what will help?

[Itscurtainsforyou]

I'm going through a tough time at the moment. It's been going on over 6 months and I'm getting to the end of my tether.

There's nothing practical I can do to help the situation, just a case of hanging in there. I have lots of opportunity to talk to others (& use it). I'm off work so don't need to be signed off sick.

I have an appointment to see my GP tomorrow as I'm feeling so low, but I'm not sure exactly what I want/expect from her. I'm tempted to ask for antidepressants (taken them short term previously) but is that really the answer? I generally believe that depression is a chemical imbalance and this is more of a shitty situation that I'm so tired of dealing with.

Any advice?

I had depression and a combination of drugs and CBT worked for me.

I'm not sure if I have depression though - just feel trapped in a crappy situation, with no way out and I'm starting to feel like I can't cope.

As a veteran that sounds very much like depression The key thing is the feeling of entrapment for me. And it's better to be safe than sorry because it can suddenly worsen and ADs or therapy need a bit of time to work. Hope you feel better soon

Can you tell us something about the situation you feel trapped in?

Can't cope does sound like it may be depression.

Thanks
My baby was born very prematurely 6 months ago. I've been going back and forth to the hospital everyday, each day wondering what I'm going to find. It really is a day by day survival situation. Plus many of the babies whose parents I've got to know have either gone home by now or tragically died.
I'm trying to keep going, care for my 5 year old and keep the house going.
It just seems never ending - we have no plan for hospital discharge so there's no end in sight and I am so so tired.

You must be so worried and sad. It's not surprising you find it hard to cope

Do you have a partner and family nearby? It sounds like you are bearing most/all of the burden

Yes - I think my oh is as stressed by it all as I am.
I have family, although they're not nearby they're on the end of the phone. I have good friends who have occasionally made us food or collected 5 year old from school in an emergency.
It's just been going on so long. I just want my baby well and home.

Are there online support groups for parents in the same situation? Often our problems make us feel 'different' and isolated. The truth is, there are many people throughout the world suffering in the same way. They can be the greatest support

Thanks - I've looked at a few, but it seems like our stay in hospital so far is longer than most so many people are home and facing different issues to us.

My GP has given me some antidepressants so I think I'll give them a go.