Why is my mental health so bad?

[WoollySheep462]

I'm sort of struggling to cope today.

I was okay then this week we furloughed a lot of staff and my work has gone up.

On top of lack of sleep, anxiety, I am really suffering with physical symptoms of pmt and having a panic attack and feel like a failure and everything seems hopeless at the moment. On top of it all it's the loneliness. It physically hurts.

Hi OP. No advice really but I know what you mean about loneliness hurting. I’m physically in pain with it. I’ve been crying all day at everything. I feel detached. I went to the supermarket earlier and started to get chest pains from anxiety.

Thank you for your reply. I have never felt like this. Woke up with extreme anxiety. The adrenaline is pumping in overdrive. I just do not know how to do this today.

I'm sorry you're feeling like this. Do you think pms might be making you feel worse? I always get messed up by mine with mood swings and anxiety. It helps me a bit when I recognise it for what it is. And things actually are really tough at the moment. Sounds like you have lots on your plate with work too.

OP it's hard at the moment. I've found the best thing is not to look at the time ahead, especially if it's a massive empty block of loneliness.

Feeling like you have some control can help the feelings arising from a lack of it.

What needs to be done today. Write a list and check it off. Think only about the task ahead. Plan what you're going to eat for breakfast and lunch. Don't give yourself a chance to ruminate, because nothing good comes from that when you're feeling like this.

Listen to music, listen to the radio or audiobooks or podcasts.

The more you have a chance to think, the worse you'll feel. I'm not saying any of these things will make you feel great, but they definitely can take the edge off and stop you feeling worse.

Obviously don't listen to music that makes you feel sad for any reason though.

And don't beat yourself up. In hard times people don't feel good. Your responses are pretty common right now. It's horrible but it's also a sign of good mental function. If someone whacked your shin with a hammer, it would be strange for you to carry on chatting as you were before, with a smile on your face. There's nothing necessarily wrong with your mental health, there's something wrong with your circumstances.

I say this as someone who has lived with symptoms like these for years due to personal life circumstances. So big hugs to you.

You are all so kind. I should have checked back sooner. I spoke to a counsellor today. She really helped me with some strategies. I still feel so alone and can't tell people IRL which is never a good sign. I like the thought that it is circumstances.