Struggling and no help available

[LineofTedLasso]

To cut a long story short, had a breakdown in 2016 after getting out of abusive marriage
Been on sertraline 50mg since then. Stable. Loads of things happened this year, and a period of health anxiety has morphed into a real MH crisis. I am not eating or sleeping and I can't be on my own.
The issue I'm having is accessing any help, my GP a month ago told me to go for a walk every day.
I called again on Christmas Eve, and I felt that the Dr who called me back didn't listen or understand how bad I've been.
I just don't know what to do next. I'm calling them again in the morning, I know it's Christmas and they are stretched but I'm desperate.

Ring 111 for an out of hours GP, perhaps your medication needs reviewing then your own GP can follow up

Ok thanks for taking the time to answer. I think you're right. And the fact I can't access help makes me more desperate

There is specific support for mental health now on 111 I believe. I hope they can help x

Agree with PP. Ring 111. Also consider the Samaritans and possibly other support groups who are local to you who won't be able to offer medication but may be able to help to get you through until you can speak to a clinician. Take it as slowly as you need to and try not to put any pressure on yourself. You're seeking help and that's a massive positive, even if it's not instantly available - particularly at this time of year.

Have you been going for a walk everyday?

I'd definitely ring 111. But you are on a very low dose of sertraline and it wouldn't surprise me if a GP didn't suggest going up to 100 or 150mg. Take care of yourself.

In my opinion, 50mg of Sertraline is a low dose. I’m on 200mg a day. I’m not a Dr but I’d ask about having your daily dose increased, I think you’ll find it really helpful. Good luck x

Hahaha that made me laugh for the first time today

Oh that's very good to know thankyou x

Sorry to hear you're struggling.
You can call 111 and press number 2 and get to speak to a trained mental health professional. This is the case in wales, not sure if it's the same in the rest of the uk.

You can also take yourself to A&E and be seen.

Please take care of yourself. I know how hard it is, but things will get better.

Papyrus offer support if you're feeling suicidal. https://www.papyrus-uk.org

X

There's a local support line staffed by people with lived-experience I called on Christmas Eve. They allowed me to talk for 30 minutes and it helped a bit.
I've tried Samaritans before I I didn't find it helpful.
I will call 111 and try and get an appointment if my doctor is unhelpful in the morning

I agree that 50mg of Sertraline is a very low dose. My OH started on 100mg and has recently increased to 150mg.
If you can’t get any help from your GP you could increase your dose to 100mg yourself by taking two tablets a day. Not ideal I know but that might help you in the short term until you can get more help xx

Thanks I agree with you and that was what I asked when I was advised to 'go for a walk' I am planning on this when I feel a bit more stable.
When I first started the sertraline I was in a terrible state, so I'm scared to increase but I am prepared to do this. I had diazepam for the first few weeks but GP's won't prescribe

I had a breakdown after leaving an abusive relationship. I'm up and down still, I'm menopausal so that might be a part of how I feel. I don't have a miracle cure but just wanted you to know that you're not alone in how you feel.

Thanks for that I am also menopausal which is a nightmare in itself. I am so glad to be out of the marriage. Unfortunately my son's still see their father. He's been asking them for money which was another trigger for this episode. I am also in another relationship that is not meeting my needs, and this crisis has cemented this in my mind.
I am very lucky to have some support and I feel for people who don't. I hope you have people to support you x

It's good to know that I can increase. I just need the GP to prescribe something like Valium to have alongside whilst I suffer the inevitable side effects xx

Thankyou.
I will call 111. I can't face A&E x

She will run out twice as fast and struggle to get a new prescription. Try 111 OP they should be able to offer an appointment with someone more helpful.

I very much doubt that she would struggle to get a new prescription

111 option 2 and they will advise on next steps.
Sorry you feel so bad, I find texting SHOUT helps but they take a while to respond. It’s easier to text than talk I find. 85258 is the number.
And keep talking on here , we can support you too x

Thankyou so very much. It has really helped starting this thread. It's good to know that there are options. X

Thankyou so much everyone. It's made me feel less alone. I hate being like this, I'm normally the 'one that helps' not the one who needs help.
I'm anxious worrying about my sons worrying about me if that makes sense. In fact I'm just anxious about everything. One thing today, I have been signed off for a few weeks and I was stressing about work. I'm going to forget about that and concentrate on improving my mental health.
This time of year and the menopause doesn't help either. X