So I've recently been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and I'm into my second month of tablets. I have 4 boys 2 of which have ASD. I'm really struggling. I have a Mental Health Plan but I haven't made an appointment just yet and I'm unsure why I keep putting it off. Has anyone got any advice? Does therapy work? What do u do to cope. How can I work on myself when my kids need work as well. I'm a SAHM so don't have 'work' pressures but I feel like I have the weight of the world constantly on my shoulders. My partner is great. Watches the kids when I need time out or to get out. But I struggle when he works and I'm home with the kids. But sometimes I can't even bring myself to get out. Then I'm suffocating and the walls are closing in. It's such a vicious circle. Going out with all 4 on my own is all but impossible as I have a runner and my youngest follows or he is in another direction. I can't watch both and it's not fair on my older kids to have to stop playing to chase one. I have some amazing friends who are great at listening and I'd truly be lost without them. But I feel bad being a sad sack every time I talk to them. I don't want to bring it down. I'm tired of the guilt. I'm tired of being tired and exhausted all the time. HELP!
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Mum to one with ASD, epilepsy and another extremely rare sleep disorder. I've also had depression on and off for years. It can be hard to get help but once you do things can change quite quickly. It might help you to know that therapy isn't probably what you think it is. Sure it can be someone safe to vent to but it's mostly about creating strategies, learning skills etc so it becomes easier to cope and less likely to stay in a depressed state. Your psychologist can also help you access services you may not have thought of or know about yet.
Techniques that my psychologist helped me learn was mindfulness, relaxation skills (I know seems impossible right!), problem solving, and cognitive behaviour therapy (so I could learn how to kick those negative thoughts in the bum).
I promise you it's worry making the time, it's nothing like what you see in the movies. Once I got over those first two appointments where I balled my eyes out things got better real fast.
Also you might want to follow up with your prescribing doctor to make sure you are on the right dose.
I find when I get mentally well I'm much more able to cope with my situation and my son actually improves because I'm more switched on!