Seeking help, Mentally.

[Dereksmagic]

I have been dealing with this sickness for something like 3 years now, unable to work, and in pretty bad shape. Come to find out, I am FINALLY getting better, and that raises a lot of concern on what to do, when to do it, how I am going to get back on my feet, etc etc.

I think I want to get someone to talk to, and I am not sure what I should be looking for, A life coach? Therapist? Psychologist?

I have so many questions, so much worry and anxiety. I am so unsure and not confident and have nobody to really talk to, and even if I did, I have so much rattling around up in m head I wouldn't even know where to start. On top of that from laying around for so long just thinking about what I want to try and do when I finally can, I have a hard time separating what ideas are on this side of reality and what is just a dream idea. I dont know.

Maybe even like being able to skype with a coach or something to help me make a plan on steps to take to get back onto my feet. I don't know. I don't even have the money to afford something like that.

I don't know what to do.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Finding someone to talk to would be a good thing. Have you talked to your doctor about this? Sometimes he/she maybe able to give you a support group or a business card of someone trusting to talk to. In the meantime, we're here as far as questions and support too. There's always someone here different times of the day to talk to when you need someone. All you need to do is ask. Just let us know. Sending lots of hugs your way.

 

[Jennifer]

I was reading your other thread and my first thought was that it would be good to seek mental help before trying to pursue any of your goals just yet. I think it's important to have the proper tools to deal with your depression and anxiety before you attempt something so large as you might be setting yourself up for failure.

A psychologist and a psychiatrist might be a good combination to start with. Have you tried Restoril for helping you sleep? I used to take Ambien as well but after a while it seems to become less effective especially when taken often. Once I switched to Restoril at night and took Klonopin during the day I was able to function a lot better and have since been able to ween off of both (I have panic disorder, depression and agoraphobia). Getting your anxiety better under control is key to getting the insomnia and depression under control. Your fear of going outdoors is also starting to sound a bit like agoraphobia as well.

Everything you're dealing with is all too familiar and there are no easy answers. If you try to do everything at once then nothing will get done. Your first step is getting your anxiety under control. Once you feel more confident and start sleeping better (lack of proper sleep increases depression and anxiety and can trigger a panic attack) then you'll be able to focus on finding a job, friends etc.

I'm in a similar boat currently but I've gotten past the point of being afraid to go outside at all and will likely start looking for a job soon as well. Money does put a lot of pressure on us especially when we're not mentally ready (my husband became disabled and cannot work which is forcing me back into the work force) but a good psychologist and psychiatrist can help prepare you and give you the tools you need to succeed.

I don't know what insurance you have but if you have Medi-cal then you can see a psychiatrist at your local CHC (hopefully your area also has a psychologist, my county doesn't have one currently). If you don't have insurance then try going to your local county mental health to see what is available for you (that's how I started seeing my psychologist). As for a life coach, try talking to CrohnsChicago here on the forum. She's been getting training to become a life coach for those with disabilities.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Tuff]

I would also suggest getting back into shape, if you've been laying around and not exercising. Eat healthy to keep your energy levels up. I went back to work part time in February, and it was tiring at first. I got a fitbit and joined myfitnesspal.com, and they're helping me to get in shape.

 

[UnXmas]

Are you religious? If so (or if open to trying it) a church (or the equivalent in other religions) may have someone you can talk to without the cost of a professional life coach. They may talk to you by Skype, e-mail or whatever too.

Or you could call a charity like the Samaritans: http://www.samaritans.org/
You can talk to them about pretty much anything you like I think and you can e-mail them.

Or there maybe a local charity near you that might do various kinds of support groups at no cost.

(I realise these suggestions may not be things you want to do as they won't suit everyone, but they were the first things I could think of that don't have the financial cost of a life coach.)

 

[jimlahey188]

I have been dealing with this sickness for something like 3 years now, unable to work, and in pretty bad shape. Come to find out, I am FINALLY getting better, and that raises a lot of concern on what to do, when to do it, how I am going to get back on my feet, etc etc.

I think I want to get someone to talk to, and I am not sure what I should be looking for, A life coach? Therapist? Psychologist?

I have so many questions, so much worry and anxiety. I am so unsure and not confident and have nobody to really talk to, and even if I did, I have so much rattling around up in m head I wouldn't even know where to start. On top of that from laying around for so long just thinking about what I want to try and do when I finally can, I have a hard time separating what ideas are on this side of reality and what is just a dream idea. I dont know.

Maybe even like being able to skype with a coach or something to help me make a plan on steps to take to get back onto my feet. I don't know. I don't even have the money to afford something like that.

I don't know what to do.

Hang in there friend...Just take it one day at a time. There's too much anxiety in trying to plan out everything ahead of time.

Healing starts day-by-day. I felt similar to you when I was at my worst. I felt like I lost meaning in my daily life. Just do simple, easy things for yourself. If you have the funds available, seeing a psychologist wouldn't be a bad idea...They can help coach you through all of this...at least that's what I did.

Take care brother.