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Struggling in 2023

Struggling in 2023

Hello, newbie here.
Safe to say I’m struggling and feeling like I can’t cope. Little backstory…

The end of last year I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I was going to a therapist and was put on medication to help me. Therapy wasn’t working as I wasn’t fond of the lady and I started to feel better within myself so I stopped attending visits. Life went on and I took 1 day at a time. Fast forward to early 2023, after experiencing joint pain, swelling, chronic fatigue and pain, I was diagnosed with Lupus. If you are unsure what lupus is it’s an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own healthy tissues and can cause problems with your vital organs. Something that goes hand in hand with to lupus is depression, anxiety and other auto immune diseases. I have also recently found out I have Sjogrens disease. During the time of dealing with this and adjusting to the new norm, I found out my grandad has cancer. Fast forward 2 months to around now, I have just recently found out his cancer has progressed and he’s in and out of the hospital. They may have found more cancer. My family doesn’t live near me, they live in England where I am from. Last week, I got a call from my grandma (my other side of the family), and she informed me that my Aunt has cancer and it’s progressed so much that she can no longer walk and it’s only a matter of time. It’s been a huge shock to me and to my grandma as it’s come out of no where. So I’m currently fighting my own demons, trying to get used to my new diagnosis by managing my lupus and dealing with the stress of my 2 family members who are very sick. I’m struggling hard, feeling worthless, useless, tired and overwhelmed. I’m at a loss, I don’t know what to do and I just feel like a burden to everyone. I have had a hair pulling disorder since I was 9 years old, it’s been on and off for years but recently it’s become out of control with all the stress and anxiety I’ve been dealing with the last 6 months. I just want to curl up in a ball and forget.

4 replies

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In response to: Struggling in 2023

Re: Struggling in 2023

HI @MyMindandMe

Welcome to the forums. Gosh what a lot you are dealing with right now. Your own diagnosis' are a big thing in themselves let alone all the illness in your family your challenged with.
I had a bald spot on my scalp many years ago and the dermatologist I was sent to suspected I had lupus. I didn't but it was another type of autoimmune condition. I am going ok with it all but I do fear it will all flare up again. And I know once you have one you can have more chance of getting more. It's scary stuff and when they don't know what causes all of this, it's hard!

I really empathise with you.

There are many lovely people on these forums so I think you'll find this a safe and supportive space to connect with others.

If you have any questions please let me know.

Hanami

In response to: Re: Struggling in 2023

Re: Struggling in 2023

@hanami

I’m glad to hear that it wasn’t lupus. I hope you are doing okay! Sometimes I feel like maybe I’m being dramatic feeling the way I do because there are so many other people out there dealing with worse issues and I’m being selfish for feeling the way I do. Thank you for your kind words and support. It really means a lot x

In response to: Re: Struggling in 2023

Re: Struggling in 2023

I do know what you mean @MyMindandMe . My diagnosis caused hair loss and it was super upsetting to me. But I often felt guilty as it was 'just hair loss' and 'could be worse'. So I get that. And yes it's not cancer that you have but it still causes health issues and anxiety and depression. Your feelings are definitely valid. I know it's hard though, hey.

Sending hugs

Hanami

In response to: Struggling in 2023

Re: Struggling in 2023

I really can relate to your feeling of worthlessness.

This is how I feel.

Now I don't feel so alone with this feeling.

All the best for your precious life and that of your family members.

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