Does anyone have mental health problems?

[Biscuit Barrel]

Thought I'd bounce this thread. Like other posters on here in recent days, I've gone through a protracted phase of personal trouble. It's reassuring and depressing in equal measure knowing that many others are going through similar - or worse.

One question I do want to know from those of you who have in/directly experienced mental health difficulties...can I ask if the problems ever disappear completely? Like, do you know whether it's possible to be 'cured', with or without interventions? Or is it only ever 'managed'?

Thanks

I have suffered with anxiety since around 2002 (see post #53). One of the scariest thoughts that I used to have was that I would spend the rest of my life in a constant state of anxiety.

I am pleased to say that I have now made a near (very near) full recovery. I can now live my life pretty much as I did before I was struck down with my illness. I am aware that it could return at any time, but at least I know that if it does, then I can get better again.

I started my road to recovery by having 1 to 1 CBT counselling. In January 2017 I changed my unhealthy life style around and this really kick started my recovery. I stopped eating bad food and started exercising for 1 hour each day. I have lost over 6 stone in weight and I feel great mentally.

Exercise is my medicine. I still do 1 hour each day and I am convinced that it keeps me both mentally and physically fit.

My advise to you is this: You will get better and you will feel better, because no feeling lasts for ever. Everything passes in the end. Good luck and feel free to PM me any time.

 

[timbha]

Quite timely that this thread has been bounced...

At 49 and having gone through a difficult few years I was just coming out the other end and feeling more positive about life. In the past month I was told there was a restructure for my area and that my job was going to be at risk. The alternative job they were offering was a step up but represented more of everything I didn't want (more stress, wider remit) and a whole let less of what I did (smaller team, indepth focus). As it happens I was unhappy with various thin about the company (they keeping cutting corners to save a few grand and wonder why it causes huge problems further down the line that end up costing 10 of thousands to resolve!) and so was disillusioned.

I chose not to apply to any of the new roles, not take on the additional responsibility (for no money... of course) and instead take a pay off and leave. Don't think its what the company were expected and certainly not what my team want but I have to look after myself and this was a chance at some cash to leave a job I probably would have left anyway.

So... this is something that would probably have sent me over the edge a couple of years ago, but I am feeling strangely refreshed and positive. I'm 49 and so not getting a job isn't an option and getting a job isn't easy (I have got "you are over qualified" for a good few years now!) but I am in a specialist role with a shortage of qualified/experienced people so I don't think I'll be out for long.


My message to others facing dark clouds or negative feelings is that there are good times and even when things actually look a little bleak and possibly rocky, with a better mindset you can see the positives and face your problems with an inner strength. I spent a lot of time in talking therapy courtesy of the Rock Clinic [https://www.rockclinic.org.uk/] in Brighton and if anyone else if struggling it is a relatively affordable way to access good support without the NHS wait or the painful fees of private help. (about £30 an hour is manageable when you consider the cost of not getting help).

Great post. So uplifting and real. Well done and good luck.

 

[Mr Banana]

They weren't the strongest.
I went to the doctors a year or so earlier hardly able to string 2 sentences together (not for the first time) he prescribed whatever saying 'they're not strong and are only to get you pointing in the right direction'.

As time went by I could sense I'd passed their 'sweet spot' and figured I could either go back and up the strength or just bail out now, which I chose, and it was ok (ish)


At some point while taking them my back did it's usual kerblamo and I took a rhino of a colleagues painkillers.
That mixture of tablets sent me absolutely banzi - happy days!

Crikey, must be really hard with back pain as well.

I usually find drinking five pints at the Amex while on maximum dose produces fun effects

 

[Stat Brother]

Crikey, must be really hard with back pain as well.

I usually find drinking five pints at the Amex while on maximum dose produces fun effects

I have scoliosis (another childhood trauma that would make your teeth itch) so it's nothing new, just every once in a while my back and neck say 'fudge this, let's really screw with him'.

On this occasion Anton, a barrel of a man, gave me some of his painkillers after I'd taken a few my head started spinning, I was shaking all over and eventually passed out for about 18 hours.
He takes about 6 a day.

Although my back was a lot better and after a couple of days I was able to put lace up shoes on again, so not all bad!

 

[StonehamPark]

This is an important point. I think that the everyday demands of living in the modern world with 24/7 exposure to stresses through technology such as social media, emails coupled with the necessity for both parents to work full time, rise in debt levels and affordability of housing are huge contributors to this apparent mental health epedemic. However another big factor is that it is becoming more socially acceptable to talk about mental health. This is potentially massive for men in particular who have traditionally been told to 'man up' and as a result feel uncomfortable talking about their feelings.

I started my road to recovery by having 1 to 1 CBT counselling. In January 2017 I changed my unhealthy life style around and this really kick started my recovery. I stopped eating bad food and started exercising for 1 hour each day. I have lost over 6 stone in weight and I feel great mentally.

Exercise is my medicine. I still do 1 hour each day and I am convinced that it keeps me both mentally and physically fit.

I absolutely agree with this.
I feel that the current level of access to information and social media has massively contributed to mental health, both negatively and positively.
Seeing others in your age group seemingly having fantastic lives, and looking at yourself and not measuring up, not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with regards to affording a home, not having the desired work-life balance and not enjoying everyday things, or life in general.
Though the positive of Social Media is the rapid acceleration of acceptance and embracement of mental health, and MH awareness.

I personally have to work hard to manage my happiness levels. I must avoid bad foods, particularly sugars in combination with regular exercise, to give myself a fighting chance. Plus, I prefer to avoid most social media and news in general. My time on NSC has decreased substantially over the past few years as part of that.

Having a bad day, falling off the wagon, turning to the 'comfort foods' (ironic) and lapsing on exercise will set me back a long way, and this has to be well managed - at least in my case. Easier said than done, however, and not the answer for everyone, but I think similar steps would help a lot of people.

My grandmother and mother both suffered with anxiety and depression, it's a horrible disease.

 

[portslade seagull]

Had my wife phone me up at work in tears today. Suffered with anxiety and severe depression for years. Normally I can see a dip coming but missed this completely.

 

[Weststander]

Quite timely that this thread has been bounced...

At 49 and having gone through a difficult few years I was just coming out the other end and feeling more positive about life. In the past month I was told there was a restructure for my area and that my job was going to be at risk. The alternative job they were offering was a step up but represented more of everything I didn't want (more stress, wider remit) and a whole let less of what I did (smaller team, indepth focus). As it happens I was unhappy with various thin about the company (they keeping cutting corners to save a few grand and wonder why it causes huge problems further down the line that end up costing 10 of thousands to resolve!) and so was disillusioned.

I chose not to apply to any of the new roles, not take on the additional responsibility (for no money... of course) and instead take a pay off and leave. Don't think its what the company were expected and certainly not what my team want but I have to look after myself and this was a chance at some cash to leave a job I probably would have left anyway.

So... this is something that would probably have sent me over the edge a couple of years ago, but I am feeling strangely refreshed and positive. I'm 49 and so not getting a job isn't an option and getting a job isn't easy (I have got "you are over qualified" for a good few years now!) but I am in a specialist role with a shortage of qualified/experienced people so I don't think I'll be out for long.


My message to others facing dark clouds or negative feelings is that there are good times and even when things actually look a little bleak and possibly rocky, with a better mindset you can see the positives and face your problems with an inner strength. I spent a lot of time in talking therapy courtesy of the Rock Clinic [https://www.rockclinic.org.uk/] in Brighton and if anyone else if struggling it is a relatively affordable way to access good support without the NHS wait or the painful fees of private help. (about £30 an hour is manageable when you consider the cost of not getting help).

What an important message, knowing yourself to put your health before career/money. Really pleased for you.

 

[StillHateBellotti]

Suffer PTSD, Depression, Anxiety and a dose of OCD in there for good measure. I am officially pickled

 

[Cheshire Cat]

On a slight side issue, does anyone have experience of living with a partner who has early onset dementia?

What coping mechanisms did you try and did any of them help?

How do you maintain your own health and sanity when it's all going tits up around you?

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Had my wife phone me up at work in tears today. Suffered with anxiety and severe depression for years. Normally I can see a dip coming but missed this completely.

Best wishes to you both.

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

I only just realise who the OP was on this thread. He got a bit roughed up even on this thread....and elsewhere he has been a bit of a punch bag. I have him on ignore after posts I thought were a bit ....silly. If he is actually struggling.....then I feel a bit ashamed. Don't have the stamina to do a full forensic assessment. If I have been inappropriately cruel, I apologise [MENTION=17215]Sussex Nomad[/MENTION].

 

[portslade seagull]

Best wishes

Thanks HWT. She's been to the doctors and has been signed off

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Best wishes

Thanks HWT. She's been to the doctors and has been signed off

edit - signed off work - misunderstood - sorry!

 

[carteater]

Unfortunately for me after about 6-7 months of being pretty happy last year, my mental health problems started to come back in with a vengeance.
Coinciding with me going back to university, I started off okay getting 2:1s and the odd first in assessments but this all went downhill pretty quick, I also got into to an on and off up and down relationship which sometimes helped and sometimes made me feel much worse, also falling out with the people I lived with didn't help. Also other things going on with my family were in the background.
I spent most of the second half of the year sitting in my room not doing a lot, made acquaintances but not a lot of friends, however poor money management when I started uni and buying stupid sh*t I didn't need has landed me in credit card debt which makes me feel even worse. I have now got to retake half my year, albeit under the unis "exceptional circumstances" as I did sh*t in my summer exams and coursework from mid-March onwards.
I really thought seriously and still am about dropping out again, but I can't bring myself to do it since I have already done it before, how many chances am I going to get?

I tried changing medications from sertraline which used to work a treat to another which helped at first but made things worse if anything, to one that made me so drowsy I couldn't study.
I am sick and tired of my mind being my worst enemy and really thought I was okay but unfortunately sometimes this happens.

After being on no medication for a couple of weeks I am now back on a low dosage of sertraline which was the first medication I took that actually worked. I'm feeling ok most of the time now and I'm trying to fix my life up bit since it unraveled spectacularly in the last 3 months.

The only thing I can take away from this is that this breakdown was not as severe as the last one, but seems to have ****ed up things even more.

 

[pearl]

Unfortunately for me after about 6-7 months of being pretty happy last year, my mental health problems started to come back in with a vengeance.
Coinciding with me going back to university, I started off okay getting 2:1s and the odd first in assessments but this all went downhill pretty quick, I also got into to an on and off up and down relationship which sometimes helped and sometimes made me feel much worse, also falling out with the people I lived with didn't help. Also other things going on with my family were in the background.
I spent most of the second half of the year sitting in my room not doing a lot, made acquaintances but not a lot of friends, however poor money management when I started uni and buying stupid sh*t I didn't need has landed me in credit card debt which makes me feel even worse. I have now got to retake half my year, albeit under the unis "exceptional circumstances" as I did sh*t in my summer exams and coursework from mid-March onwards.
I really thought seriously and still am about dropping out again, but I can't bring myself to do it since I have already done it before, how many chances am I going to get?

I tried changing medications from sertraline which used to work a treat to another which helped at first but made things worse if anything, to one that made me so drowsy I couldn't study.
I am sick and tired of my mind being my worst enemy and really thought I was okay but unfortunately sometimes this happens.

After being on no medication for a couple of weeks I am now back on a low dosage of sertraline which was the first medication I took that actually worked. I'm feeling ok most of the time now and I'm trying to fix my life up bit since it unraveled spectacularly in the last 3 months.

The only thing I can take away from this is that this breakdown was not as severe as the last one, but seems to have ****ed up things even more.

You sound pretty 'sorted' to me, good luck with fixing your life up and try not to worry about the credit card debt (don't most students have debts?) I'm no expert, but on/off, up and down relationships are probably not a good idea tbh.
Best wishes

 

[Eric Potts]

On a slight side issue, does anyone have experience of living with a partner who has early onset dementia?

What coping mechanisms did you try and did any of them help?

How do you maintain your own health and sanity when it's all going tits up around you?

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

Try this . You can search for things near you. There’s support available for people with dementia and families/carers.

 

[SollysLeftFoot]

Generalised anxiety disorder and OCD but not the cleaning or repetitive physical action type! Can be useful when you’re revising and need to make sure you cover every topic but painful when creating a presentation for work..

 

[Weststander]

Unfortunately for me after about 6-7 months of being pretty happy last year, my mental health problems started to come back in with a vengeance.
Coinciding with me going back to university, I started off okay getting 2:1s and the odd first in assessments but this all went downhill pretty quick, I also got into to an on and off up and down relationship which sometimes helped and sometimes made me feel much worse, also falling out with the people I lived with didn't help. Also other things going on with my family were in the background.
I spent most of the second half of the year sitting in my room not doing a lot, made acquaintances but not a lot of friends, however poor money management when I started uni and buying stupid sh*t I didn't need has landed me in credit card debt which makes me feel even worse. I have now got to retake half my year, albeit under the unis "exceptional circumstances" as I did sh*t in my summer exams and coursework from mid-March onwards.
I really thought seriously and still am about dropping out again, but I can't bring myself to do it since I have already done it before, how many chances am I going to get?

I tried changing medications from sertraline which used to work a treat to another which helped at first but made things worse if anything, to one that made me so drowsy I couldn't study.
I am sick and tired of my mind being my worst enemy and really thought I was okay but unfortunately sometimes this happens.

After being on no medication for a couple of weeks I am now back on a low dosage of sertraline which was the first medication I took that actually worked. I'm feeling ok most of the time now and I'm trying to fix my life up bit since it unraveled spectacularly in the last 3 months.

The only thing I can take away from this is that this breakdown was not as severe as the last one, but seems to have ****ed up things even more.

Very sorry to hear your story. Although a lot’s going on in your life, the pressure of studying and exams is quietly immense, taking a toll on sleep and you are never able to truly relax. Relationship issues at the same time make it a recipe for mental issues .... a headmaster told us about the star year 11 pupil’s GCSE’s being a disaster due to an on-off relationship with his first girlfriend in that academic year.

I can only advise to keep taking the med’s and liaising with your GP. You often see glib, ill informed advise to stop pill popping. Ignore any of that, they’re a life saver and allow you to function. If you can, try and cut out unnecessary spending - you’re creating an unavoidable issue, that will be looming once you feel well again.

Good luck. Remember to open up to a trusted person or two.

 

[Half Time Pies]

On a slight side issue, does anyone have experience of living with a partner who has early onset dementia?

What coping mechanisms did you try and did any of them help?

How do you maintain your own health and sanity when it's all going tits up around you?

I have quite a bit of involvement with Dementia through my business and also work that I do in the community to support living with Dementia and their family members/ carers. My big bit of advice is to get some support in early and also try to link up with people in a similar situation to you, I see family members going pop all the time as they leave things to get to the point of crisis before they get some professional support and advice. Living with someone with Dementia can be incredibly draining and frustrating so you need time to yourself and to be able to talk with others who understand your situation about what you are going through.

There is generally a lot of support out there but you have to know where to find it as unfortunately GP's and a lot of health professionals can be notoriously bad at signposting people. We have also had some bad experiences with the Alzheimer's society and particularly in East Sussex where they have pulled out of providing a lot of services. Whilst they do some great things they tend to be focused purely on their own initiatives to the exclusion of other groups and services that may be available.

One thing I do recommend if there is one in your area is getting your partner involved in a DEEP group, these are dementia support groups where people living with Dementia come together to share experiences and talk about common challenges. They are particularly useful for people in the early stages.
https://www.dementiavoices.org.uk

You may also find that there is a Dementia Action Alliance in the area, contact them and they may be able to signpost you to available support. https://nationaldementiaaction.org.uk/

Hope the above helps but feel free to PM me, if I can be of any further help I will.

 

[The Optimist]

Generalised anxiety disorder and OCD but not the cleaning or repetitive physical action type! Can be useful when you’re revising and need to make sure you cover every topic but painful when creating a presentation for work..

I know someone who suffers from OCD. Can be quite a horrible illness. The type and severity of symptoms can vary tremendously between sufferers. All I would say is try to watch out for new obsessions and compulsions sneaking up on you, as it’s normally easier to tackle them before they get established in the long term.