Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

Struggling tonight.

Unknown userMember14 Oct 2016, 7:03 pm AEDT

Struggling tonight.

Big week at work. Struggling to keep the happy mask on. I saw my GP today, who wants to get find a new psychologist. I'm nervous and scared.
Hospital seems like a good choice, only because nothing else seems to work, the intrusive thoughts are pretty bad. But I'm still incredibly hesitant. I've got 100 questions.
I'm almost too scared to be by myself, scared of what I'll do but also scared to tell anyone how bad things are.

22 replies

1 - 10 of 22

1 2 3

In response to: Struggling tonight.

NikNikSenior Contributor14 Oct 2016, 7:27 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling tonight.

Hi @Former-Member

I don't think we've crossed paths before, but I have read some of your posts.

I'm sorry that you're struggling today. The last thing you need is the pressure of feeling like you have to have your 'happy mask on' when you're feeling the way you do. I hope you can feel like being yourself here

It sounds like you have a GP who really cares! That's awesome! What does your GP say about hospital. Have you told them about your desire to go?

You don't have to be by yourself tonight - we're all here. If you want to chat with us as a form of distraction and get to know others, you could join us for Friday Feast . Of course you're welcome to keep posting here and sharing what's going on as well.

If things do escalate tonight though please be sure to contact a crisis service. I have seen previously you have said you don't feel comfortable calling a crisis service, but there is also an online option:

Lifeline Crisis Chat

Suicide Call Back online counselling

Both are great services.

What are your '100 questions' you have about hospital? Perhaps some members here could help answer them from their own experiences

In response to: Struggling tonight.

Unknown userMember14 Oct 2016, 8:34 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling tonight.

My GP is all for the hospital option, it's been me that's been holding back! She's trying to help me as best she can, it's me that's hesitating with everything.
Sometimes I don't think I need hospital because I go to work every day, I still 'live', I just suck at it if people knew what was actually happening.
I guess my questions are what do they do into hospital? What do I do all day? What do people think? I feel like because I still go to work, and not many people know, that I shouldn't be even thinking about it as an option.

In response to: Struggling tonight.

Unknown userMember14 Oct 2016, 9:01 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling tonight.

Hi @Former-Member, I'm a bit tired and I've taken my meds tonight so this might not be coherent.
In hospital there are group sessions- they might be meditation, or exercise like a walk or some therapy like mindfulness or cbt or generally talking about mi and how to cope with it better. That's usually 9am-4pm. But it's optional. It's also a time to relax a bit, and stop whatever is contributing to your illness. You can talk to other patients or nurses which can be helpful, knowing you're not alone and that others can relate to how you're feeling. You'll see your doc probably every day/second day. You might change your meds. You might get individual sessions with a psychologist. Does that answer your question?

In response to: Struggling tonight.

Unknown userMember14 Oct 2016, 9:04 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling tonight.

I didn't tell many people about my mi or hospital and I certainly didn't tell my work. I just told people I had to go into hospital and implied it was for a 'women's issue' cause no one ever feels comfortable with follow up questions on that topic.

In response to: Struggling tonight.

Unknown userMember14 Oct 2016, 9:08 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling tonight.

About whether you should consider it, I guess that depends on how you feel. I've only been to hospital when very unwell/suicidal. But some people were there for other reasons. (I'm taking about private hospital btw). I guess only you can make that decision and other people on here are better for advice like that. But don't be put off by the stigma, hospital can be s positive experience.

In response to: Struggling tonight.

Unknown userMember14 Oct 2016, 9:13 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling tonight.

Whatever you decide, I hope you feel a lot better soon. And check out other threads on the forum. I've found it to be a really helpful and supportive place.

In response to: Struggling tonight.

utopiaSenior Contributor15 Oct 2016, 9:35 am AEDT

Re: Struggling tonight.

Hi @Former-Member. How are things going for you today? If not coping too well - do you have a friend who could come over?
I went to a private clinic/ hospital earlier this year. It was the best thing I have ever done. It has helped get me to the point I am now - feeling genuinely good.
As @Former-Member said - there were always therapy groups during the day on different topics. My first few days in hospital - I didn't do anything. Slowly I started attending groups I found interesting. The other patients I met were great. A little like this forum group. Just regular people - fighting to get through a hardtime in their mental health. The nurses were truly bbeautiful souls who would listen and offer help. And I finally got a psychiatrist when I was there - which finally meant a proper diagnosis - & the correct medication.
Give it a try. Go in as a voluntary patient - promise to give it at least one week - if you don't like it after that - ph your gp - you are free to leave when you choose.
I stayed for 4 weeks. Learnt some great coping techniques that I then went on to expand with my psychologist when I got home.
I wouldn't be here now & doing so well - if I didn't go to hospital as my gp and psychologist recommended.
Good luck with your decision. I'm here if you'd like to talk further.

In response to: Re: Struggling tonight.

AppleblossomSenior Contributor15 Oct 2016, 3:35 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling tonight.

I have a friend who taught at tertiary level who had a few periods of hospitalisation. She could go private. It gave her tools for her to deal with her situation rather than caring for others in her teacherly way. Lots of people are in that situation.

In response to: Struggling tonight.

Unknown userMember15 Oct 2016, 8:23 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling tonight.

I've been sick all day, so feeling really crappy about myself and life.
Trying to stay positive, and do happy things!

I'm married, with a child, but my partner wasn't that auppprtive when My last psychologist first mentioned hospital, so I don't think much will have changed.

Group therapy would never work with me, I struggle by myself, and walking into appointments so group therapy absolutely freaks me out!

In response to: Re: Struggling tonight.

AppleblossomSenior Contributor15 Oct 2016, 8:30 pm AEDT

Re: Struggling tonight.

I think seeing people in a live-in arrangement breaks down some of the strangeness which can enable you .. a lot depends on else is in the group.

maybe your partner needs a reality check .. and doesnt want to be bothered by childcare and the expense ... but it may be necessary and your right ... especially if it is reccommended.

1 - 10 of 22

1 2 3