**The Mental Health Thread**

[secretspy]

How is everyone doing considering current affairs?

I'm actually quite upbeat as I no longer have to commute and can sleep in a bit. But once or twice I've been left alone and had a cry on the sofa. It's stressful worrying about what we're going to do and how we can protect our loved ones.

I'm similar in a way. Before the lockdown I went through a few days of just constantly checking facebook, emails, bbc news, instagram, listening to the radio news broadcast and then a manager at work was getting worked up about it too. I was in a flap because of the idiots panic buying and worrying about not having enough food. Finally managed to find somewhere else that had more stock of veg etc but by Mothering Sunday I was a complete mess. I had messaged my mum to say "look Boris is saying not to even get together for today" so she said ok, that's fine we'll cancel. Then I had people telling me nah it would have been ok when previously they were saying no, dont risk it

I just kept thinking "what can I do to help my mum through this? I'm letting her down, She shouldn't be going to work, she shouldn't still be helping my brother with the kids, I cant lose my mum too."

I ended up on the sofa in tears pretty much all day

I've calmed down a lot now though lol. I barely go on Facebook now. I've not been listening to the radio (they repeat so many songs anyway) I allow myself a max of an hour to look at news online through BBC only, each morning and that's it. It's been a struggle to find somewhere to get food delivered i.e. farm shop type places as I really want to limit going out as much as possible but there is a Drive Thru Farm Shop near me which I can try I also finally found cat litter and cat food from Wilko so I dont have to stress about sorting that

Other than that though I'm taking the positives - going to save time not having to commute so get to sleep in a little bit more, save money on fuel, get more work done as I'm not distracted by colleagues so much and weirdly I seem to be a bit more proactive with sorting chores etc lol.

 

[McBain]

How is everyone doing considering current affairs?

I'm actually quite upbeat as I no longer have to commute and can sleep in a bit. But once or twice I've been left alone and had a cry on the sofa. It's stressful worrying about what we're going to do and how we can protect our loved ones.

Was ok up until tonight but my anxiety is playing up badly for some reason. Over to Doctor Valium.

 

[RossG]

This may just be me being ridiculous and reading into things way too much, but it's also something I'm finding a bit concerning at the moment.
So during the lockdown I planned to some weight lifting. I was doing some reading in what I can do with the limited equipment I have and also consulted with friends who are more experienced doing weights.
However the more reading I did on it, the more complicated and confused I became. Then I just got really frustrated and annoyed and want to forget the whole thing. And it got me thinking. I can get easily frustrated on so many things. I feel like I need a road map. That I need every detail locked down before I can commence doing something. The slightest unknown and more often than not I get put off the whole idea, whatever it may be. I rarely feel like I can just go "ahh **** it I'll give it a go".
I know I'm a worrier and probably have GAD, but I'm wondering if this thought process is indicitive of OCD or something. Sadly I don't have access the therapy at the moment to help understand this specifically.

 

[Blackjack Davy]

How is everyone doing considering current affairs?

I'm actually quite upbeat as I no longer have to commute and can sleep in a bit. But once or twice I've been left alone and had a cry on the sofa. It's stressful worrying about what we're going to do and how we can protect our loved ones.

I have to get out went out for a good long walk this afternoon I'd go nuts otherwise. Likewise went around all my sites (work) even though they're closed just to... get in touch with reality. Or something. Can't just stay in this (small) flat with no garden without a break.

 

[McBain]

Currently feel like my mental health is spiralling out of control again, constant chest pain, dizziness, a feeling of being disconnected, on edge, irritable, waking up sweating with palpitations etc. I've been seeing a CBT therapist now for 4 months and feels like it's not helping, she obviously thinks I'm suffering from anxiety but won't come out and flat out say it (seen a psychiatrist who has diagnosed me with depression, anxiety and OCD - OCD I already knew about). What I can't get my head around is I don't worry, I'm not sat here worrying about anything yet it seems I've still got all the telltale signs of anxiety. Been on anti depressants for that amount of time as well, has made zero difference whatsoever (apart from the sedative effect of helping me sleep which now appears to be wearing off).

I suppose the above is contradictory, just posting about it suggests I'm worried about it but I don't feel like I'm worrying about... if that even makes sense.

Hasn't been this bad since December where I was barely sleeping. Obviously going to have to go back to the GP which I'm loathed to do especially in the current climate, doesn't feel like I've got much of a choice.

 

[RxR]

Currently feel like my mental health is spiralling out of control again, constant chest pain, dizziness, a feeling of being disconnected, on edge, irritable, waking up sweating with palpitations etc. I've been seeing a CBT therapist now for 4 months and feels like it's not helping, she obviously thinks I'm suffering from anxiety but won't come out and flat out say it (seen a psychiatrist who has diagnosed me with depression, anxiety and OCD - OCD I already knew about). What I can't get my head around is I don't worry, I'm not sat here worrying about anything yet it seems I've still got all the telltale signs of anxiety. Been on anti depressants for that amount of time as well, has made zero difference whatsoever (apart from the sedative effect of helping me sleep which now appears to be wearing off).

I suppose the above is contradictory, just posting about it suggests I'm worried about it but I don't feel like I'm worrying about... if that even makes sense.

Hasn't been this bad since December where I was barely sleeping. Obviously going to have to go back to the GP which I'm loathed to do especially in the current climate, doesn't feel like I've got much of a choice.

Your GP will likely give you better aid - it is good you are considering it. There could be another reason for your symptoms. If CBT isn't working well enough for you, it needs to better targeted. That is the therapists responsibility. Has your therapist suggested a change of approach?

 

[McBain]

Your GP will likely give you better aid - it is good you are considering it. There could be another reason for your symptoms. If CBT isn't working well enough for you, it needs to better targeted. That is the therapists responsibility. Has your therapist suggested a change of approach?

Not yet but it's only the past week or so that it's really started to go backwards, although I didn't feel good I had a handle on it but I realise it's regressing at a rapid rate right now.... I'm seeing her (Skype) Friday so I'll need to discuss it then, see what she says.

 

[RxR]

@McBain it would help her help you if you let her know what isn't working for you. Think of her as a mechanic who has tried one way of repair, but that the approach tried so far isn't providing good enough results. Ask her what other approach might work.

 

[McBain]

@McBain it would help her help you if you let her know what isn't working for you. Think of her as a mechanic who has tried one way of repair, but that the approach tried so far isn't providing good enough results. Ask her what other approach might work.

Thanks yes, I fully intend on having a frank conversation with her as what we're doing at the moment clearly isn't working.

 

[Doobedoo]

Is it possible it’s a problem with your diet?
Caught a little bit on GMB this morning with a guy talking about how your gut has a big influence on mental health.

 

[piggeh]

Currently feel like my mental health is spiralling out of control again, constant chest pain, dizziness, a feeling of being disconnected, on edge, irritable, waking up sweating with palpitations etc. I've been seeing a CBT therapist now for 4 months and feels like it's not helping, she obviously thinks I'm suffering from anxiety but won't come out and flat out say it (seen a psychiatrist who has diagnosed me with depression, anxiety and OCD - OCD I already knew about). What I can't get my head around is I don't worry, I'm not sat here worrying about anything yet it seems I've still got all the telltale signs of anxiety. Been on anti depressants for that amount of time as well, has made zero difference whatsoever (apart from the sedative effect of helping me sleep which now appears to be wearing off).

I suppose the above is contradictory, just posting about it suggests I'm worried about it but I don't feel like I'm worrying about... if that even makes sense.

Hasn't been this bad since December where I was barely sleeping. Obviously going to have to go back to the GP which I'm loathed to do especially in the current climate, doesn't feel like I've got much of a choice.

Have you considered journaling? It may be helpful to write down how your day has gone, and what stresses you may be feeling, why, what could be done to help etc. Just having to write something down may help to focus on how you feel each day and may help to uncover some anxieties you are not fully mindful of.

Unrelatedly I have a zoom session with my therapist tonight, not sure it's as effective as face to face, and to be honest I have found this social distancing, working from home, fairly comfortable, so not sure I need this session but thought a check in is always a good thing to do.

 

[McBain]

Is it possible it’s a problem with your diet?
Caught a little bit on GMB this morning with a guy talking about how your gut has a big influence on mental health.

It's possible. My diet is pretty good in fairness, not amazing but it's fairly balanced and no garbage. I did have food allergy testing done a while back and avoid any foods that my body doesn't agree with.

Have you considered journaling? It may be helpful to write down how your day has gone, and what stresses you may be feeling, why, what could be done to help etc. Just having to write something down may help to focus on how you feel each day and may help to uncover some anxieties you are not fully mindful of.

Unrelatedly I have a zoom session with my therapist tonight, not sure it's as effective as face to face, and to be honest I have found this social distancing, working from home, fairly comfortable, so not sure I need this session but thought a check in is always a good thing to do.

I have done it in the past yes, but it was more around OCD intrusive thoughts as opposed to journaling feelings. Thanks, it's a good idea.

 

[robfosters]

I feel so low at the moment. My heart transplant is indefinitely delayed because of the coronavirus, I’m feeling worse physically, can barely eat, I’ve slipped back into drinking heavily and I feel such a burden on my family that it’s probably best I just go to sleep and not wake up.

I’ve never felt this bad before. It’s like a constant blackness and I can’t see anyway out of it

 

[LuckyBenski]

I feel so low at the moment. My heart transplant is indefinitely delayed because of the coronavirus, I’m feeling worse physically, can barely eat, I’ve slipped back into drinking heavily and I feel such a burden on my family that it’s probably best I just go to sleep and not wake up.

I’ve never felt this bad before. It’s like a constant blackness and I can’t see anyway out of it

Oh mate

I was following your heart situation a bit, it must be **** that it's not just long but now paused. Don't lose hope. Your family love you.

The endless blackness feeling is very familiar. For me it's not critical like it will cause pain, just emptiness. Emptiness and pointlessness so I don't see the point, that things will never change

I just about manage to coast along trying to at least stay healthy, on the vague assumption one day I'll feel better. It's hard to actually do anything though.

 

[McBain]

I feel so low at the moment. My heart transplant is indefinitely delayed because of the coronavirus, I’m feeling worse physically, can barely eat, I’ve slipped back into drinking heavily and I feel such a burden on my family that it’s probably best I just go to sleep and not wake up.

I’ve never felt this bad before. It’s like a constant blackness and I can’t see anyway out of it

Sorry to hear this I can relate somewhat to the feelings you are having and I doubt your family see it that way at all! As above, don't lose hope - sometimes that's all we have, but whilst we have it there is a way out of that darkness.

My GP gave me a new Antidepressant to start today (Paroxetine). Refused to give me anything short term to help with what seems to be crippling anxiety, last night was the first time i've tried to sleep 'naturally' in 4 months (Mirtazapine was definitely having a sedatory effect) and it wasn't good, I was up so many times with sweating, palpitations, difficulty breathing etc. It wasn't good at all. I wonder what state people need to be in to get GPs to prescribe Benzos because to me it feels like you'd have to tackle it out of their dead hand.

It's no susprise that lots of people self medicate and buy Valium/Xanax/Whatever from Eastern European countries because they can't get the help they need legitimately in this country.

 

[Yadda]

I'm still the sole carer for my elderly mother and her mental state (suspect dementia) is progressively getting worse. Some days she now needs help with the most basic tasks and she doesn't make any sense at all. I daren't involve social services/carers etc because I want to keep potential infection vectors to an absolute minimum. So I'm DIYing it.

Stress levels peaked last month but I threw myself at it, putting practical measures in place to keep her as safe as possible, and this has helped my own mental health tremendously.

Keep well, everyone.

 

[Yadda]

@robfosters

Sounds like you're going through the mill at the moment, Rob. These are crazy times, it's ok to feel crap. Try and look after yourself - easier said than done sometimes, I know - it'll make a big difference in how you feel.

Things will get better.

 

[Andr3w]

Anyone else struggling with the feeling of shortness of breath and the feeling of needing to cough, but not actually short of breath or coughing? This has to be some weird psychological thing going on. Test temp, SP02 and heart rate daily and it’s all normal

 

[robfosters]

Anyone else struggling with the feeling of shortness of breath and the feeling of needing to cough, but not actually short of breath or coughing? This has to be some weird psychological thing going on. Test temp, SP02 and heart rate daily and it’s all normal

I have shortness of breath. I do have a heart condition, but docs say it’s anxiety rather than any physical problems as I breathe easily when asleep or putting my mind to something else.

 

[McBain]

Anyone else struggling with the feeling of shortness of breath and the feeling of needing to cough, but not actually short of breath or coughing? This has to be some weird psychological thing going on. Test temp, SP02 and heart rate daily and it’s all normal

Yes almost constantly. The feeling I get is that I can’t breathe, so I have to force myself to breathe to get any comfort so my brain knows I can breathe just fine.

That sort of thing is fairly common in people who suffer from anxiety.

Obviously the current COV situation won’t be helping, especially in those prone to health anxiety. You hear what the symptoms are and your brain tells you you’ve got it, then the symptoms come on. The brain is incredibly powerful and the tricks it can play on you are horrendous.