Thoughts are still there

[Compo69]

These thoughts ain't going away, I feel sick and feel really depressed. Can someone talk to me.

[Chezfidi]

Hi I hope you are okay. I have severe anxiety and minor depression as well as chronic fatigue syndrome. It took me years to get help as I thought that the doctors would not be able to help me. I used to think I would be better off dead but with help from the doctors and support I have managed to get past these thoughts but it did take a few years for me to reach this stage. All I can say to you is that it is worth it. It is not easy but I guess the main thing that got me through was thinking how my parents would be so hurt and upset if I killed myself and I didn't want to ruin their lives because I wanted to take the easy way out. Also every day I try and think about how I am lucky. For example compared to a lot of people around the world my life is not that bad and I think a lot of people in deprived countries who are either starving or homeless or displaced by war and unrest would feel like the luckiest person alive if they woke up one day with my life. Please don't lose hope. Try and think about the good things you have and about things you like. Try and do things you enjoy. My thoughts are with you xx

[Compo69 in reply to Chezfidi]

I'm only sixteen tbh I starting to get through it now but it's really frightening and the doctors seem useless sometimes, anymore tips.

[Chezfidi]

I'm 32 but I started with anxiety and depression at the age of 15, I went through a lot of emotions between the age of 15 and 22 and it wasn't an easy time of life. I think at your age it is difficult because you have so many hormones as well as changes to deal with. I don't know what your background is but I had a fairly decent childhood except for an alcoholic father and being bullied through school for basically being poor. I was offered counselling which helped. Just being able to talk to a stranger about how I felt without being judged was a relief. I also used to write a lot of stuff down about how I felt which may help. I used to cut myself but don't recommend that if you feel despair you must talk to someone. It may help to take up some form of physical exercise or sport you enjoy, swimming or tai chi or even martial arts if you can. Or just getting out in the fresh air or in the country for a walk could be helpful, can your parents take you out somewhere in the countryside once a week maybe for a walk? Sorry if none of this is helping, just trying to think of stuff that might help you. I have been on various medications for this and it did help. I was also sent for cbt I did managing stress and anxiety, understanding depression and I have been doing mindfulness. These did help too. I think understanding these conditions helps you rationalise your feelings, you also feel better because you realise that you are not alone or strange because so many others also go through these feelings too.

[Chezfidi]

Doing something creative could be helpful as well, I used to like to draw so I used to spend hours copying things like cartoon characters. Or you could try something new because learning to do something new will occupy your mind but it needs to be something you'll enjoy. My sister took up knitting recently for example but you could try anything like poi or balloon modelling or juggling, something you will need to concentrate on because that will take your mind off these thoughts. Or you could see about doing some voluntary work maybe if you are helping others this will make you feel good about yourself. Even if its just befriending a lonely elderly neighbour and offering to do a few odd jobs like a bit of weeding or cleaning or taking their dog out, going to the shop for them, it feels nice doing something for another person and they would probably appreciate it too. I used to do this and some of the old people I helped were really interesting they used to tell me about their lives it was surprising how interesting some people's lives were in the past. I also used to play cards and dominoes with an old guy who couldn't walk very far and do shopping and take his Jack Russell for walks every day. Just another few ideas for you x

[Dibble]

Sounds like you have some kind of depression or anxiety or both but you should get help.

Talking to someone is a good start, either someone close to you or someone whose job is it to help you, or both. These links may help, just put in your postcode, look to see if 'self-referral' is available then call them;

nhs.uk/Service-Search/Couns...

and

nhs.uk/Service-Search/Menta...

Also, the charity called Anxiety UK is a good place to start. You can call them on 08444 775 774 or 0161 227 9898. They are open from 9.30 until 5.30 Monday to Friday. They also have a website at anxietyuk.org.uk and you can get free email support there anytime or live chat to someone now via the site.