Windass

I am touched by all the support on here, I really am. I don't find it hard to speak about despite what people 's views on the illness are. You do get some that say there's nothing worng with you but they are very ignorant people. It doesn't have outward physical symptoms and some people really don't understand it. It is more common than people think because when I do talk about it there are many moore who have gone through the same thing or are on medication for stress / depression / anxeity. It's been good that these sports stars are talking about it because it brings it more out into the open. T'owd man I am on medication and probably will be for the rest of my life which I am not ashamed off, I tried coming off them but I had a bad reaction, my medication has been doubled during this current attack. I have also had support from councellors, crisis teams and psychiatrists which has really kept me going. I nearlly lost my career, home , family and partner but I was determined to see it through and I think realising how much I had to lose brought me back from the edge. I am still not 100% but I can see an improvement each day which is a good thing . I don't think the football under Robins helped either thank you too Mr Hill!! lol

 

LR
did you watch the program with flintoff on bbc?

 

I did - I thought it was very good.

 

Re: Extremely sad news

I'm with you mate. Been there. Thought I'd beaten it but was wrong and am only just returning to work after about three month off. Definitely no quick fixes.

 

Re: Extremely sad news

I had 9 months and has been a struggle to go back - back a phased return which has helped. Good luck as well Gaz

 

Re: Extremely sad news

Thanks mate. I'll get it sorted this time. Hope you're okay.

 

Re: Extremely sad news

I am thanks - councelling helping me a lot. She said there's a lot of deep issues that need to be dealt with - have you tried it councelling? Got mine through the GP

 

You're right Kanecat that still seems to be a problem. because of my job i have talked to people who tell me they are on medication or having counselling etc etc (and I feel it is a privilege that I am trusted to be party to the info) and it does come as a surprise who is affected by depression

I know a lot of employers these days have employee support/wellbeing helplines and it may sound an odd thing to ring up an helpline but to be able to access counselling services through them is a really good opportunity to get help quickly.

 

You're not alone

I've had it since childhood although I wasn't diagnosed until I was 16. It's pretty much destroyed my life. No, that's not true. It has unquestionably and thoroughly destroyed my life. I've seen more psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and counsellors than could fit in the Ponty End and to be honest I wouldn't give you tuppence for any of them. I take a cocktail of tablets that get me through the day, but that's all it is really. I've pretty much given up all hope of ever having a proper life.

That sounds so depressing so I'll liven the post up with an anecdote.

A couple of years ago or so I was seeing a psychiatrist every week. Terminally pointless, but it's better to be in the system than out of it. They've got all the drugs.

Every week he'd ask the same questions: are you eating, are you sleeping, are you taking care of yourself, are you washing. Us depressives tend to let things go you see. We've got to look like we're acting like everyone else even if we feel like **** inside, otherwise it makes a lot of highly paid people get all anxious and feel like they're not providing a valuable service. A clean, well dressed depressed person at the end of his tether is far better than a recovering scruff.

Anyway, this particular week he seemed terribly concerned about my personal hygiene, asking me a number of times if I was washing and taking care of myself. Fact of the matter is when I have severe episodes my sweat stinks, to me it does at any rate, so I shower much more than normal, not less. I tried to tell him I was taking care of myself but he seemed far from convinced.

When I got home I discovered why. I'd had a bowl of Alpen for breakfast and I hadn't just dropped a bit down myself, there were thick, sticky chunks all down my jumper. It looked for all the world like I'd got up, puked all over myself and gone to see the psychiatrist.

If there's one lesson I've learnt from dealing with mental health professionals all these years it's that you should always look in the mirror before leaving the house.

 

Re: You're not alone

Psychiatrist I saw was a waste of time but my councellor was great. I've got to the stage where I know it won't go away but I have to learn just to control it. Agree with you about the questions as well - eating , sleeping and washing. I've never been a clean person but the old hygiene side did go out of the window.

 

Re: Extremely sad news

Yes mate, done that. Exorcised a lot of demons and it helped. My problem was coming off medication too quickly. I'm good at convincing myself I'm fine until it hits me really hard, and then it's too late.