Struggling Newbie 9/3/20

Hi,

I have been struggling with mental health issues since 2010. I have been hospitalized 3 times since then. I put a lot of pressure on myself to “stay well” because I feel like I don’t want to put my family and friends through that chaos again. I have a therapist and I’m prescribed medications but I’m fearing if I start to slide downhill, I don’t know what would happen. I’ve been struggling these past 2 weeks with feeling “off”. Went on a week long lakeside family vacation but I feel like I ruined it by feeling flat and depressed. I also had anxiety mixed in which was worse. I had a session with my therapist today and she suggested that I tell my family/supports that I’ve been feeling off and to call my psychiatrist just to keep her in the loop.

I joined this group tonight with hopes of feeling connected and learn new things.

Thank you for reading 💜

[Ladybug9]

I agree with your Therapist. And I really hope you can share what you go through with your family and friends. I don't hide any of my health issues whether they are emotional or physical. It's more harmful to hide how you feel, inside. Your feelings are important!

[Hidden in reply to Ladybug9]

Thank you! Now that you mention it, I have no problem sharing my physical issues with my family so why should this be any different? I guess my mom tends to get alarmed when I tell her any dips or struggles with moods, etc. I think making it a regular part of conversation would lessen the alarm. Wow, I just dumped my thoughts here. Thank you for helping me process that!

[Ladybug9 in reply to Hidden]

You are so welcome. I am so transparent and was never good at hiding my health issues, no matter what they are! Plus, it shows all over my face apparently. I'm also bi-polar and when I'm manic, my son will come home and say, "Feeling manic today are we?" and he smiles.

[Ladybug9]

P.S. I forgot to say Welcome!!! You will love the support and the people here!

[SeakingLight]

So happy you're reaching out. Keep fighting for your health. Welcome!

[Hidden in reply to SeakingLight]

Thank you!

[Iammesues]

You are really self aware and strong. No need to put pressure on yourself. There’s enough mess in the world. You deserve empathy and kindness. I’ve chosen not to share my struggles with anyone in my life as they are not the type to understand

[Hidden in reply to Iammesues]

Thank you, yes there is enough mess in the world for sure. Alarm bells seem to go off when I mention a change in mood to my family so that’s why I hesitate to not say anything. Empathy and kindness is much needed. Thank you for your compassion.

[Iammesues in reply to Hidden]

Yeah, most people are not empathetic or truly open to listening. The burden we hold increases due to the need to hold it all in

[LookingUp8]

Hi JustJournal,

I’m glad you joined here. It’s a great group of people who understand and can relate. I agree with the therapist also. We’re here for you.

[Hidden in reply to LookingUp8]

Thank you! I feel like I might share this forum with a friend who might benefit from the additional support.

[Hidden]

Is that your kitty in the pic then as he's very handsome!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes! My cats name is Georgia and she’s a rescue so I’m not sure how old she is. Thank you 😊

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

She's a lovely looking girl with those markings!

My sister in law had a black and white moggy like Georgia called Zoe who died when she was 22!

We have an extremely spoilt elderly ginger tabby nowadays called baby who is 16!