Been feeling low on and off for a while

[Cranb0rne]

Just wondering if it's worth going to the GP and what they might do to help? I have been feeling very down and suffering anxiety for quite some time, maybe even years now but have never done much about it. I have always had low self esteem, think I am worthless, no self confidence. Sometimes I think about suicide and what would be the most painless way if things get unbearable. My mum has always said that she would never tell a health professional if she was struggling in case social services became involved. She believes that they are child watchers on the look out for kids to take away. I think deep down that is why I have never told anyone. Is it normal to feel anxious all the time and low a fair few days of the week?

I'm so sorry, I have absolutely no useful advice for you OP, but I wanted you to know that I hear you and wish things were better for you.

Until someone comes along with better advice I will add that I know that that social services are very anti removing children from parents. I have seen this from 3 different angles; in a previous job I sometimes had to sit on serious case review panels, we have a social worker family friend, and about 5 years ago I supported a family member with alcoholism through involvement with social services.

I meant to add that in all 3 experiences removing children was seen as beyond last resort.

Absolutely I'd say it's worth seeing the GP if it's already affecting your life enough that it's a possibility your considering. They will probably offer to refer you for some sort of counselling and/or medication depending on the severity/specifics of your problem and what you'd like to do.

As for social services and your child/children, I have a son and have been at my GP speaking openly about suicidal thoughts, depression and severe anxiety and I can assure you that your wellbeing is their main and only priority!

I hope you have a good support system at home and someone you can talk to that really helps too :)

I would agree with others on this thread that talking to the GP might help and that children are only removed from parents as a last resort. It would be a shame for you not to get help because of this fear.

I find talking to The Samaritans helpful because it's completely anonymous and you can just offload, any time of the day and night. They now have a freephone number too. That could be a first step to help you build up confidence to talk to your GP.

Thanks for your replies. I have been feeling much better this week and am thinking that it's related to PMT. I hadn't been sleeping well due to work stress and it just all got on top of me. I have had some time off work this week to help my son start school. I just seem to lose the plot when my period is due I am hopefully having a spa day for my birthday as haven't had any kind of break for years.