Psychiatric help is too expensive.

[Halffullhalfempty]

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression when I was 7/8 years old. As long as I can remember I've been challenging myself to cope with it. If speaking over the phone gave me panic attacks - I would deliberately make sure I call as many people for absolutely no reason as I can. I was really proud of myself for facing my fears but lately it's been impossible. I'm currently on anti-dep and anxiety medication. I've been on different medications throughout these few years. I used to go to therapy but I stopped because it became too expensive and they all keep wanting to send me to an institute which I could never afford. I'm a B.Ed. student afterall. I try my best to do good in my studies and I frequently get A's or B's. But my anxiety is getting worse and I asked my GP to give me a prescription for something stronger to help with the panic attacks. But the problem is - I can't use them during the day since they make me drowsy. I've been under a lot of pressure lately since I live with my uncle who suffers from alzheimers. Our family didn't want anything to do with him so I volunteered to take care of him. And it's been 3 years since I started doing this. After a failed suicide attempt on my part - my family disowned me. Which I could understand - I was selfish. So currently I don't have a solid support system, my medical aid doesn't cover psichiatric help etc. And I'm pretty much tired of stressing and panic attacks. I've been trying methods like doing exercise and eating super healthy but it's not working at all. I'm starting to think that no matter what I try - I'll always slam face first into another obstacle without ever reaching the goal. I truly want to try my best and prove to my family that I'm not a mistake. But recently it just seems to be rather difficult. Especially since I have to forcd myself to be stable for my uncles sake. I'm 20 but it feels like I'm 88. Is there any options available out there that doesn't cost the sacrifice of 200 virgins, a lama soul and a unicorn tail feather?

[Goldfish_]

Coming to terms with yourself as having chronic anxiety. Continue the exercise and diet particularly high intensity endurance exercise. Mindfullness, computerised cbt (Google mood gym). Alternative medicine. Get involved in friendship groups, sport groups etc. Try beta blockers, propranolol shouldn't be very drowsy making.

Keep on at it and remember things can always get worse if you don't

Good luck

Dave

[Photogeek in reply to Goldfish_]

Hi Dave,

How are you today?

Hannah

[Goldfish_ in reply to Photogeek]

Not at all good (but nothing anyone can do about it), but thanks for asking.

Dave

[Olderal]

7/8 years old seems terribly young to be diagnosed with depression. The Americans I think are a bit more advanced in knowledge of and attitudes to depression IMO even though they do tend to over diagnose ,but even they ,I think, are generally reluctant to diagnose depression at 7/8.

Secondly IMO you had and I hope still have a good attitude to your panic attacks. Whatever your family think you are far from a mistake and you sound a positive asset to the human race IMO. I think you deserve a medal maybe even more than our wonderful Olympic athletes.

You won't keep slamming into obstacles because ,judging by your posts, you have a wonderful attitude.Unfortunately I have n't had a lot of anxiety so I'm no expert but I would say the public libraries seem full of self help books for various therapies for anxiety attacks. No doubt many of them are rubbish but if you try a few you should find something which is good and suits you. This may enable you to do a lot for yourself which would suit your style and if you find a therapy and there are classes in it in your area so much the better. It might mean you meet people with similar problems which would be a bonus.

Goldfish is a doctor so he's well worth listening to.

The only other cure I know involves dragon breath and a brass ring which has been worn on a necklace for six months between a 20 year old virgin's breasts but those are no easier to find than the things in your cure. The brass ring is easy but a twenty year old virgin!!-the mind boggles. There were a lot around when I was young but then Luther (Martin not Batman's enemy) weakened the true faith.

Olderal

[bazilbrush6906 in reply to Olderal]

I think the culture of not bothering to look deeper into a condition at childhood primarily because its difficult to differenciate from normal child behaviour needs to be changed. I agree doctors shouldn't freely distribute diagnosis as they please but also conditions shouldn't be ignored. I have bipolar. Im 27 years old and got diagnosed end of last year. I was under CAHMS as a child, saw phychiatrists as a child, had explosively manic episodes after certain foods as a child, reseen by mental health team as a teenager after a manic episode left me in hospital, 'diagnosed' with major depression throughout teens and early 20's and only after i fell into suicide mode again did anyone think 'maybe he has bipolar?'.

Both me and my parents are utterly p*****off that i hadnt been diagnosed as a child because then it could have been controlled instead im 27 and i live alone in a s***** shared accomodation, lost alot of friends and family, running out of places to work as ive worked EVERYWHERE (welding though), im far gone into this illness that i can no longer live like a normal person (not going into it here, too long) and i have to take enough medication that puts my organ function under jepody.

Mental Health needs updating not avoiding across the board because i was failed well and truly

[Hidden]

Hi halffullhalfempty,

It does really depend on where you live, your access to affordable therapy. Even here in Canada where the legend is that everyone enjoys free healthcare, things like therapy are still often out of reach for the common Joe. I searched long and hard to find a therapist that was within my budget (60-100 per bi-monthly session).

I do subscribe to the theory though, where there is a will there is a way. If you prioritize your mental health and do without certain things in your life you might be able to find and afford some one to talk to. For example, I am currently living on only eating rice and vegetables pretty much with a grocery budget of 70 per week for me and my partner, so that I can afford my therapy sessions. I have also stopped drinking, and I don't shop for anything.

You may have to think outside the box... look for free group therapy options, which some one mentioned, which can be a great way to share your story and feel validated. Also when you connect with others in your situation they may be able to point you in the right direction towards a therapist.

Also you may find some one who is not a traditional "therapist" in the medical sense who works for you as well, its really important above all to find some one you trust and feel comfortable with no matter what their qualifications may be. For example, you might find a college counsellor, a naturopath, a native american indian healer, a meditation facilitator, even a religious/spiritual counsellor. I would encourage you to explore all options if you are really serious about healing. Just putting out that intention into the world is powerful and will draw the right person to you when you are ready.

Wishing you all the best and sending you love and support at this time!