experience of CPN's. I am a bit of a hoarder myself, although my DD takes it to the next level! She is only 8 though so hoping that she will grow out of it as its pretty disruptive, or can be. Do you have children? Partner? I have two children, DD1 is 23 now and DD2 is 8. I find being a parent really difficult.

OP posts:
MissGuineapigs · 02/04/2014 09:16

I don't connect well with my CPN, and I think I would do better with a different one, but CPN seems unwilling for this to happen, which is partly why I contacted PALS. No DC or DP.

TheShimmeringPussycat · 02/04/2014 10:11

You should be able to request a change of CPN - although in these resource-stretched times it may be more difficult or need more pushing to do so. And may depend where you are. Don't keep doing it though or you may be seen as an awkward bugger who can't get on with people.

IME (North East England) PALS are good.

MissGuineapigs · 02/04/2014 10:42

I've seen the same CPN since I was referred to mental health services, last October. The first time I asked to see a different one, CPN told me to think about it as I wouldn't have any different results with anyone else. She made me feel very intimated.

TheShimmeringPussycat · 02/04/2014 11:11

at the risk of generalising, I suspect that because MH services try to employ only "stable" people, iysim, they end up with people who don't really understand, at least in some cases. My own CPN is lovely (not that I see her much these days, as I don't need to), I have a friend who managed to change hers and found things worked better with the new CPN.

Yours is supposed to be working in partnership with you, to help you manage your own condition. She should not make you feel intimidated Sad

ColouringInQueen · 02/04/2014 11:14

Hi missguineapigs that sounds difficult re: your CPN. Do you have a PALs service that might be able to offer some guidance?

Thanks nana for your wise words. I'm just under the GP. Finally caved in last January with severe depression, but in reality was struggling with dep/anx through 2012, and it's popped up before a couple of times over the last decade, tho haven't seen GP before.

Ironically I am feeling a bit better this morning Hmm either there is a magic ingredient in Minstrels, or there is a hormonal element kicking in. I know I've been aware of being worse pre menstrually, but I'm wondering also if pre-ovulation things are worse too. Before ADs I used to get awful pms. With the fluox this has mostly disappeared, but I'm wondering now if the anxiety is worsening with the hormones now instead. And it would explain last week's huge consumption of chocolate biscuits. Sorry all, I think I've been here before. But will be making an appt when I'm back from holiday - I do wonder if the fluox is making the anxiety worse too. Yesterday my counsellor was trying to find deep meaningful stuff re: my binge eating last week (feeding myself, treating myself) but I did keep saying to her it just feels more like a sugar craving Hmm. I don't know. Anyhow I have a splitting headache and feel exhausted but am calmer and I'd rather feel like I do today than yesterday.

take care all, and thanks again for your fab support x

MissGuineapigs · 02/04/2014 11:37

I definitely get the impression she doesn't understand my problems. My current treatment is Occupational Therapy and something that's effectively a hobby group. I've now been told CPN may be waiting for me to tell her I want to see someone else. That'll go well...

MissGuineapigs · 02/04/2014 11:40

CIQ I last heard from PALS last Thursday...

DumDum32 · 02/04/2014 12:07

Hey all,

I've just spoken to my new cpn (male) who has put me Back to diazepam for another 2 weeks (sigh) until an appointment can be arranged with him to discuss next steps (possibly change of meds). Mood still very low & I have a splitting headache. DD is still poorly :(

ciq glad ur day has started well :) I must admit over the years I have had my meds dosages tweaked so many times as they just don't have the same effect. So in my eye fluctuations are the norm.

Welcome missguineapigs Thanks

How is everyone else doing today?

LEMmingaround · 02/04/2014 14:52

an ok day today, although now sporting a lovely striped bruise on my left boob - something twanged back and whacked me from DP's workshop - he so has to clear that place up Hmm. Been gardening but struggling to concentrate on any one task so result = not much actually achieved! Keep forgetting my meds Hmm

OP posts:
LEMmingaround · 02/04/2014 14:54

Sorry about the poorly DC DD and CiQ - its so difficult when they are poorly, i love having dd at home but i value time to myself, i can be quite precious about it lately which is odd because i would always seek company before.

OP posts:
ColouringInQueen · 02/04/2014 15:02

Ouch lem! Can you choose one thing to do, and when you've finished that, choose another? (not easy, I do understand)
Yes I value time to myself a lot more now than I used to.... especially leading up to a school holiday...

Hi dd sorry your dd is still ill. Hope the diazepam helps you feel a bit better - at least in the short term....

Well dd is not ill today. tbh I think she got so worked up about stuff "going missing" from her pencil case and her teacher being cross that she made herself ill Hmm oh well, she'll be back in tomorrow, whatever!

DumDum32 · 02/04/2014 15:11

lem that sounds painful :( hope I have taken some pain killers! I know what u mean about not being able to concentrate on anything. Today I've just about got through by Just reading various threads on MN chat ( just reading mind you not posting as I never know what to say).

ciq I'm waiting for my G.P to call & let me know prescription is ready (they always take time doing anything) it good to hear ur DD is better :)

DumDum32 · 02/04/2014 15:18

DD has been a crying mess today & all I've wanted to do is get under my duvet and hide. I've just got her fav cartoons on now so she has calmed down. It's not been too bad as my brother has been home & helped out (thank god) or I would have had a melt down by now :( she will be home now as she only goes mon-weds so I won't be having any free time now plus I think it's half term next week :(

ColouringInQueen · 02/04/2014 18:23

((((dd))))

Tigglette · 02/04/2014 18:50

I've been lurking around the mental health boards and this thread in particular and am thinking it may be time to out myself. I've had anxiety related MH problems for years on and off, mostly manageable by keeping an eye on lifestyle stuff. I've been dealing with a truly shitty set of work circumstances which have resulted in me having time of work with anxiety stuff - I'm back at work now but things are still incredibly difficult.

At the moment I'm seeing a counsellor, so is helping no end and am on propranolol for physical symptoms which again helps a lot. I'm not having a good week though, feeling anxious and tearful - reading through this seems like a good, supportive place so I'll pull up a chair if that's ok?