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New to asking for help--looking for advice on how to look ask for and accept help.

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Depression
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Posted Today 5:36 AM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I am new to reaching out and asking for help. A friend suggested this site the other day. I have issues with depression, anxiety, chronic pain (back--disc problems), psoriasis, and thyroiditis. I hide and downplay how I bad feel and pretend I am OK. I am a master at redirection and a great actress. Everyone depends on me--I am the sole provider and can not afford to lose my job. I live in fear all the time. I have basically hit a wall and can not go on this way any more.

I was prescribed Lexapro. I took it a couple of years ago, then started to feel better and didn't renew the prescription after the year's prescription ran out due to financial pressure. I stayed off for about 2 years, during which time I got into some less than optimal behaviors and drank a lot. I started Lexapro again recently, but am getting a lot of flack from my husband on why I am taking it again. My natural inclination is to go along to get along.

I've done such a good job pretending for so long, at disconnecting from all feelings that I do not know how to communicate to my husband or others that all is not well.

Any advice for me?

Posted Today 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

Welcome to the HealingWell Depression forum. You have definately come to a good place, and I can see you are seeking help here and that is good.

I do recommend a physical with your doctor to make sure nothing else is going on right now. Your doctor will probably recommend meds and/or counseling. This is a good place to start. You need not suffer anymore.

Know that we all care about eachother here and that this is a good place to share.

Keep posting.

Hugs, Karen
Posted Today 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Karen.

I did go to my primary care DR. She did a physical and renewed the Lexapro prescription but did not suggest councelling. This is most likely my fault for downplaying how bad I feel. I probably should call her again and adk for a referral.
Posted Today 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
I think that would be a good idea. I know that maybe you don't feel that you deserve or merrit help, but you do. Don't down play this situation. If you don't feel right, you know that there is something that needs to be addressed. You might not be depressed as some, but it does sound like you are depressed. There is a good book called "Feeling Good" The new mood therapy. By a Doctor David Burns. It is a good book if you would rather go that route. But yes, do advocate for yourself. And the people here are really good at giving advice, so do ask for help here too. I will post some online sites that may help you too.

http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome

http://moodgym.snu.edu.au/welcome

I have heard good things about these sites.  Maybe they will help you too.

Hugs, Karen

Posted Today 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
yes to counselling. keep talking with your doc. welcome miss L. jamie
Posted 12/2/2010 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Karen and Jamie. I really appreciate your messages.

I have left a message with my dr about a referral for concelling. I will l check out the links Karen sent. I feel worse this time than ever before--need to be honest about that with everyone, I know, but it's hard. Can't cry all day, every day--even waterproof mascara has its limits--lol
Posted 12/2/2010 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
LOL Miss L,

That was cute. But crying all the time is the pits. Though it is good to get the emotions out, there is a limit. I think it is a good idea that you are calling the doc. Keep up the good work and keep trying to smile. Best wishes to you Miss L. Keep posting.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 12/3/2010 5:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Karen--I have a referral and will call tomorrow. My Dr. was surprised I called and wants me to come back in to see her too. This time I will be honest with her and not feel like I am weak-willed, deserve to feel miserable, and be ashamed to admit what is going on. In all honesty, this has been going on a long time. I just got too tired to fake it any more.
Posted 12/3/2010 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
I am so happy that you are doing this. It will be nice to start feeling better again. And if you get a good therapist, you usually start feeling better after the first appointment. Just knowing that you are getting help helps. You are doing the right thing my friend.

Keep up the good work!!!

Hugs, Karen
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