Recovering from breakdown

[EmmaEmerald]

Does anyone have any experience of this?
I thought I'd had a nervous breakdown in my 20s but carried on working. This time I'm knocked out. I got up at 8 and need a nap already!

TheBuggerLugs glad you slept well. Is there a lot to do re kids school and wedding?

concentrating on now also seems impossible - we've all got stuff that has to be done after all. In my case, I think it's good to have stuff to focus on that's in the future, though I realise others might feel differently.

@EmmaEmerald yes the tears might have been after effect of diazepam. I find it very good for panic but doesn't help with lows and in some ways I think it can make them worse.

I need to make a decision about my medication but it's very difficult. It's nearly 5 months since I increased my dose of tricyclic (clomipramine) back up but I'm still really struggling.
I am functioning though and the problem is that I get very severe effects if starting or stopping an AD so I know that everything would get much worse. That is v v difficult for my family but on the other side I'm just existing really and some days are still desperately difficult.

kizziee thank you. It's happened to me a couple of times before but of course, when you take it, it's because something is wrong and then the feelings get muddled up.

I think changing meds is one of those things that requires a relatively un-busy period of time, do you have one of those approaching?

BuggerLugs

good that you're tapering

how do you find meditation? I've tried before but think I'll try again.

BuggerLugs that's a nice gentle taper.

I know I'm repeating myself, but as someone who is generally not optimistic - realistic is the way I describe myself - I think we'll get better. Some days I can't see it either though, I know the feeling.

I had two naps yesterday and then had an efficiency attack clearing up lots of things. But then didn't sleep much at all so today is a sofa day I think!

Can I join? I have been here a few times. First nervous breakdown was in 2004. Total crash. Agoraphobia. I am currently going through burnout. Had FIL (94 years old) stay with me for a few months. Started new demanding job. Unwell DC. Just been told I am Anaemic. My mind is a jumbled mess. Am on sertraline and having CBT but the physical pain, the brain fog the leaded legs, the pins and needles in my limbs and the inner trembling is always there. I told OH I need a break away on my own and he is on board but I can't do it because of the guilt. I feel selfish. I know about self care etc but I'm too mentally exhausted to actually do it. I am taking the family away tomorrow for a few days in the UK. It's not the break I need but any chance I get I will try to sleep.

@TheBuggerlugs I am in awe of you not only coping with this but also an up coming wedding. Amazing. X

sully of course you can join.

any chance you get for sleep on holiday, use it. Do the family know you are ill?

how was the path to recovery last time?

Hi all. Crisis support worker here.

Look and see if there are any “safe havens” or “crisis cafes” or the like in your area. They are safe spaces where you can go for support to help you with crisis/recovery/prevention of crisis. They are staffed with mental health nurses, support workers and you can sit and have a cuppa, chat and they can assess your needs and refer you/signpost you elsewhere for further support if needed. Most are walk in centres, you can just turn up and will be supported unconditionally.

These are amazing resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

Also, remember that recovery is non-linear. Try and treat yourself how you would your best friend. And please reach out to services, there are people who want to support you. Sending you all healing hugs.

@EmmaEmerald thank you. OH knows. He will help out where needed.

My first breakdown was when I was single. I followed the Claire weeks plan and it helped massively. Her book is called self help for your nerves.

I follow her plan in my daily life too but life circumstances don't leave me with energy to think clearly, let alone make self care decisions.

FlyingUnicornWings thank you for letting us know that information, much appreciated.

Sully that sounds good, I'll look at that.

I have just had a short teary period which could be anything really but I am starting to realise I let that boyfriend tread on my boundaries. I'm a bit shocked, I'm normally a very well boundaried person.

Sully can we help with self care decisions eg reminding you to drink a big glass of water? Just a thought.

BuggerLugs glad you got out for a walk. I hope to do that tomorrow.

been a lot more tears today, mostly about my poor decision making lately.

but now about settle down with a book I've read many times. Hoping for early bed.

How's everyone? Not sure about going for a walk but going to do some little chores and a stretching workout, plus a ten minute meditation thing - later this afternoon.

hoping not to fall asleep so I can get back in a good sleep pattern.

BuggerLugs I should try to get into knitting, it will help me I think.

@TheBuggerlugs I know what you mean by "I hate the unknowns of all this shit" I stopped all my mental health meds about 6 months ago. I didn't think they were making me feel any better. I was also reading about the Oxycontin problems in the US and it made me think about how drug companies "persuade" doctors to use their products, and it made me very cynical about taking prescribed medication. I'm not sure though , with hindsight I made the best decision. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist on Thursday so maybe I'll talk it over with him. Part of the problem is also lack of continuity of care - I have only ever seen one psychiatrist more than once, so I find it difficult to build up any kind of trusting relationship.

BuggerLugs Sounds like a good start to the day!

I'm very overweight so haven't worn jeans for ages sadly, this is another thing I have to tackle. I've mastered the art of making leisure wear look smart if you know what I mean!

Re zopiclone, how much do you take? I'm guessing here, but I'm thinking some of this medication regimen is about calming your central nervous system and then it will taper off until it's back to doing it's own work of self regulation?

I used to really like zoplicone, preferred zolpidem, but nigh on impossible to get either prescribed now from my surgery, they really don't like them.

I am feeling particularly wretched today. I'm having one of those days when I see no real hope, no way that things are going to improve and I then find myself getting into a spiral of thinking about what's the point of carrying on.