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Anxiety, Depression,panic, stuff just isnt fun anymore

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
I've had a heart condition for a while, that got diagnosed over summer. It means I pass out or go dizzy quite often, with little or no warning. Because of it, and my feelings of being out of control, I have just gone into a complete nervy slump. I used to jump at every chance to go out or do anything, but now, as soon as someone suggests anything I start picturing the situation, and begin to panic, and try and think of an excuse to get out of it.

I have a really supportive family, and am surrounded by housemates all of whom i am very good friends with (theres 7) so I can get thru day to day life by being distracted and spending time with them. The heart condition's dizziness symptoms are triggered by heat, and by standing up for long periods of time. The worst possible scenarios for me are hot buses, and supermarket queues. I just completely freak out. I am living away from home, and am in my 3rd year of uni, so getting to and from uni is a huge mission. I have to get 2 buses there, and back. I cannot get to sleep at night, unless i take sleeping tablets.

At the moment my aims are to get thru the last 6 months of my degree in childhood education, but it seems such a huge scary ordeal. I can't stop worrying about everything, and the future- how the hell will i get a job or just 'live' without fully burdening my family and friends needing their support so much.

I have spoken to mental health people at my gp surgery, and my gp and specialist had prescribed me books, but none of it seems to be working. All the books and advice say the same thing. That its just a case of gently and slowly facing my fears until the anxiety levels drop in each situation, but how is this possible when just as im making progress i have another dizzy spell and have to lie or sit on the floor. This happens in the most awkward of places- in town, in the street, shops, libraries, uni. Its horrible. As a result any time im faced with a situation, i think of alll the problems that could occur, and avoid it. That or panic the whole way thru it, and cry.

I cry all the time and just can't seem to get happy. I broke up with my boyfriend because i couldnt cope just 'being' let alone spending time with anyone that close, and being enjoyable to be around.

Has anyone had anything similar?? I have no idea where to go from here. My hope was all resting on the mental health woman at the doctors, but now she has turned out to be completely useless, i just feel a total mess.
:(

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Hi kirsty345

    Really sorry that you didn't get the support you wanted after being brave enough to ask!

    Can you face going back to tell them that books don't work for you and you would like something else? Do you think that seeing a counsellor might help? Sometimes it can feel easier to ask for help if we know what we want and perhaps if you could view a counsellor as someone who is there to listen to your problems and help you explore how to solve them rather than a family member or friend who you would be burdening it might help? There's some info here about different types.

    Keep posting and letting us know how you get on :wave:
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Thanks. Do you know how to get a counsellor?? Is it something you can get by asking a gp?? Does it cost??

    I told the specialists how useless the books were, but they just seem to be going over the exact same things as were in them in the sessions, and nothing seems to be helping. They did mention CBT, so hopefully I'll get referred for some of that. Not sure that it'll help, but its worth a go.
    Im sure talking it through more will help. I generally feel a bit less miserable after i've talked it over with people, or if im feeling anxious.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Hey kirsty345,

    If you talk to your GP they should be able to make a referral to counselling for you, also try taking a look at the 'local advice finder' its on thesite's home page. Input your postcode and the type of issue you'd like help with and it will provide a list of services near to you, some of these will probably have drop in sessions and some will allow you to self refer.

    You've got the right attitude in your willingness to try CBT etc

    Hope this helps, keep posting,

    dp :heart:
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    kirsty345 wrote: »
    Thanks. Do you know how to get a counsellor?? Is it something you can get by asking a gp?? Does it cost??

    I told the specialists how useless the books were, but they just seem to be going over the exact same things as were in them in the sessions, and nothing seems to be helping. They did mention CBT, so hopefully I'll get referred for some of that. Not sure that it'll help, but its worth a go.
    Im sure talking it through more will help. I generally feel a bit less miserable after i've talked it over with people, or if im feeling anxious.

    CBT is great but Dollypop is right it that you have to be willing to do the exercises for it to work for you.
    I used to have bad anxiety and panic attacks but have not in years thanks to learning the CBT thought countering exercise called the TEA form. They really work if you do them regularly. The book my therapist gave me where I learned the TEA form exercise called Been there, done that? Do This! by Sam Obitz, is really good as well as short and simple. CBT really works for anxiety and panic if you work at it.
    Best of luck to you and I hope you give CBT a try, it has changed my life:)
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Thanks for all the ideas. I'm going to the doctors again on wednesday, so will ask to see a counsellor :) Don't know much about CBT yet, but im willing to give anything a go. Hopefully It'll work for me, if its worked for you :)
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    You're welcome Kristy. Let me know how it goes? Hopefully your doc can refer you to a CBT specialist or group.
    Good luck:)
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    :)

    The doctor prescribed me another medication, which is meant to help my condition a bit more, and relieve the chronic fatigue a bit. I am also referring myself to a counselling service near my house as i speak
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    great stuff. :)

    sounds like you are really taking some control over matters which in my experience always helps with the anxiety and low moods.

    take care :wave:
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    kirsty345 wrote: »
    The doctor prescribed me another medication, which is meant to help my condition a bit more, and relieve the chronic fatigue a bit. I am also referring myself to a counselling service near my house as i speak

    I hope the meds help and be sure to ask the counseling place if they have anyone who is qualified to help you with cbt I think that would be good for you :)
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Just wondering how you are doing kristy?*hug*
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    She hasnt been online since Feb so she might not see this, but if she does it'd be nice to find out :)
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Thanks G.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Hey everyone. Been awhile and I wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing? Life is really going good for me now:wave:
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