Sinking.

Re: Sinking.

Mac Feather — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:25:30 GMT

[quote user="scotlass"]

Heather, there was a couple of jobs advertised on jobs-north, 1 at wildlife park and the other at the husky centre, might be worth a look

I agree with mrs Dot Dot, keeping busy and trying to do some volunteering or training is a big help, it helped me anyway. Hope you feel better soon x

[/quote]

Cant find these jobs- im prob loooking in wrong place tho!

Re: Sinking.

paula morgan — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:25:07 GMT

Heather, there was a couple of jobs advertised on jobs-north, 1 at wildlife park and the other at the husky centre, might be worth a look

I agree with mrs Dot Dot, keeping busy and trying to do some volunteering or training is a big help, it helped me anyway. Hope you feel better soon x

Re: Sinking.

Mrs Dot Dot — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:50:40 GMT

Hi Heather.... sorry you are having a hard time at the moment...... just checking that you've had blood tests for thyroid as I think this can cause some problems.... also just try to eat properly ( I know I say this in alot of cases but it can make so much difference!) fresh veg/fruit, drink plenty of h20, cut out sugar/junk food/ fizzy drinks/ alcohol.... I know you don't drink much, etc etc and exercise as this can help loads...long dog walks/ swimming/ running( I hate running! Just don't get it!)

Sign up for some courses- part-time /evening... anything you fancy just to give you a boost, have you got any wildlife parks/ centres that you could offer to do some volunteer work at?... working with animals again, the basics.... cleaning etc! but if it's something you enjoy, it will give you confidence and boost your self-esteem Good luck! x

Re: Sinking.

Caro Laithwaite VN — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:52:55 GMT

If anyone is on meds and has trouble coming off contact your local drug rehab they are excellent. They also have a huge volume of calls from people like you who are hooked on a Dr provided medication not on cocain/heroin etc so do not feel ashamed to ring them or get a spouse to do it.

Re: Sinking.

A Little TLC — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:50:55 GMT

Just be totally honest with the doc, ive been when im a mess and sobby and ive also been there when im putting on a front and trying to giggle my way through it when i REALLY dont feel like that. Talk talk talk to anyone you can, give yourelf a treat every now and then, whether its a new pair of shos or just a chunk of choccie!!

The OU are brilliant, get in there, it'll help you brain start thinking about other things. Might be worth volunteering somewhere maybe? Will give you a sense of satisfaction. Chin up xx

Re: Sinking.

Mac Feather — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:34:56 GMT

The doc I saw was ok- Ive only lived in this area for 15 months so havent really built up any relationship yet. He wasnt the type of doc that wanted me out the door with a script which wasnt so bad. Must admit that I wasnt really that 'switched' on when I was there.

Re: Sinking.

Louise B — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:26:36 GMT

[quote user="heather mac"]

I have had meds before and they helped however I had a hellish time coming of them, and at that time I didnt have a great deal of support- thought doc wasnt terribly helpful at all.

[/quote]

Consider changing your doctor as doctors vary tremendously in how well they support clients with depression. My current doctor is lovely but I have ones in the past that are dismissive and just want to write out a prescription and get you out of the room as quick as possible.

I have tried various antidepressants and the side effects of several were awful (severe nausea) until I got used to the drug but I found 'feeling human' again worth it so it was a good trade-off for me in the medium-term. I have also found zylkene to be useful in the short term but too expensive to stay on for any length of time.

Re: Sinking.

Mac Feather — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:10:41 GMT

[quote user="Princess Ophelia Hermione MacBeth"]

Hi,

Okay - I would contact the surgery to check. The Mental Health Team will probably be in contact to let you know if there are going to be any delays but the, in my experience, the initial assessment is done fairly quickly. If you find it hard to talk then it is worth taking along with you a diary of significant dates/feelings, etc as this will speed up assessment. They don't rush the assessments anyway - I got 2 45 mins appointments at weekly intervals - but it is in your interest to give as much info as you can and as quickly as you can (they won't refer you until they have a good idea of what's going on as there are various options and their idea of the most appropriate one will depend on what info you give them).

I wouldn't necessarily discount meds. They have helped me tremendously despite my reluctance to go on them and I know lots of others that have also benefited. They might help and they don't have to be permanent. I suppose I look at it as 'if I had back pain, I would take a nsaid....'. But its a decision for you and your doctor at the end of the day.

[/quote]

Thanks for that.

I have had meds before and they helped however I had a hellish time coming of them, and at that time I didnt have a great deal of support- thought doc wasnt terribly helpful at all.

Re: Sinking.

Louise B — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:16:17 GMT

Hi,

Re: Sinking.

Mac Feather — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:06:35 GMT

Hi, I stupidly didnt ask when I should expect to hear from CPN. I think the CPN is going to assess me and take it from there. Am reluctant to go on meds unless I really have to.

Im really glad that there are so many supportive people on this forum, I really appreciate all the help and support Ive been given.

Re: Sinking.

Louise B — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:59:07 GMT

Hi, have they given you any kind of timeframe for the CPN contacting you? Is the CPN meeting with you for help or an assessment of need as this may affect how long you wait for treatment? Are you on any medication in the meantime Heather? Unfortunately the waiting list for psychotherapy, counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, etc can be long so it might be worth looking for alternative sources in the meantime. Although private counselling is expensive there are organisations that offer reduced rates/means-tested for income so if you think that might help then it is worth looking to see what is available in your area. If you want I will look for you if you tell me where you are based/can travel to. If you want to chat to a friend then you can add me to the list of people on here you can chat to!

Believe me when I tell you you aren't alone - there are lots of us on here fighting depression, etc at the moment so we all need to support each other

Re: Sinking.

Freckle — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:25:36 GMT

[quote user="heather mac"]

Thanks- there are alot of things out there i just dont know about.

[/quote]

i would really recommend the ou - i studied with them while at home with my little one, free of charge, and it looks great on your cv. i am convinced that they helped me get back into work after being a stay at home mum

if you ever need to chat, pm me - i have also been out of work and suffer from depression.

Re: Sinking.

Mac Feather — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:10:33 GMT

Thanks- there are alot of things out there i just dont know about.

Re: Sinking.

Freckle — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:09:10 GMT

[quote user="MissVetNurse"]

And they say never work with children or animals

Could you do any evening courses locally in childcare or related subjects?

xxx

[/quote]

the OU are also fab for courses, and if you are out of work, or on certain benefits, then you get them gratis

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/childhood-and-youth/courses/index.htm

Re: Sinking.

Mac Feather — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:05:53 GMT

Will need to look into that- need to be a bit more focussed.

Re: Sinking.

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:57:35 GMT

Brilliant idea Miss VN

Re: Sinking.

Claire Cameron — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:53:30 GMT

[quote user="heather mac"]

To be honest Im not overly sure what I want to do, have applied for a couple of jobs with children- didnt get an interview for the first one, got interview for the second one but didnt get the job.

[/quote]

And they say never work with children or animals

Could you do any evening courses locally in childcare or related subjects?

xxx

Re: Sinking.

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:53:08 GMT

What about a primary school class assistant, have you thought about that, my friend does this and she loves it.

Re: Sinking.

Mac Feather — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:51:27 GMT

To be honest Im not overly sure what I want to do, have applied for a couple of jobs with children- didnt get an interview for the first one, got interview for the second one but didnt get the job.

Re: Sinking.

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:49:16 GMT

Me time is anything from buying a new outfit, to a nice big bubble bath with some wine...... although i know you are not a drinker. Or bugger off for the weekend, catch up with some pals....... ME got to the flicks and see a crap film, go buy some new cd's anything that takes your fancy.

Re: Sinking.

Claire Cameron — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:47:55 GMT

[quote user="heather mac"]

The cafe didnt work out, nice enough place etc but not for me, started at a busy time and struggled to get up to speed and I just knew it wasnt going to be.

It sounds utterly daft but I cant even think what to do regarding 'me' time! Think Ive kinda lost sight of everything at the mo.

A C.P.N is going to be contacting me at some point,so will see how it goes.

[/quote]

I'm a bit rubbish with me time too.

I always try to have a long hot bath, a nice hair treatment (leave in conditioner)

If you can afford it maybe go 2 your local salon for a massage? hair cut?

Hope things are looking up a bit for you Heather, what kind of jobs u after? x

Re: Sinking.

Mac Feather — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:44:27 GMT

The cafe didnt work out, nice enough place etc but not for me, started at a busy time and struggled to get up to speed and I just knew it wasnt going to be.

It sounds utterly daft but I cant even think what to do regarding 'me' time! Think Ive kinda lost sight of everything at the mo.

A C.P.N is going to be contacting me at some point,so will see how it goes.

Re: Sinking.

Claire Cameron — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:23:20 GMT

Hope things are ok Heather.

Have you got anyone to talk to? I personally find talking helps me. I'm always here if you want a talk.

Have you considered seeing you doctor for counselling?

As ST says, some me time is always helpful!

Hope things get a bit better. thinking of you

Dont forget things will get better and whats meant to be will be xxxxxxhugs

Re: Sinking.

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:48:12 GMT

What happened to that me time you were going to have?? maybe is a good time.

You know I am on the end of the phone if you wanna bend my ear. keep your chin up Heather it will all come good, ...... whats for you wont go past you.

Re: Sinking.

Gillian Mostyn — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:45:47 GMT

I guess things didn't work out at the cafe? So sorry to hear you are having a hard time. I really hope you manage to hang in there with a bit of positivity - things will improve eventually - they really will.