If you need urgent support, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. To contact our Crisis Messenger (open 24/7) text THEMIX to 85258.
Best Of
Re: difficult night / episode of depression
Hey @IainJammybo well done for seeking support from the community 
Things seem tough right now, and I wanted to check in. Are you feeling safe today?
Remember, you're incredibly strong, and we're here for you every step of the way. There's no pressure to handle this alone. If things feel overwhelming, please reach out to any of us, or use these resources:
You're doing so well

Things seem tough right now, and I wanted to check in. Are you feeling safe today?

Remember, you're incredibly strong, and we're here for you every step of the way. There's no pressure to handle this alone. If things feel overwhelming, please reach out to any of us, or use these resources:
*Local urgent mental health helpline | Open 24/7 | Find details about your local service here.
*Crisis Messenger - Our crisis messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, you can text THEMIX to 85258.
*Papyrus - If you are having thoughts of suicide, you can contact HOPELINEUK for confidential support and practical advice. You can call them on 0800 068 4141 or text them on 07786209697.
*Samaritans are reachable by phone and email 24/7. Whatever you're going through, you can call them any time, from any phone on 116 123.
*Crisis Messenger - Our crisis messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, you can text THEMIX to 85258.
*Papyrus - If you are having thoughts of suicide, you can contact HOPELINEUK for confidential support and practical advice. You can call them on 0800 068 4141 or text them on 07786209697.
*Samaritans are reachable by phone and email 24/7. Whatever you're going through, you can call them any time, from any phone on 116 123.
You're doing so well


1
Re: 💸a quiz allllll about money!💸 - saturday 9th march 2023 @3-4pm
Thank you so much to everyone who came along to our quiz this afternoon! We all had great fun and everyone did brilliantly 
But congrats to our joint winners @River and @Chloe234! 👑

But congrats to our joint winners @River and @Chloe234! 👑

2
Re: Really hard week, feeling hopeless
As you say @PenguinSky, it sounds like this is cumulative - it all added up to making you sad and not the opticians alone. You deserve to have options for your eye care - and all other care/support.
Are you able to go back another day and try again when you are feeling less sad / more manageable? Whilst we would not wish to advise whether or not this could be due to withdrawal from medication, it might be worth discussing this with your GP if you think it could be related to medication.
A stressful week could also add to this though. Would you like to share more with us about how your week has been stressful? We are here for you and listening to you if you would like to share more with us.
Everyone is different and your feelings are valid. Though, I can hear the self-comparison you are currently doing. When you say your job drains you and you can't make friends, would you feel comfortable sharing more with us about what this looks like for you?
Are you able to go back another day and try again when you are feeling less sad / more manageable? Whilst we would not wish to advise whether or not this could be due to withdrawal from medication, it might be worth discussing this with your GP if you think it could be related to medication.
A stressful week could also add to this though. Would you like to share more with us about how your week has been stressful? We are here for you and listening to you if you would like to share more with us.
Everyone is different and your feelings are valid. Though, I can hear the self-comparison you are currently doing. When you say your job drains you and you can't make friends, would you feel comfortable sharing more with us about what this looks like for you?
Re: Really hard week, feeling hopeless
Hey @PenguinSky, it sounds like this week has been incredibly tough. Thank you for sharing this with the community! 
Between being super busy and tired- it's no wonder you found your appointment at the opticians made this all come to a head... As a glasses wearer myself, I can completely empathise with the frustration of contact lenses so well done for going in the first place AND you do deserve choices when it comes to eyewear! Do you feel comfortable going back another day when you are feeling less drained from your week? It might even be a good idea to take someone you trust with you for a little more support. I found taking a friend to my contact lenses appointment to be really helpful as it made the appointment feel less intimidating.
Crying is healthy reaction all the built-up stress you're describing from your week, you mentioned feeling frustrated with yourself for feeling this way - there's absolutely no shame in feeling down or overwhelmed. It's completely understandable to feel a little off balance when your body's adjusting to medication changes so it might be worth following this up with the GP if you do think that is the case? There might be other support the GP could be put in place to help you manage these changes.
Are you able to tell us a little more about what makes your job draining? Sometimes talking about specific things can help us understand them better. Also, is there anything specific that makes it hard for you to make new friends?
I can hear the self-comparison you are currently experiencing, sometimes when people compare and then feel sad, it's often stemming from a belief that you're not good enough, and please remember you're always good enough regardless of what you are going through.
What are some small things you could do today that might make you feel a little better? Here is a link to a lovely article about self care which might inspire you to be extra gentle with yourself this weekend!
Please do let us know how you are doing- sending hugs!

Between being super busy and tired- it's no wonder you found your appointment at the opticians made this all come to a head... As a glasses wearer myself, I can completely empathise with the frustration of contact lenses so well done for going in the first place AND you do deserve choices when it comes to eyewear! Do you feel comfortable going back another day when you are feeling less drained from your week? It might even be a good idea to take someone you trust with you for a little more support. I found taking a friend to my contact lenses appointment to be really helpful as it made the appointment feel less intimidating.
Crying is healthy reaction all the built-up stress you're describing from your week, you mentioned feeling frustrated with yourself for feeling this way - there's absolutely no shame in feeling down or overwhelmed. It's completely understandable to feel a little off balance when your body's adjusting to medication changes so it might be worth following this up with the GP if you do think that is the case? There might be other support the GP could be put in place to help you manage these changes.
Are you able to tell us a little more about what makes your job draining? Sometimes talking about specific things can help us understand them better. Also, is there anything specific that makes it hard for you to make new friends?
I can hear the self-comparison you are currently experiencing, sometimes when people compare and then feel sad, it's often stemming from a belief that you're not good enough, and please remember you're always good enough regardless of what you are going through.
What are some small things you could do today that might make you feel a little better? Here is a link to a lovely article about self care which might inspire you to be extra gentle with yourself this weekend!
Please do let us know how you are doing- sending hugs!


1
Re: Bears vet trip
Hi @River I understand how you feel as I myself have a pet. I also get really worried about his health and not seeing him for periods of time but this is normal and just shows how much we love and care for them. I’m sure the weekend will fly by and you’ll be able to see Bear soon!
Re: Bears vet trip
That sounds really scary for you @River. Is there anyone else who can be there to help and monitor him over the weekend?