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Mental health

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Original poster

GP appointment made

27 replies

Highway65 · 30/03/2015 08:55

It was such an effort to phone and make the appointment and now I'm scared about what I'm going to say.

I know something isn't right with me. But how do you put it into words? The final straw was crying as I got out of bed this morning because I was dreading work so much. Then having to get out of the shower because my heart was pumping so fast I thought it was going to come out of my chest. I was dizzy so lay down for a bit. I got dressed, got the kids ready for school and then felt fearful about the drive into work. Is this normal?

I'm not sure if the black cloud is my work or something else. I've worked at the same place for years though and previously coped. I am actively looking for something else.

I haven't contacted work because I don't know what reason I'm supposed to give for not being there. It's a busy week and other people are going to have to do things to cover for me and that's just making me feel worse.

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pinkpetrol · 30/03/2015 09:06

Phone work and say you wont be in because you arent well. No need for details right now.
Thje doctor will probably offer you anti depressants - take them. They help. Ask him to sign you off work for at least 2 weeks. Ask him to put work related stress on the sick note. This will help with any future claim/ adjustments to work later. If you have a partner tell him how you feel - it will help.
I have been where you are it is bleak but there is hope

MrsEvadneCake · 30/03/2015 10:12

Well done for making the appointment. I agree that you should phone in sick. Your health is important. Just tell your GP what you said here. They will ask how you feel at other times, do you enjoy things you usually do or are you feeling overwhelmed by anything. Don't be afraid to try ADs. I was but gave them a go and they really help. Counselling at the the same time has really improved things for me.

Roseformeplease · 30/03/2015 10:16

I am a few days after the same appointment with the GP and, while I had huge reservations (menopause might be reason) I am giving the anti-ds a whirl and feeling a bit better. The ones I am on seem to suppress appetite too so I am eating like a skinny person. Bonus.

It is an illness. Get help. Take medicine. No shame. Be well.

Original poster

Highway65 · 30/03/2015 10:32

Thanks for the responses. I was off work sick all last week! But not sick, just anxious and in denial of any problems.

I sent an email saying that I have a doctor appointment later. My boss responded in a kind way. But mentioned that the person who would normally cover for me is on holiday this week. So I absolutely have to get in tomorrow. Maybe a chat with the doctor will put things into perspective for me and I'll manage tomorrow.

Feel sick again at the thought. Just over an hour until my appointment.

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MrsEvadneCake · 30/03/2015 10:36

It's up to your boss to sort cover and not for you to worry about. I know that's easier said than done. If you'd broken your leg you wouldn't worry about getting into work. This is the same. If you are signed off they can't argue. Plus it's out of your hands. Will be thinking if you. Come back if you feel up to it and let us know how you get on.

Belle7688 · 30/03/2015 11:28

Absolutely echo what the others have said - I'm going through the same thing - I started ads 7 weeks ago and it's been up and down but I'm starting to feel more on an even keel. Don't feel bad about taking time off work - I've reduced hours just now while I adjust. Good luck, things will get better

Roseformeplease · 30/03/2015 12:00

And allow yourself time to adjust to the meds. I am on Sertraline but was so tired after taking the first pill (weekend, thankfully) that I have switched to taking them in the evenings. I too have to work (last week of school before Easter, pupils have exams soon after) but it really is hard. Thankfully, today, I am on a half day course a long way from home so travelled last night and am having a relaxing morning.

I keep practising smiling (fake it until you make it) but, inside, I have a sort of feeling of dread - like something terrible is going to happen.

Be very good to yourself. And do NOT let work apply pressure although I know how it is, and how much pressure I put myself under too.

gemdrop84 · 30/03/2015 13:30

A big well done for taking that first step, I know how scary it is. I actually just made a list of what was going on/how I felt and handed it to the gp. He read through it and said "well, you've had a crap time of it lately haven't you?! He was truly lovely

wfrances · 30/03/2015 13:55

i made a list of feelings/symptoms (full a4 page)
gp took a look and his eyes rolled(new gp/surgery)
admitted he was out of depth and he needed to refer me for assessment.
you need to be honest and include physical symptoms too.
is your appointment today?

Original poster

Highway65 · 30/03/2015 13:57

The doctor was very kind. I cried, but she did guide me a little by asking question. Meant that I wasn't just babbling on!

She diagnosed anxiety and mild depression. I was prescribed 50g sertraline I think? I've handed the prescription in and will pick up later.

For those taking medication, when do you start taking it? I would prefer to start tonight. But maybe morning is better?

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Original poster

Highway65 · 30/03/2015 13:58

Alsout me down for counselling. But there is around a 4 week wait.

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Original poster

Highway65 · 30/03/2015 13:58

Also put. Sorry about my typos!

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MrsEvadneCake · 30/03/2015 14:27

Well done. That's great that your GP was kind. It does help. I take my tablets at bedtime but everyone finds it different. Thats not too bad a wait and in the meantime there is an excellent website that my counsellor gave me
www.getselfhelp.co.uk

It has meditations and relaxation exercises on that you might find useful.

wfrances · 30/03/2015 14:47

my ads are for bedtime -theyre very sedating .

Original poster

Highway65 · 30/03/2015 16:22

Thanks MrsEva for the website. I will take a look.

Also for those advising bedtime for tablet. I will start tonight and hope for the best. The doctor didn't offer a line for work, so I didn't ask. I will push myself into going tomorrow and see how I get on.

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Belle7688 · 30/03/2015 16:52

I also take Sertraline 50mg - I take mine first thing as I find them slightly activating but my GP said to see what was best for me as it doesn't make any difference really. Also don't read the side effects on the patient info leaflet - I found this wasn't a good thing as I was nervous about taking medication anyway. Good luck - I'm on week 7 and it is getting easier

LastingLight · 30/03/2015 16:56

Well done for going to see the gp, I know from experience how hard that is to do. I'm sure she would have told you, but just be aware that you may suffer side effects for a week or two and it might take up to six weeks for the benefits to be felt.

Roseformeplease · 30/03/2015 17:03

As I said above, night time for me. Gives me lovely sleeps! Well done.

Original poster

Highway65 · 31/03/2015 09:29

I took the first tablet last night just before bed. I slept awful but not sure whether that was because I was anxious about taking ADs.

Got up this morning with a blinding headache, feeling sick and slightly shaky. I have phoned the doctor for a phone consultation, hoping that she will agree that I shouldn't go to work. Would a doctors line for the rest of this week be enough?

How long do side effects last?

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MrsEvadneCake · 31/03/2015 09:35

Drink lots of water and take it easy. My ADs made me feel yucky for the first week. Just a bit spacey and sick. They might suggest you take half a dose one day and a full dose the next to ease any side effects.

MrsEvadneCake · 31/03/2015 09:36

And you shouldn't go to work. Just ask for a two week note. It's best to look after yourself

Belle7688 · 31/03/2015 11:33

When I started sertraline I took half a pill for a week then up to 50mg after that to reduce side effects. Push through them - they do pass. If you find your sleep is being affected you can try taking them in the morning - just take it one day at a time and give them time to work. I almost quit so many times but I'm sticking with them

Lottapianos · 31/03/2015 11:45

'If you'd broken your leg you wouldn't worry about getting into work'

This. Hold onto this. Just because your illness isn't visible doesn't mean its not real and it doesn't need treating. Sick leave is for when you are not fit to be at work, whether that's for physical or emotional reasons. So please don't feel bad about taking time off - it sounds like you need it. Very VERY important to take care of yourself.

I saw the GP when I was suffering from anxiety and depression. I felt foolish and awkward and very scared but he was lovely. He asked me a lot of questions so I didnt' feel pressure to sit there and pour my heart out unguided. He took me through a questionnaire and diagnosed me with Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I was prescribed ADs and took them for 6 months. Like other have said, I felt pretty awful for the first week but afer that I just felt normal - sometimes happy, sometimes sad, sometimes frustrated etc but my feelings felt less dramatic and overwhelming. I guess I just felt more 'normal'.

I highly recommend accessing counselling or psychotherapy alongside though. ADs will relieve your symptoms but won't address what's underlying your depression and anxiety. Take care of yourself x

MrsEvadneCake · 02/04/2015 09:40

Morning Highway I just thought I would see how you are feeling?

Original poster

Highway65 · 02/04/2015 22:23

Aww, thank you for thinking about me. My doctor gave me a line for this week. So I've done a lot of walking in the spring sunshine.

I'm day 3 on the ad's and apart from feeling nauseous on occasions, I'm okay. Not much of an appetite, but I could be doing with losing a few pounds anyway

The biggest test will be Monday morning. Facing my life again. X

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