Ask Anything Monday!

[NikNik]

Happy Monday everyone,

Thank you @eth for your post last week!

This week's question is:

I've been depressed for about a year and neither my family or my friends know it. I have made a big effort to conceal my depression with those who love me, but it has take a big toll in my professional life. I'm having a lot of trouble asking for help. Any advice?

[Justanxious]

I would suggest speaking with your doctor. They will be able to refer you to a Psychologist who may be able to give you someinsight into why you are feeling the way you feel.
 

I do think it is important for your family and friends to know how you are feeling and that you are wanting and willing to accept help. I know that it is hard to as for help. I still struggle to ask myself at times, but let me tell you. It does make things so much easier when you have people around you to support you and lend an ear at times. 

Please at least think about seeking some professional advice. The may have some thoughts and ideas on how to approach the subject with your family, friends and maybe even your employer.

Good Luck to you,

Just Anxious.

[Shaz51]

welcome to the forum ,

@Justanxious I agree with what you said , very good advice

[NikNik]

Happy Monday everyone!

A bit THANK YOU to @Shaz51 and @Justanxious for your input last week.

This week's question:

I would like to know how much research has been done with relation to hormone levels and depression anxiety. I am menopausal and my anxiety/depression goes hand in hand when my HRT is not working.  I have depression all my life and anxiety more so since I become peri menopausal. Also suffered PMT severely prior up that for a week a month.

Thank you

[Former-Member]

Why do MH community case managers drop clients off books when they still need help?

[Shaz51]

hi , welcome to the foum

that is a very good question

hormone levels and depression anxiety. yes I think they woulld increase Anxiety

Yes @Former-Member, Why do they do that !!!

[cg02020]

I think it is a complex issue, involving big changes in hormone levels exacerbating symptoms and also where you are at with your external stressors in life stage, plus any pre-existing conditions. The people who might have some idea, but not absolute answers I am guessing are: endocrinologists and psychiatrists (who have medical as well and psychological training) For me it has been tough, important to have an assessment for suitability for HRT I think and weigh up risks and benefits, new research is out, but I can't take due to health reasons, I choose to employ meditation, attempts at a healthy diet and medication for anxiety, using art, music, breathing exercises and reading up on what to expect/shared experiences on reputable web sites and mindfulness The journey is different for everyone though. It is a pretty significant milestone, one that can be a surprise! Goodluck.

[cg02020]

As a former case manager for MH we had a 2 yr funding window before clients had to be exited. There was not much room to extend that. Sadly it is all about government funding quite often and high demand of people on waitlists in the queue behind you. Simple answer: ask them why you have been exited and if you can be put on another programme or if there is some way to get further support.

[NikNik]

Happy Monday everyone!

A big thank you to @cg02020 @Shaz51 for addressing last week's question.

This week's Ask Anything Monday question is:

I've struggled with anxiety and depression for a long time. But it wasn't until my mid 20s when I was diagnosed with panic disorder and depressive psychosis.

Recently, I've made many changes in my life that help promote my wellbeing. However, I'm still struggling to build a support network that will help me when I start to feel anxious and depressed.

Many of my friends sympathise with my circumstances, but they have said themselves they don't understand and wish they could help me more. They have good hearts, but they just don't do or say the right things when I'm going downhill.

Seeing my psychologist helps tremendously, but I can only go once a week. I'm rather frustrated because the last thing I'd want is to relapse into a psychotic episode and have it interfere with my work. It has happened before, and the results were not pleasant.

Who do you consider your 'support network' and how do I find them?

[Snuchu]

I have a chatroom full of mentally ill friends that relate with each other. I'm not sure if I can say about it here, so I won't, but I'll just say that it exists.

There's so many ways to have a support network.

My support network is having my nurse check in with me every week or two, and with the chatroom. My parents supports, but doesn't understand. Unfortunately, I don't really know how to prevent psychotic relapses. I get one almost for sure every year, and it has affected my life. However, I say that you should TRY to learn how to identify what's real and what's fake. For example, I have a metallic taste when I hallunicate.

Good luck. 🙂