On 24 Apr 2013 at 2:49pm Lewes Loser wrote:
I suffer from anxiety and depression. I have had this since primary school. I used to get very nervous everyday before school and had feelings I didn't understand. And now nearly 40 years later I still get the same feelings before a work meeting
I worry about everything...people dying, me dying, birthdays, Christmas, holidays, travelling, phoning people, ...and the list goes on and on.
Anyone got any advice and the first steps to take to get over this before my life is over?
On 24 Apr 2013 at 3:00pm Annmarie wrote:
I would say visit your GP and get referred to counselling this may really help you
On 24 Apr 2013 at 3:18pm Old Cynic wrote:
Annmarie is right - there is loads that can be done to help you - go and see your GP
On 24 Apr 2013 at 3:43pm topbird wrote:
read the excellent book "Feel The Fear and Do it Anyway" by suxanne Jeffers, I work with a lot of people who get anxiety and this book really helps, you probably are an anxious person like many of us, do not think of yourself as a loser.
On 24 Apr 2013 at 3:44pm Sparky wrote:
I had a breakdown some 6 years ago. I was referred to a psychologist for cognitive behavioural therapy which not only was quite an eye opener but really did help enormously.
I was amazed by what caused my breakdown. It was a culmination of events over years, not just what I thought had caused it. That was just the straw that broke the camels back.
I've been on anti depressants ever since, now only a low dose, and can honestly say that I've never looked back. I do occasionally have low days but nothing I can't cope with.
Depression is not something that can be cured but it certainly can be controlled so you can live a normal life.
Don't listen to people who tell you to pull yourself together, they don't understand. Only those who have been there know what you are going through.
Good Luck.
On 24 Apr 2013 at 3:46pm Withheld wrote:
My GP told me that I wasn't eligible for Counselling on the NHS because I've had a Stroke. I have stated my case but she still says the same. I've given up asking for almost anything now. Counselling may well be good but I've yet to see it. I was told that seeing that my health issues were terminal it would do me no good.
I thought that they were supposed to be a caring profession? Not in my case..
On 24 Apr 2013 at 3:50pm havenrook wrote:
Stop worrying or find out if you may be able to claim benefits for your mental state.
On 24 Apr 2013 at 4:08pm Judge Montal wrote:
havenrook are you a 5 year old?
On 24 Apr 2013 at 4:25pm Not my real name wrote:
I had a breakdown last year after a couple of years of warning signs: erratic self destructive behaviour, irrational anxiety, over reacting to things and so on. My doctor wasn't great when I first went to see them so I kept plugging away until things got too much. When the inevitable happened it was grim to say the least but getting help was the best thing I did. Hold in there and though it seems a silly thing to say, with help things do get better.
On 24 Apr 2013 at 4:56pm Lewes Loser wrote:
thank you for the positive responses
On 24 Apr 2013 at 5:25pm Compass wrote:
Lewes Loser, I would really consider doing some research on Aspergers Syndrome . If after doing this you find there are similarities between what you experience and what people with Aspergers experience on a day to day basis then I may be able to give you further advice on how to access support. Please post again.
On 24 Apr 2013 at 6:59pm I'm a sufferer too wrote:
Hi Lewes you're not a loser. I have had exactly the same thoughts since mid primary school. I find life so tough sometimes, it seems hard to carry on. However, I started CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy - after years of councelling and it has made a huge difference to me personally. I honestly believe it's the best way forward. You can even do it over the phone initially if this is more suitable for you. You're not alone - in fact it's very common - but press your GP to get this excellent treatment because mental health issues in East Sussex are seriously underfunded. Good luck to the new you.......
On 24 Apr 2013 at 8:38pm Jane S wrote:
"I'm a sufferer too" is absolutely right - you can get really good, personalised counselling over the phone via the NHS, including cognitive behavioural therapy: ask your GP about Health In Mind. A close relation used it and now feels that he has the tools he needs to understand his feelings and to deal with them.
Me, if I start worry-worrying, I ask myself 'What's the very WORST thing that would happen if x didn't work out/ happened/ failed?' Then you can see the worst and get it a bit into proportion. Worth a try.
Very best of luck. There is real help out there, and as the people in this thread say, you're not alone.
On 24 Apr 2013 at 10:15pm havenrook wrote:
Seems like going to a soft primary school and sucking your mothers teat for too long have made too many of the 40 plus generation locally wimpy.
On 25 Apr 2013 at 12:26am I'm a sufferer too wrote:
havenrook you sad troll, please leave this thread alone. I for one am no "softy" - in fact I struggle to contain my aggression at times - so don't get too confused.
On 25 Apr 2013 at 8:41am Not my real name wrote:
The lack of empathy shown by Havenrook could well be indicative of some significant psychological problems, we should treat them as gently as those who explicitly state their issues.
On 25 Apr 2013 at 9:18am jrsussex wrote:
Compass - I have a grandson in his 20's diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome in the 90's and whilst he has had a pretty tough life, in particular his senior school years. I don't recognise the matters mentioned in the original post by Lewes Loser as being relevant to the condition. Other than his school years, which he toughed out never missing one single day at the senior school despite being constantly bullied, he has just accepted that he is different and got on with his life. He left school with 10 GCSE's (5 A's) then went to Plumpton College on a 2yr course and came out of that with top honours. Understandably the family are very proud of him
On 25 Apr 2013 at 9:45am havenrook wrote:
I believe I know the Identity of Lewes Loser and will be passing on my copy of Bobby Mcferrin's recording of" Don't Worry, Be Happy." to brighten up their life.
On 25 Apr 2013 at 9:52am Been there /Am there wrote:
Please do not feel your are a loser, despite the shame that accompanies this terrible, life long condition. I am afflicted as well--one of the most expeditious and inexpensive 'cures' (though there is no true antidote) is daily exercise and getting some sun on your face (I know--very difficult lately, but not today!). If you are fit enough--I was able to stave off most symptoms for over 15 years with a running regime. Sadly--the ageing process has robbed me of that particular medicine. I wish you good luck and future wellness, fellow sufferers--it's a rocky path we tread and very hard on our loved ones as well. Havenrook--please get some help with your anger and bullying issues--you must be awful to live with as well...
On 25 Apr 2013 at 10:01am SC wrote:
If you're worried about medication, and are looking for the 'tools' to better help you cope, and don't have an ASD diagnosis, I would strongly suggest looking for a mindfullness course as well as pursuing CBT.
It's quite difficult to get NHS spaces on mindfullness courses, and an 8 weeks course can be about £350, so you might not have the cash to do one, but I can tell you it works wonders. My partner had regular panic attacks and now longer does after practicing mindfullness for a few months. Also, in case you're worried about whether meditation will work - Oxford university have run several clinical trials showing distinct positive results for people with anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders.
I've added a link to the brighton centre for your information
Good luck - hope you're better able to cope soon. You've made the first step in reaching out for help!
Check it out here »
On 25 Apr 2013 at 11:00am Lewes Loser wrote:
thanks again. Will see my GP next week. It's uplifting to read your kind words.
On 25 Apr 2013 at 11:15am Compass wrote:
JR Sussex , what Lewes Loser describes are symptoms of some co morbid conditions associated with Aspergers Syndrome. Typically many people with Aspergers have an above average IQ, and over achieve academically.
On 25 Apr 2013 at 3:58pm Dan wrote:
Keep your chin up LL. As you can see there are far more kind hearted people around than the negative self haters. You are probably 10 times more intelligent and full of worth than the havenrook person.
There is an old Sussex saying - as silly as a rook and this prat proves it.
Cheers
On 25 Apr 2013 at 5:32pm uckers barry wrote:
man goes to the doctors and says i feel like a pair of curtains doctor says pull yourself together seems to fit
On 25 Apr 2013 at 7:33pm Lewes Loser wrote:
thanks Dan...
no thanks to uckers barry. I hope you never experience any mental health issues