Don't know how long I can do this for

[radiateforme]

I'm really struggling with my mental health. Everything that helped me a year ago is out of my reach and has been for a long time. Toddler groups, swimming, socialising at friends houses, etc. I have OCD, PTSD and GAD. Single mum who escaped domestic abuse before lockdown. My ex always ruined my birthdays and made sure they were hell on earth. It is my 30th soon and I'm going to be stuck at home with my toddler. Was meant to be going away with my whole family. I just can't cope. I know lockdown is essential but it doesn't help my feeling of hopelessness and the worsening of my compulsions. My son keeps me going but i just feel so hopeless.

Hi there, I know what you mean. I have stuff for mental health too cancelled and struggling a bit as well. This cold winter weather doesn't help either as I want to stay home but getting outside helps me a bit.

First of all not sure which area you are in but can you bubble / see a relative or someone for support? Also can you see someone like a doc for a medication review? I am on fluoxetine and it is meant to be helpful for OCD I think. Kind thoughts

Hello, you can reach out to your gp and speak to 111. There is help out there and they are all still working.

I have spoken to my GP and wellbeing. I'm already having counselling for sexual abuse which helps, but they won't allow 2x counselling to go ahead at the same time. I have to choose. I've just given up.

Sweetie, go back to your gp “won’t allow” isn’t an option, there is lots of help out there, especially now, you just need help in seeking it out.

If you want to message me with your location I will try and help dive through it all to find some more support.

Sending you strength and love and compassion. Things are hard at the moment for so many of us.

I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time.

@TimeToCloseTheDoor it is not considered ethical or useful for two lots of therapy to run concurrently. I am not sure you would find any reputable therapists willing to provide therapy to someone who is already receiving it.

If all of your treatment is being overseen by the GP it might be worth asking for a referral to CMHT, although the waiting time may well be long. Are you taking any medication?

Lockdown has created some really difficult conditions for everyone to cope with, but I think if you have already been struggling with MH it has been particularly difficult. Without minimising the hopelessness you feel right now, try to keep reminding yourself that like everything, this will pass. In those moments of hopelessness, remember that those feelings are temporary. They will subside.

Is there anything you can plan for your birthday that would help you look forward to it? I know it won't be the same, but if you can find a different way to celebrate it, it might help.

OP please don’t send your location to a random person off the internet.

Agree with a pp about having 2 sets of counselling at the same time. However, can you not explore all issues with your current counsellor? Mine doesn’t limit what we cover. We deal with me as a whole person and that includes all the issues I bring to the sessions. We don’t just cover one area.