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Original poster

Who should I be talking to?

20 replies

Imascaryfairy · 09/10/2006 15:31

I was going to change my name for this as I think some people on here know me in RL but then thought I might get accused of being a troll.

Looking at my life from the outside I am really really lucky: I have 2 gorgeous happy and healthy DSs (3yrs, and nearly 5mths). DH is kind and loving: the love of my life and a great dad. We live in a nice apartmrnt in a lovely area and are very comfortabe. I work FT (when not on maternity leave) in a job I really like.
So why then, rather than enjoying all of this do I spend most of my life worrying about things that will probably never happen and panic over the slightest thing. As DH says I make everything seem like an ordeal (probably not helped by the fact that he is so laid back he is horizontal)

Anyone who knows me would describe me as strong and happy, but on the inside I think I'm shrivelling up....

This has been going on for a few years, but I don't think I can ignore it any longer, especially as it is impacting my relationship with DH (who is open to the idea of us going for marriage counselling, but I need to sort out my own head first).
I don't particularly want to go my GP - I am not good at asking for help, and would prefer to go straight to someone who can help me work things out, but have no idea where to start.

Please please help - I am fed up with feeling

OP posts:
QueenQuootieSpookypieBee · 09/10/2006 15:35

I know the feeling well, but, what helped me was going on ADs - through the GP. Just think, 10 minutes and it'll be over...

You could try councelling but I am unsure how you go about it without going through your GP.

madmarchscare · 09/10/2006 15:38

I know you say you dont want to talk to your GP but really, truly, honestly, its the best thing you could do. Just make an appointment for now.

Original poster
Imascaryfairy · 09/10/2006 21:26

Thanks for that - am scared about going on drugs though - won't they just treat the symptoms rather than the root cause?
Will book an appointment with the GP tomorrow.

OP posts:
Macdog · 09/10/2006 21:37

your GP can refer you to your local community mental health team.
my GP refers me, as AD's don't have as much effect on me as counselling does.
have a look on your GP's notice board if they have one, you may find adverts for mental health helplines that you can call in confidence
it's always the first step of asking for help has been the hardest for me.
Wish you all the very best, ((hugs))

Original poster
Imascaryfairy · 09/10/2006 21:46

Thanks Macdog...

OP posts:
Pinkchampagne · 09/10/2006 21:49

Sorry to hear you are feeling so down.
I was very down following the birth of DS2 & ended up confiding in my HV, who provided excellent support for me. She visited on a regular basis & advised me to try taking some ads to help with the sinking feeling I was experiencing. She also organised for me to attend counselling.
I was worried about the drugs for the same reasons as you are, but they helped take away the horrible sinking feeling, while the counselling helped with the issues surrounding the depression.
Could you maybe have a word with your HV/GP?

Good luck with whatever you decide to do & I hope you are feeling better soon.x

Original poster
Imascaryfairy · 09/10/2006 22:05

Thanks Pinkchampagne.... glad you had a good HV - I did the Edinburgh test with my HV but had a big problem with it in that some of my 'depressed' answers would have been the same even before I had DS2, also I got the distinct impression from her that I SHOULD have PND, as though she had a quota to fill!! I also felt very vulnerable have a virtual stranger in my house to whom I should be opening up my heart. I am going to contact the GP tomorrow - please nag me to make sure I have.

OP posts:
Pinkchampagne · 09/10/2006 22:09

Good luck, Imascaryfairy. I hope your gp is helpful.

madmarchscare · 10/10/2006 15:36

Have you made that appointment yet?

You know ADs do help the root cause and not just the symptom. Discuss this with your GP as he/she will be able to tell you more about the specific drug he might prescribe.

It is very daunting at first, you are not alone in feeling this way.

Original poster
Imascaryfairy · 10/10/2006 19:46

Thanks for remembering Madmarchscare! I made the appointment (Friday afternoon) and have decided to take the bull by the horns. It's definitely helped 'outing' myself on MN - it's the first time I've ever spoken about it

Must just remember to take sunglasses with me to hide my puffy eyes as I leave the surgery on Friday .

OP posts:
lulumama · 10/10/2006 19:49

you have virtually described me a few years ago,...

shows real strength to ask for help..please see your gp...and get some ADs if appropriate and maybe some counselling......if you can get a recommendation of a counsellor from docs, then go for it...or ask friends ...you'll be surprised how many people suffer from depression....and would be glad to share their experience...

sounds like anxiety though rather than depression - CBT is good for that and certain ADs better for it too...

hope you get sorted...

Pinkchampagne · 10/10/2006 20:01

Well done, Imascaryfairy!
All the best for Friday.

Macdog · 10/10/2006 20:07

good luck with everything!!

Original poster
Imascaryfairy · 11/10/2006 09:20

Thanks guys - lulumama - I was only thinking this morning that it might actually be stress related...must just make sure I get GP or whoever to diagnose me.....don't want to go in and say "I'm depressed" and have a diagnosis based on that.

Will let you know how I get on....

Thanks again - I love MN!

OP posts:
madmarchscare · 11/10/2006 11:33

Well done, see, just making the appointment makes you feel better .

Let us know how you get on.

Pinkchampagne · 14/10/2006 12:34

How did you get on, IASF?

madmarchscare · 14/10/2006 15:15

So then, what did they say? . How are you feeling?

Original poster
Imascaryfairy · 14/10/2006 16:35

Well she has referred me for counselling, and prescribed me some ADs - it was a lot less scary than I thought, and yes, I fell better having gone.
Thanks for your support. I'll let you know once
I start taking the ADs and start counselling.
xxxx

OP posts:
lulumama · 14/10/2006 16:36

glad to hear it,let us know how you get on

Pinkchampagne · 15/10/2006 08:42

Excellent! I am pleased to hear that the gp was helpful.
I had counselling sessions through the NHS & found them really helpful.
Keep us updated.x

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