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Original poster

Anyone else struggling with covid lockdown

32 replies

Lottie124 · 25/01/2021 15:29

I was started on sertraline last June, due to low mood and anxiety due to covid! Ever since I’m just generally struggling with life at the moment, I’m much better since starting the sertraline, I’m sure it’s covid and lockdowns not been able to do anything but work, I work in pharmacy just feel like I’m constantly wading through mud all the time! I guess there isn’t much to be happy about right now! Just want my pre covid life back :(

OP posts:
Constancevariable · 25/01/2021 20:20

It’s utter misery, my mental health has never been great. Doctors have always spoken in the past about keeping up with all the things that keep you positive...most of those things are long gone now in COVID. It’s utter misery IMO , Monday’s seem to be the worst day of the week for some reason.

I’m a single parent so unless I make a truly mammoth effort I can go days without speaking to another adult in the actual flesh. It is dull beyond measure. You are not alone OP!

Orangeblossom1977 · 25/01/2021 21:41

I'm feeling it too. Have two young teens at home schooling, usually manage to go swimming which really helps me with MH but of course it is closed now. I'm feeling trapped and stuck. I take some fluoxetine but that seems to be helping just a bit. Also probably pre-menopausal as well into the bargain.

wfrances · 25/01/2021 22:10

My symptoms have got much worse this time round. I think because it's got no end.
I have ptsd so really hate not being in control
I feel quite unwell on times
Luckily my dc are young adults and I have no caring duties so can just zone out .

partyatthepalace · 25/01/2021 22:17

It is shit.

But spring is coming...

Orangeblossom1977 · 25/01/2021 22:48

It is getting a bit lighter I think which helps. It was sunny today.

katnyps · 26/01/2021 14:28

Yeah I totally am struggling! I have a 3 1/2 month old and really struggling today - creeping up for a couple of weeks now but really hit me last night before going to bed and lots of tears since then. I'm going to make an appointment with my GP but they're closed this afternoon and don't want to phone 111 and speak to a random.

Original poster
Lottie124 · 26/01/2021 15:31

Here if you need a chat hun, just message @katnyps xxx

OP posts:
Iamnotmad · 26/01/2021 17:28

I'm struggling, and I had MH problems pre COVID. I feel very pessimistic and just want to give up.

katnyps · 26/01/2021 18:24

Thank you @Lottie124!
@Iamnotmad - one day at a time. It will end - it's just hard trying to look so far ahead.

MrsJThornton · 26/01/2021 18:33

Completely. I've had minor struggles in the past, but I'm on the verge of (may have tipped into one today) a MH crisis. Feel angry and anxious all of the time and can't stop crying and my kids have seen this today which impacts on their MH too. Think I need something to help me through it as I'm frightened of how I'm feeling - will GP prescribe something at the moment to someone who's never had anything before? Don't know what to do

Iamnotmad · 26/01/2021 18:45

Thanks @katnyps. @MrsJThornton speak to your gp, that's what they're there for. They are trained to assess what you need and whether a treatment is necessary and appropriate. These are tough times we are living in, I bet loads of people are on antidepressants now who've never taken them before. Your gp will also be able to advise on talking therapy as well.

MrsJThornton · 26/01/2021 18:52

@Iamnotmad

Thanks *@katnyps. @MrsJThornton* speak to your gp, that's what they're there for. They are trained to assess what you need and whether a treatment is necessary and appropriate. These are tough times we are living in, I bet loads of people are on antidepressants now who've never taken them before. Your gp will also be able to advise on talking therapy as well.
Thanks @Iamnotmad I’ve just submitted an online consultation form to my GP. I hope things improve for you. Please don’t give up - thank you for your help
Iamnotmad · 26/01/2021 18:56

@MrsJThornton very kind thank you 💐. Lets hope for a miracle!

katnyps · 26/01/2021 19:26

It really sucks at the moment doesn't it?! You wonder how everyone else manages it! Truth is a lot of people will be on meds and you never would know. @MrsJThornton I totally understand but if you can, don't be frightened of how your feeling. Your Brian is very clever and is telling you to seek some help - glad to hear you submitted the GP form :)

katnyps · 26/01/2021 19:27

*Brain!! Wish I had a Brian to do my thinking for me Grin

Crakeandoryx · 26/01/2021 19:35

Yes it's really hard at the moment. I've managed ok untill October/November hit but this last few weeks have been really very difficult. I know I'm over thinking, ruminating about things and feeling very hopeless when in reality there are brighter days coming. It's a struggle to keep going. I get angry easily and the paranoia is starting to set in of being left out, nobody liking me, everyone against me. These are typical flags for me to indicate a downward turn. I'm more functioning and numb than actually living.

I'm hoping it will get better as January passes, if not I may need to seek help now to stall the spiral.

Stillhere28 · 26/01/2021 23:28

Completely agree, it’s so very hard at the moment and wish I knew how to feel positive or energised instead of exhausted from working from home and dealing with kids and nothing else. I’m 2 months into sertraline which had helped calm the anxiety and crying, but today I’ve felt back in that dark place again. Hoping the lighter days will help me going forward. Take care all x

katnyps · 27/01/2021 11:19

@Crakeandoryx
I know what you mean regarding the "flags" - it's easy to think everyone is ignoring you too when you can't meet anyone!! And the people you would usually speak to are probably going through the same thing... being home all day does not mean, weirdly, that you have lots of spare time to message people and stay in touch... if anything it's the opposite!
@Stillhere28
I hope you're feeling better this morning - and fingers crossed for the lighter days also!!

MadKittenWoman · 27/01/2021 19:22

Yep. The citalopram is all that's keeping me going. I need something to look forward to and there isn't anything. I've got a drawerful of tickets for postponed gigs and money tied up in postponed holidays that don't look like being considered legal for months. I drink a lot of gin and wine.

Original poster
Lottie124 · 27/01/2021 20:00

It’s good to no I’m not the only one feeling like this, I’m still working so that’s minding keeping me in a slight routine and my little girl is still attending nursery! There is just nothing to look forward too, can’t plan anything! I feel like I’m existing not living at the min it’s horrible xx

OP posts:
MrsJThornton · 27/01/2021 20:06

Thank you @katnyps I really appreciate it. My lovely GP rang me today and was so supportive. My youngest child has a long term serious health problem that has proven very difficult to get on top of, something I was struggling with before COVID. She actually said to me "I was hoping you would get in touch if you needed to " and prescribed Sertraline which I'm starting tomorrow (hopefully that's a good one)
Thanks for your support.
Hope you're doing ok @Stillhere28 💐

BeanieB2020 · 27/01/2021 20:10

Yeah, the lack of human interaction is awful much more so now than last year as people are tired of video chatting and honestly running out of things to even talk about. No more casual what did you do this weekend, what are you doing tonight, stories about funny things that have happened in peoples days anymore etc. Whatever novelty might have been there for some last year has gone.

I live alone & have my bubble but find myself thinking so much, so many thoughts and ideas and comments I want to make in chats with people that don't get said because people are tired of video chat and texting. Sometimes I'll post online and have a chat that way, but it's not organic conversation and it feels like my life is a fake live lived behind a screen that doesn't exist in reality. I miss going for coffees and lunches and just running into people and having chats. I'm glad to have my bubble, but now I'm still feeling lonely. Especially in evenings.

katnyps · 27/01/2021 21:08

@MrsJThornton
Oh that's great news from the GP! It's great that they're being supportive - sound like a nice practice too. Be easy on yourself the first few weeks of Sertraline - you may find you start off with a few side effects (can't remember all the details) so give it a few weeks to settle before you "re-assess" how you're feeling Flowers

katnyps · 27/01/2021 21:12

@MadKittenWoman
Yes! It is crap. I have a new child so can't even have that much wine and gin to cheer myself up...
The thing that gets me is that it's not even going to end "with a bang" if that makes sense! A horrible and terribly false analogy to draw but at least if you're at war one day you suddenly go "victory"!
There will be more gigs though... just one day at a time

katnyps · 27/01/2021 21:15

@Lottie124
I know exactly how you feel - it is existing! Honestly if it wasn't for the NHS I wouldn't be doing this, but I know it's right to stay home. It's an impossible situation but that doesn't make it any easier to bear.