Finally getting help.

[axegrinder]

Not been here for a while - trying to deal with the day to day - to be honest it hasn't been great, and been on edge constantly at work. I am very open to my collegues about my mh issues - I mean it is an illness- and if I had a cold I would discuss it, and it helps me, by making me feel normal. Dealing with people generally though is still a constant pain.

Finally however! - had an appointment with the NHS Mental Health services. Was hard, tearful, maybe less tearful than I feared - managing to contain my panic attacks because I am coming to terms with my anxiety, so I can deal with these things a bit better. I went through a lot with him, told him about problems about not sleeping, a more recent problem is not having any get up and go, feeling very tired all the time, and longer term I am realising that the things I used to enjoy I am not doing so much - seems like the beginnings of depression creeping in... also went in to a bit more detail about non work related issues - mentioned the past - he steered me away from that! -= thought he would! - modern techniques maybe rightly focussing on the present and future. Got a telling off again about my drinking habits, and he wants me to enrol on a stress management course, and he is going to get me some mood management support as well. He was quite stern - I need to help myself - that is the biggest problem for me, and if i don't manage that, then as my biggest concern, what do i do from there? I am so tired and this is turning out to be a marathon. It is hard work....but I am so determined to defeat it. This has become my biggest challenge to date!

[mood_swing_man]

Hi Axegrinder, read your post & it felt so similar to my own situation. The stern approach really works for a lot of people (me included), and it's often used as a 'hard nudge' to get you to see all of the possitives that you have around you. Please take that advice on board, andyou won't need to worry about what'll happen if the mood/stress management doesn't help. Believe me on this one. As for the drinking habits, here's a little suggestion...upgrade the quality of any alcohol & really limit the quantity (maybe to 2 nights a week?). Try treating yourself to a couple of ice cold beers (if that's your thing) at the end of the week & knocking any other drinking on the head-replace it with some light physical exercise. I feel a lot better when that's what I do. Hope that this well-intentioned advice helps. Good luck

[tintin5187]

HEY! I did the stress and mood management course, panic course, building confidence! They are brilliant! You learn so much, it makes you realise you are not weird or crazy etc. and you meet other people who are in exactly the same boat as yourself! I would recommend them to anyone. Also the reason why he may have said about your alcohol intake is because alcohol is a stimulant which naturally increases levels of anxiety, and if you already have an anxiety disorder, then as much as we all like a little tipple it will make it worse! Definitely try and cut down, you may find your tiredness eases too. Let us know how u get on and stay positive x x x