Mental illness..

[Hannah21]

Hi guys,

I’m not one for sharing I have mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety but I just need a little help and encouragement. I’ve been feeling down for the past few days and I know I’ll come out the other end, I’m just finding it really difficult. I have had severe illnesses since I was 19 until I was 21/22 and I’m luckily healthy now (well for now atleast - touch wood) and it sounds really silly, but I feel really alone, I’ve tried counselling and I have my family to turn to but sometimes it isn’t enough without being harsh. I’m losing weight to feel more confident with my body, and that’s not going too badly at the moment, I just Wish there was a pick me up. Didn’t know if anyone else on here has gone through chemotherapy or a lot of steroids and how well they have done with losing weight and keeping happy?

Sorry if it’s not the right topic to post here.

Thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi Hannah. There are several other sites on HU which deal specifically with mental health issues and you might find help in there too. There is the Anxiety and Depression site, the Mental Health site and a couple of anxiety ones too. x

[Hannah21 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks lilaclil

[Ceals]

Hannah21 none of us on here are medically qualified but we all have shed loads of compassion. We will all be supportive and you should count on us as friends, and friends help each other out in times of need.

I haven't gone through the illnesses or medication you describe but I was so very ill at the beginning of the year. This forum, with its love and support have been instrumental in my recovery.

Stick with us and we will stick with you.

[Hannah21 in reply to Ceals]

Thanks ceals I appreciate that so much

[Ceals in reply to Hannah21]

I really do mean we are here for you. just keep coming on and chattering to folk.

[Hannah21 in reply to Ceals]

Honestly, I feel like I’m bothering people a lot of the time. But I suppose anyone who wants to comment or read because they have similar issues would be wonderful x

[Ceals in reply to Hannah21]

Not bothering people, the forum only works because we chat amongst ourselves.

[pcrw]

Hi Hannah

Sorry you’re a bit down . I think the fact it is dark early in the evening and doesn’t get light till nearly 8 in the morning and it’s is grey and wet doesn’t help.

Still there some nice things about autumn the colour of leaves open fires and hot soup and I definitely prefer winter clothes.

I do hope the sun shines where you are and that you can get out for a walk in the pRk or if you are lucky in the countryside as that will lift your spirits

The cloud will pass

[Hannah21 in reply to pcrw]

Thanks pcrw that’s lovely

[Honey10 1lb]

Good evening Hannah, can't begin to imagine what you been going through with treatment and medication. So pleased you have the strength to talk about it. I hope you can move forward to a happier place. In my thoughts x

[Hannah21 in reply to Honey10]

Thanks for your kind words honey10

[lucigret]

Hi Hannah21 ,

Don't feel that you have to be sorry for asking for help on here. We are not medically qualified but we all have our own life experiences to call on. This forum is such a positive and supportive place to be.

I understand you feelings of loneliness completely, have been.

I have suffered with depression and anxiety, but not due to illness or medication. I had a breakdown in 1999/2000 due to emotional stress. I won't go into all the reasons, it's not really relative. I had counselling and found it very useful, but found that every now and again I had to go again for a few sessions for quite a few years, this helped to keep my anxiety at bay. I have also found that using self meditation cd's has been a huge help for me. I still have my down times but I recognise them as they rear their ugly head and can now manage them really well. My anxiety is well under control as well now a days. I find from an anxiety point of view I needed something to distract myself or if I am with my husband he is brilliant at distracting me with lots of chatter, usually about nothing! I also find sucking polo's for some reason works for me and having a bottle of water to sip. I also came across somebody on line that has a very good programme to deal with anxiety. I have to say it was not cheap to buy but was an absolute life saver for me and I highly recommend him. The name escapes me at the moment, but I will go and look it out and PM you later. Not sure I am allowed to 'advertise' him on here.

It is great that you have a supportive family, but I understand the need to speak to others. Sometimes we all feel that we want to give our families a break.

Just keep coming on here and talk to us.

Sending a hug ((())) 🌻

[Hannah21 in reply to lucigret]

Thankyou for all of your reassurance lucigret. I’m sorry to hear you went through a lot but it’s nice to know your not alone. I find water has helped me too. I’ve started reading and doing puzzles which help when I’m over stressed or irratable. Thankyou for your help it’s much appreciated x

[Hidden]

Im not qualified to answer this professionally but I sometimes think I'm alone even when I'm surrounded by people and family, when that happens I try to go out for a walk either in a quiet spot or around the shops but I think no matter where you go its down to the fresh air and just getting away from the normal mundane day to day stuff we all do. I never try to overload my mind with projects just to keep busy because it does not work (for me)

[Hannah21 in reply to Hidden]

Marley28 that sounds like a good idea. I used to go for a drive to a certain spot and walk round for hours and then just sit there and sometimes write stuff down. I should really think about giving that another go! Thankyou for your advice

[Hidden in reply to Hannah21]

This may sound daft but sometimes too stop feeling alone you have to be alone for an hour or two so your mind gets time to settle down and reboot itself. As long as your not feeling scared while having a bit of me time then you should be able to change the way your thinking and allowing yourself to become overwhelmed with anxiety. It does not always work I find but that's ok.

Have you ever heard of ASMR you could try listening to different sounds people make that calm you down, there are loads on youtube just type in ASMR and pick a random one and make your way through the videos to find out what settles you down when your anxious.

[Hannah21 in reply to Hidden]

Over the more recent months I have gotten accustom to my own company. There’d be a time I was to afraid to be alone but now I enjoy me time for time to time. I must admit my anxiety has gotten so much better, I wouldn’t have been able to go to the shops on my own or go into town with a couple of friends a year or so ago, and I can do both of those now which is a massive step. I still get anxiou in certain situations but I’ve sort of learned how to try and calm myself, still abit of work to go on that, but I know I’ll get there. Thankyou again for your advice, it’s nice to have something different to try! I’ll deffo give the ASMR a chance. Thank you.

[IndigoBlue61]

Good morning Hannah21

I’ve been lucky to avoid chemotherapy but I did have a cancer removed surgically last year and can sympathise with all the mental strain this puts you through. You are doing a fantastic job in taking responsibility for your weight and physical health, in my experience it took a full 12 months for my body to recover, and I’m still battling weight and fitness.

Please don’t apologise for posting, we are all in the same boat trying to lose weight 😊

Best wishes

Anna

[Hannah21 in reply to IndigoBlue61]

I’ve been in remission now for 6 years in February but there are still off feelings and days where I feel down. The mental strain stays with you a lot longer than the physical. Thankyou so much Anna, I really do appreciate your comment x

[smartiepant]

Sorry for all you have went through, I have suffered depression, and I feel getting out and about heals my ailments, I think fresh air is best tonic for anybody.

[Hannah21 in reply to smartiepant]

Thanks smartiepant, definately seems like something I should encourage more.