Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Flip

Original poster

Hopeless and helpless

10 replies

nixnjj · 08/03/2015 22:09

New to this board and not sure why I'm posting, maybe getting it out will help, maybe knowing other people understand will make me feel less alone.

I've recently been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Signed off work and given tablet but not sure where to go from here. Tablet are making it impossible to think straight, parenting is rubbish and managing the house and finances proving impossible. Have a welfare meeting at work tomorrow and fully expect to be dismissed.

Should never had gone to the doctors and should have just kept on going

OP posts:

TypinginGloves · 08/03/2015 22:24

You are not alone. There are lots of people in your situation! I have a small circle of friends/relatives and I know at least three in a similar position to you.

And I would say that you were absolutely right to go to the doctors - keeping on going just isn't an option in the end.
I don't have enough experience to give any practical support, but I offer you my sympathy and hopefully others will be able to give suggestions.
Take care.

Theoldcauliflower · 08/03/2015 22:28

Hi, I also suffer with depression and anxiety it really is awful!
I've been taking fluoxetine for just over 2months and am still having some side effects!
Have you explained to work what your on the sick for? And can they sack you for being ill?

Preciousbane · 09/03/2015 08:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LastingLight · 09/03/2015 08:54

For how long have you been taking the tablets? It can take a couple of weeks to feel positive effects, and side effects can last for 2 - 4 weeks. If you still have bad side effects after 2 weeks you need to go back to the doctor. Are you going to have any talk therapy? That is crucial.

Original poster

nixnjj · 09/03/2015 09:43

Hi and thanks for the replies. I'll try and answer all the questions. Firstly I have only worked for the company for 18 months, its a high pressured sales role for a fairly small company. I know me being off will be costing them.

I'm on Imipramine and was supposed to build it up slowly to 150mg at night but at the level they knock me out and as a single mum I can't do that. My son has missed days at school as I slept through the alarm and couldn't wake me. I've discussed this with my doctor who has said I need to be taking that dosage and to take 50mg through the day and 100mg at night, so I feel like a zombie most of the time but able to cope with the basic's getting my lad to school, fed and clean.

I've been struggling with this for years and had been using mindfullness, meditation etc but over the last 9 months it got worse resulting in panic attacks, headaches, heart palpitations and raised blood pressure, hence the need for medication.

I have a telephone appointment booked with Talking Spaces so am hoping to get some help and coping strategies.

This week is the 9th week I've been off and and the 3rd of me being on what doctor considers the correct dosage.

OP posts:

Snog · 09/03/2015 17:18

I'm on week 10. Are you having counselling OP?

Rhihhare · 09/03/2015 20:31

Nix, are you seeing your GP or a psychiatrist? IME the latter are much better at managing medication - you could try asking for a referral.

FWIW my psych says six weeks to settle in and start working and if it isn't you may need to switch.

Have you had CBT?

Original poster

nixnjj · 09/03/2015 22:15

Thanks during the meeting they were trying to get me to say it would be better if I left. I just kept replying that I appreciated that would be the best option for the company but I needed to be able to keep a of over my son's head.

I had 6 weeks counselling about 4/5 years ago and was taught about mindfullness. The phone consultation next week is with people who do talking therapy either group or one to one.

I haven't had CBT yet but will ask about that. I think there is stuff I can do online too. The problem seem to be that everything has a waiting time and work don't seem keen on giving me time.

Feeling a bit better as I've had my tablets and tomorrow I am going to try and get a bus into town to visit a friend.

Thank you all for replying, it makes me feel less alone

OP posts:

Rhihhare · 10/03/2015 06:56

Well done, Nix. I don't know much about employment law but that sounds spot on and you did brilliantly.

Yes, I've been taught about mindfulness, in fact I've just signed up for an eight week course taught by a Buddhist as I want to take it deeper. CBT isn't a magic cure but IME very effective - I think you can find lots of resources online and apps to help with thinking errors etc.

Keeping on going wouldn't have worked, I tried it and ended up in hospital and wish I'd got help far sooner.

Enjoy your trip.

Snog · 10/03/2015 10:06

Well done OP.
Keeping on going as an option isn't really an option if you ask me, just setting you up for a harder and longer crash. Going to the GP very sensible.
I would really recommend finding a good counsellor privately if you can afford it. That way you can pick the person and can continue for as long as you need to. Be kind to yourself OP, it's the bast medicine.

Flip