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I don't normally reach out but I'm at breaking point.

13 replies

Rebecca19067 · 25/05/2018 13:25

I don't know what is wrong with me I have so many different emotions, I don't know who I am anymore. I cry everyday and I hate myself.
I know I am suffering from something and I feel mental. I have 3 children that I love but I'm ashamed to say that sometimes I having feelings of running away. I suffered with depression with my second child and was on medication which made me feel worse so I stopped. Youngest two are 19months and 5 months old oldest 8years old.
I have days that everything 'seems' okay but then I break down and can't cope with the feelings going on in my head. I have really bad anxiety and have irrational thoughts which causes me to argue with my partner because I feel he doesn't really want me I feel neglected unattractive and lonely. He is a lorry driver and works abroad a lot and I'm told why can't I deal with it like other girlfriends. He is not the most understanding person and says I'm jealous and that this is what he has always done for work. He tells me he wants to live his life which makes me feel guilty like I'm stopping him. I just get upset when he leaves because I know the hard times I face in front of me with kids while his away. My kids are not naughty but its hard work, I live on a top floor flat with no lift so anytime I go out I have to carry both babies at same time up and down the stairs. I'm exhausted and I need help. My doctors are rubbish, she told me I was to young to feel depressed.
Has anyone got any advice how I can help myself please?
Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
EleanorHooverbelt · 25/05/2018 13:46

Sorry to hear you are feeling so bad, Rebecca.

You have a LOT going on in your life that would make anyone struggle a bit, I think. I certainly feel stress when I imagine being in your situation. So it's normal. You're normal.

I think you need to unpick things a bit and see what series of actions you can take to change your life.

Is there any possibility of you getting therapy via NHS or privately? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you may need more self-esteem, confidence and assertiveness. Your partner seems to be quite dismissive of your concerns.

Do you have friends and family? What is your support network looking like?

You have very young children so must be exhausted especially as your partner is away so much. You say you tried meds after your second child because of depression but they didn't work. Any chance you could go back to the doctor about this? I know it's tempting to give up when something doesn't seem to be working, but remember don't blame yourself, it's not your fault. If treatment isn't working, it's the doctor's responsibility to continue trying to find a solution for you. That's his job.

Do you have any help with the children? Any time to yourself to do something you enjoy?

Keep talking. We're all here for you and want to help.

Flowers
EleanorHooverbelt · 25/05/2018 13:54

www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/

There are some helplines on this link for you.

One is for anxiety, another depression, also the Samaritans. They are there for you 24/7 in case you ever want to talk whatever time it is.

We are here too.

I certainly would make an appointment with a doctor TODAY. Ask for a different doctor. That is your right. You are never too young to be depressed. Any doctor who said that is not a good doctor. This is not your fault. You need to get the help that is out there and if that means another doctor, then you must go to another doctor.

You have posted here for help. If you also contact a GP and call one of these lines, that will be three positive steps you have taken towards a better future. So you can pat yourself on the back for that.

katmarie · 25/05/2018 14:14

I agree you need to see a more sympathetic doctor. There's no minimum age for depression, and, depression and anxiety frequently go hand in hand. I also think you have a dp problem, it seems like you don't have much support at the moment, so no wonder you're having a hard time. There are no simple solutions unfortunately, but I think perhaps you need to look at your relationship and really think about whether it's giving you the things you need in your life.

Rebecca19067 · 25/05/2018 14:45

Thank you so much for responding. I've always dismissed talking therapy not because I haven't wanted to try it, because I'm scared about admitting something is wrong to a professional and feeling embarrassed like I can't cope with my children? But I've got to the point that I will try anything if someone is willing to help me feel better. I miss myself to be honest, I remember the first time the crying started I thought to myself I couldn't remember the last time I cried now I cant remember the last day I didn't cry. I have family not many friends because I isolate myself , own worst enemy really and I cancel plans for no reason.
My partner has tried to help by telling me to go to the doctors, I love him and I know he loves me but hearing him say get help almost makes me feel worse and starts something new. When he is home he does treat me good and its not always depressive we have good times but the niggle is always there. And I do have mood swings, and worry about things all the time. I do need to gain more confidence and stop looking for other peoples approval for this.
You really have encouraged me to make the first step in helping myself so thank you , I even feel a bit of a relief just for writing down my feelings on this post.

OP posts:
GlitterGlue · 25/05/2018 14:47

I’m sorry you’re having a hard time.

Definitely see another gp. There is no age limit on mental health issues.

You could also speak to your health visitor and maybe see about a referral to something like home start? You could also find out if Your area offers online or telephone counselling which might be easier for you to access?

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 25/05/2018 14:56

Hi Rebecca please don't be so harsh on yourself.

You definitely need to see a different GP. There is no such thing as being 'too young to be depressed' - utter bollox and I'm cross on your behalf that they said that to you.

3 young kids is HARD WORK - and you're basically doing at as a single parent.

Oh, and your partner is an arsehole. Sorry, but his attitude is appalling. I would say see GP and follow their advice (be it therapy or medication) then when you feel stronger, ditch your selfish tosser of a boyfriend.

You are in there somewhere! Be kind to yourself.

EleanorHooverbelt · 25/05/2018 18:37

I've always dismissed talking therapy not because I haven't wanted to try it, because I'm scared about admitting something is wrong to a professional and feeling embarrassed like I can't cope with my children?

Don't be scared to ask for help with this any more than you'd be scared to go to the doctor with a physical ailment. Therapy was invented because people throughout history have needed help at one time or another. The Internet is full of people needing assistance or hand-holding as they go through tough times. We all do. These therapies would not exist if they were not being used by others. Now it's your turn to use them. They will give you tools and skills you can use going forward. It's the smart thing to do.

But I've got to the point that I will try anything if someone is willing to help me feel better

It will be so worth it - for you, your children, your relationships with others. The pay-off will be enormous. It's an investment in YOU. Smile

I have family not many friends because I isolate myself , own worst enemy really and I cancel plans for no reason

Who are you closest to in your family? Could you speak to them about your feelings in addition to seeking outside help? Is there anyone in your family who could give you an afternoon/day off on a regular basis? If so, use the time to do something for YOU. That could be anything. A hobby you want to pursue or a group of mothers in a similar position where you can just chat over a coffee and share your feelings.

I understand the cancelling plans. Please try not to allow yourself to do this. See it as something you must follow through. Everything will go better than you imagine. If you don't like the activity, you don't need to go again. But chances are you will enjoy it and it will get easier in time.

My partner has tried to help by telling me to go to the doctors, I love him and I know he loves me but hearing him say get help almost makes me feel worse and starts something new

I will now generalise a bit, but men can sometimes be impatient with problems that can't be fixed in the way a car can be fixed, say. Don't read too much into your partner's response for now. If you are basically happy with him and he's a good guy at heart, just concentrate on getting you stronger and happier with life. If there are anything changes you'd like to see in your relationship, you can discuss them from a position of strength further down the line.

You really have encouraged me to make the first step in helping myself so thank you , I even feel a bit of a relief just for writing down my feelings on this post

Glad we've all helped.

Now, remember this is YOUR special thread. Use it as much as you wish for support. Come back and update us if you feel able. Would love to hear that you've made an appointment with a better doctor, spoken to a member of your family about support with childcare, joined a mothers' group, and started talking therapies.

You can do this OP. You sound smart and insightful and a good mother and partner. You just need to give yourself some of the caring you are directing towards others because you are worth it too, you know.

Flowers
Rebecca19067 · 25/05/2018 19:34

You have moved me with your words and really encouraged me today, more than you know, really. I appreciate you taking the time. Thank you.

OP posts:
malificent7 · 26/05/2018 09:32

He does sound crap tbh...maybe he could fix things by being a not more helpful and present?

malificent7 · 26/05/2018 09:33

The jealous comment would piss me off...I would talk to someone.

EleanorHooverbelt · 26/05/2018 09:37

Good morning!

How are things looking today, Rebecca?

What are your plans for today? Have you written down a few steps that you are planning to tackle in the near future?

Sorry for all the questions Smile

Rebecca19067 · 26/05/2018 11:09

Morning, I've woke up feeling a lot more positive about things. we had a really good chat last night before he left for for work and have decided were going to go to the doctors together on Tuesday (a different doc) I've explained to him more in detail how I'm feeling and I feel like he really took it in. He apologized for not always thinking before talking, which I think were all guilty of sometimes.

The problem is not that he is at work, I just don't want to feel the overwhelming feelings when I think of him going. I want to be able to manage. And I want him to just maybe show his appreciation and empathize that what I have to do is just as hard work as a full time paid job if not harder.
I went out last night and got some wool from hobby craft and started making a blanket just for something to do, its quite relaxing to be honest.
I've also been looking at some self help books for anxiety.

I don't want to push all of the 'blame' onto my partner as I feel I need to work on myself and get myself feeling better and everything else will hopefully follow.

OP posts:
EleanorHooverbelt · 26/05/2018 13:56

Hello Rebecca

Thank you for the update.

You sound like you are doing really well today. IMO, you are doing all the right things. You have made an appointment with a different doctor, you have spoken to your partner and explained how you feel and he sounds like he is taking it on board. You have started a craft which helps you feel good. All fantastic stuff Grin

Yes, what you do is very hard indeed. I think any mother would agree. I am not a mother so have no direct experience, but I doubt I could do what you are doing! I know you won't have time to yourself and will have to be "on" all the time. Good well-behaved children are exhausting nonetheless and it's a 24/7 job. Hats off to you, I say...

I am guessing your overwhelming feeling are part of your anxiety, but also realising that you are losing the physical support of your partner whilst he is away. This is where working with your doctor and strengthening your support networks will help greatly. It's when your partner is working away that you need a friend or relative to help you more. This is something to pursue when you feel ready. It should stop you feeling panicked every time your partner is away.

You could start a thread about how do mothers manage when their partner works away and see what support and advice you get from that.

I hope you find some good books for anxiety. I remember reading, "Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway" by Susan Jeffers years ago. A self-help classic. She recommends using the Life Grid. You draw a nine-square box and it has different parts of your life to fill in. It stops you "putting all your eggs in one basket" and becoming unbalanced. You need time to yourself/family time/relationship time/hobby/fitness etc, whatever is personal to you. The idea is that if one thing lets you down (say, a relationship broke up), your life wouldn't fall apart as you have other things to console you. Some people who make their relationship the be-all and end-all suffer greatly when the relationship ends, for instance.

I think you are doing this very sensibly indeed. Working on yourself indeed comes first. Any further decisions you make about your life will then come from a position of strength.

Keep up the good work Flowers

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