Lived Experience Forum

[Jandie]

Hi there 

I’ve never posted on here before. Unfortunately, I feel I have got to a point in my life where I need to reach out to try and connect with others that may share my experiences. This place seems welcoming and people appear to actually respond. 

I used to be a really fearless person and have lived a life full of variety and challenging experiences. But earlier in the year, I was hospitalised for my mental health. It wasn’t a long admission, but since then, I have struggled with constant fear of anything and everything and have been on a mixture of different medications, changing them up to see what works. Nothing seems to be working and I have reached a point of constant existential anxiety and vertigo. 

I see a psychologist every so often, have an amazing partner and do receive some support from my GP. But I just feel so alone in this experience. 

It would be wonderful to connect with others that have daily struggles with their mental health. Anyone out there have anxiety? I would love to talk 

thank you 

Jandie 

[tyme]

Hey there @Jandie ,

Welcome to the forums! It is understandable you want to reach out to speak to others about their experiences. It takes a lot of courage to do this.

Thank you for sharing what's been happening for you.

For me, I lived in the 'corporate world' and was really ashamed to have been admitted to hospital. Not to mention family - this was unheard of! I found it incredibly difficult to open up as mental health was such a taboo. 

By connecting on these anonymous forums, it allowed me to start opening up and sharing what was happening for me. I honestly, really felt heard and understood - and I didn't need to have people looking down on me. 

I hope you find the forums helpful as part of your recovery.

You deserve it 🙂

[April8]

Hi Janie,
I signed up today.
I hear you.
I probably one day one of seeking help.
It’s a lonely experience that’s for certain.

[Krishna]

Hi @Jandie  A huge warm welcome to the forum. Happy you found us. I too struggle daily with anxiety and at times depression appears in the mix. Life events 11 years ago changed the projectory of my life and changed me from an outgoing confident woman to now quite the introvert. Anxiety is my constant companion and some days quite debilitating. I have tried various medications without success. I see a psychologist also occasionally and simply try to get through each day the best I can. Do you have any particular tools for helping you through your day? 🙏

[tyme]

Hi @April8 @Krishna ,

Great to see you pass by.

I'm sorry to hear you feel lonely @April8 . I hope you will feel a deep sense of connection and belonging as you connect on these forums.

@Jandie @April8 , feel free to introduce yourself Welcome! Introduce yourself here 🙂 

[April8]

I am a 42 year old mother of four children.

I am not sure what’s going on for me at the moment but believe it’s work related burn out and stress. 

I am a perfectionist and can’t believe how I haven’t been able to push through and work it out.

I am in my last year of social worker and work in the human services field. So shame and embarrassment is huge for me. The coping strategies I teach my clients aren’t working for me.

I haven’t been able to return to work and feel like I am in a fight with a tiger, but not tiger present. Guess that’s anxiety.

I am completely overwhelmed with my life and feel exhausted and a burden to my family.

I touch base with my GP on Monday and see a psychologist tomorrow. 

I know things aren’t right tho.

[Krishna]

Hi @April8 and welcome. It is a very lonely experience having anxiety but please know there are those of us here on the forum who truly understand 🙏

[tyme]

Hey @April8 ,

That sure sounds tough @April8 . Sometimes, we really are our own worst critic. I'm glad you will touch base with your GP and psychologist. Hopefully, you can gain some more insight into what's happening for you.

Do you have any supports around you?

[April8]

Yeah I do,
But they are completely bewildered know how to help me. I am usually the strong one.
I hide away.
My kids know something wrong and try and not worry them.

I have isolated myself from people.

[Krishna]

Hi @April8   Just a tip when replying to a member. Type @ and a drop down list will appear and click on the members name. They will receive a notification of your reply. My anxiety was very much as you have described when it first appeared, like there was a tiger lurking somewhere in my space. Please consider discussing the effect of hormones with your GP. I was working full time and raising a family and life was very stressful at the time and perimenopause appeared at 46 and this is when my anxiety arrived as well. It was a whole combination of factors. Finding time to relax, breathe and look after you is crucial. I have found meditation and mindfulness very helpful on my journey through this.