Anxiety, depression headaches - constant worrying about jobs and future

[Random466]

I don't know where to begin. I believe I've been depressed now for a good few years. It has manifested in many different ways. I have tried to be strong and resilient but it's defeating me and I feel physically and mentally crippled. I live in the UK and fear this government will class me as fit for work or sanction me for being anxious and depressed.

I've recently had a severe headache that has lasted nearly a month and I don't think this is related to my anxiety or depression. The pain of the headache is crippling. Truly crippling. Keeps me in bed in the morning, prevents me from sleeping. Making me sleep in the middle of the day. I've also been having suicidal ideations as life is not improving at all. I currently take Propranolol for anxiety, I'm a week in to the course of medication but it seems to have not taken effect yet. This chronic headache has continued for the best part of a month. I thought it was a tension type headache caused by anxiety, but the meds don't seem to be working in removing the headache.

My depression also seems to be getting the best of me and I don't know how much longer I can continue with this cocktail of illness. I'm going to see a GP today about anti depressants but if I don't improve I have seriously won't know what to do. I feel so trapped by my anxiety and depression and the government has no sympathy - I'm going to need to get a stressful full time job like everybody else. Finally these headaches are destroying me and I think I need to push for a referral to a neurologist, I don't think they are related to my anxiety or depression. I'm starting to think I could even be bipolar. I'm a man and we are supposed to be strong but I don't feel like I ever have been. I just want to end my suffering forever - can I fly to Switzerland and ask for the euthanasia service? It's illegal here in the UK.

Sorry for rambling and seeming incoherent.

[DMM218]

Yes demand a proper check up for headache. Even if stress related it's not being treated.

As for government and not working - it's tough with the benefits system so get help from CAB re applying for PIP - they make huge difference in outcome. You don't seem well enough to work to me so don't feel like it's a given that you will be forced to work.

It sounds as if you are quite unwell at the moment. Have you any other support?

[Hidden]

Hi I agree with DMM218 that you don't seem fit enough to be working at the moment, Insist the GP investigates your headaches as something isn't right. I know depression can cause these but I wouldn't think to this extent.

Ask your doctor for a sick/fit note and I can't see a problem with you getting one in your current state. Then claim ESA (google Gov.UK as this is the benefits site). You will get an assessment within 13 weeks but it might not be until then so it will give you some time to start to feel a bit better.

I know it's not easy but try not to worry about the future too much as I have found it often takes cares of itself. Concentrate on getting yourself well again or at least feeling a lot better before you think about work. Good luck at your doctors. xx

[joeyawesomo]

Hi!

I'm sorry to hear you are feeling depressed and having increased anxiety due to the Governments policies.

Depression is a nasty thing, it can make you feel , physically drained, emotionally drained and suicidal thoughts. It's a nasty feeling and I and I'm sure many on us on here feel in similar situations.

In regards to the headaches they could be related to the depression or it could be something else. Best to get a referral to a Neurologist as you mentioned. If your GP reluctant keep pushing.

As DMM218 says do this and go and claim PIP. Citizens advise Beareu can be really helpful and ask your GP for a sick note.

I totally get it, you say your a man and you need to be strong, I constantly have this thought regularly, as I like to see myself as a strong person. I for one really do not see myself as a emotional person, rather sometimes the depression and anxiety gets to me sometimes. That's coping, that's being emotionally strong, feeling the way you do and taking care of yourself in reality is being strong.

In all accounts it seems your very strong dealing with the challenges you have at the moment.

I know your feeling down and as you said you have thoughts of suicide, but life will really get better, it's the depression speaking not your real thoughts.

Hope you get better soon

Joey