First post: Hello Everyone

[kt91]

This is my first time using this site, or any group support site. I am 28 and I have been dealing with symptoms of depression/anxiety for the majority of my life. I was forced to go to counseling when I was a teen and that only made things harder to deal with. Now that I am older it has gotten so much worse and I am currently trying to set things in motion so that I can get help. I don't know what I am doing and I don't have anyone in my life that can really help me with this. If anyone has any advice that they can share on where to start or how to find the right type of doctor/therapist I would be very interested in reading what you have to say.

[Mrspjsmom]

Finding the right doctor and therapist can be difficult and overehelming. But if you find someone who makes thing worse change to someone else immediately. The only thing I can think of to get you started is asking your general practitioner if you have one. You could also do an online search. You have already taken the hardest step in deciding to get help. Keep us posted. Wishing you all the best.

[Thestral661]

Hello, I’m new like you, so welcome and you’re not alone! Sorry to hear things have gotten so bad for you at the moment..

You must be emotionally and mentally drained at this point which I can completely empathise with.

Even though it can feel like you’re in the loneliest darkest of places; please please do speak up now you’ve found this platform as we’ll all do our best to advise and support each other.

Do you mind me asking where about you are roughly? I assume in the UK, if so the best place to start is to get to your GP and have a frank and honest discussion and make it clear just how bad things have gotten.

You must insist on a referral to a councillor/ therapist as they can do that for you. That’s what I did and now I have access to one which I can see as often as I need to.

They can then offer you the chance to see one or multiple people who can help you get to the route of what’s going on.

I understand you’ve had a bad experience previously, but they are all different and I’m sure you can find someone that works for you.

It can feel like a bit of a journey, but it’s well worth putting in the effort as you can not carry on as you are..

It would be worth asking about anti anxiety medication not as a ‘cure’ but as a support while things are so low for you.

Doesn’t work for everyone but in my own experience it’s helped.

Something else I’d suggest which I never thought I would but there are actually some informative and very helpful apps about now 💁‍♀️ .. I use one that’s for self harm and anxiety/depression - never thought I’d say that, but it’s been a useful tool and I’ve been able to keep a log of triggers, what’s helped, what hasn’t, what sets me off etc and you can really build a picture of what’s going on in your own head. And it gives SO many ideas and useful ways for you to get through it and cope.

Also coming onto platforms such as this is great as we all have things going on and are at different stages of these hard emotional and mental struggles and from what I’ve seen so far; people really want to help others in the same boat which is SO lovely.

Apologies for the long reply x

[Hidden]

I’m not from the UK but I would do searches on the net read their write ups. I don’t know if you have Reddit out there it’s an App you could ask if anyone’s can suggest a Councellor in your area. I’ve had to leave a few therapists I’ve the years they are not the right fit or felt our time expired as their therapy wasn’t effective for me at that point. Don’t be shy about them not working for you. I’ve had some great ones I didn’t always need one then I did. I used to like male therapists but as I got older I preferred older women. I also like girlie therapists and softer and a lot of empathy and guidance I need that right now. I like a mice office environment with a comfy couch or chair as I have health issues and I need to relax. To me you can ask anything you want and even call and ask what their environment is like. It’s your money lol

[MARYRD27]

I recommend a therapist that practices CBT, but I don't recommend EMDR. As someone who has suffered from panic disorder and anxiety from an early age, the best thing I have found is The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne. It was a real life save for me. Just wish I had discovered it a lot sooner.

[MARYRD27]

I also suggest Xanax for when the anxiety is overwhelming. It isn't a long-term solution, but it can calm you down long enough for you to gain some perspective and help you discover the causes rather than obsessing on the symptoms. When you find the triggers, you will be able to deal with your anxiety and lower it. You may need meds, but that's ok.

[Avidreader9559]

Hi. I am glad that you found this site so that you don't have to carry everything on your own. I agree with the PP that it can be hard to find a therapist. Sometimes it takes time to find the right one. If one therapist is not a good fit, please take the time to look for one that is a good fit. It is okay to change. PCP can make referrals. Friends are a good source of information. Churches sometimes can make recommendations. Medications can also sometimes help.

I just purchased a book call FindingQuiet by J.P. Moreland. He has a doctorate degree and started struggling with anxiety and did a lot of research. He wrote the book based on his experience. I am looking forward to reading it to see what he has to say. It might be encouraging and it might not, but it a resource that is on my reading list. I hope you find what you need to more forward.

[Kainan]

Hi there. It can be tough finding a therapist that you like and works well with you. I had to go through a few. I've always had a psychiatrist that I can go to should I need to. I'm fortunate in that I live really close to a hospital that specializes in mental health. But I would think to first ask your GP for a referral. And just be honest with what you are going through right now. And perhaps through that connection, your options and resources will grow. It will be based on how you feel and what works for you. Perhaps in the meantime you could work in a little bit of self help, reading information about coping skills and other strategies to manage anxiety and depression. That way when you do work with someone, you will be prepared ahead of time and familiar with the topics and strategies that you and your therapist will end up discussing and will know what it is you want out of it. So, best of luck. I hope all goes well