Who do you turn to when you really need to talk?

Rant and rave on here!
I find people are very understanding and supportive.
I also have a blog where I use to sort through my thoughts and that helps a lot.
Some people find art helpful or exercise or dance etc.

Hi @Chris
I'm not so great at telling how im going at times... I tend to be better at writing things down and then giving that to my treating team instead. It's just easier. I'm so glad that your psychiatirist has been really kind with all that you're going through. Med changes are not great times, so i'm especially glad that you've reached out here for support.
Will be really hoping for you that your new med helps and settles in soon!
Even if you did wake up crying what would be the worst that would happen? I had a friend who was a surgical nurse, i dont think there was anything she hadnt experienced when people are waking up! I hope it all goes well tomorrow 🙂
lj

@Chris. I can really relate to your comment about being really irritable and angry. And that not being part of who you truly are.
When my depression isn't under control - I also feel this way.
If you can try to remind yourself that this is temporary. Hopefully the new meds will start working soon & the side effects of withdrawal from the old meds will settle down. Once that happens - you will go back to being calmer. Your true self.
In the meantime, try and be gentle with yourself. You are doing the best you can. Try and do something everyday that you enjoy.

Hi @Chris

How did your day surgery go? Hope all went well.

I've read what you've been through in the last 8 months and it leaves me stunned. I never had ECT, I've been to hospital, had changes in meds and psychiatrists, but not all at the same time. My therapist would say try to acknowledge that you're having a difficult time and be kind to yourself.

And there would be my question - do you have anyone apart from your psychiatrist? I see my therapist weekly. I also see my GP regularly in addition to my appointments with the psychiatrist. My GP has been there along the bumpy ride and I think a good relationship with my GP has defused many difficult times, as it is so much easier to get an appointment. I also find with 3 professionals there is less chance to for me to have to "hang in there" because they go on leave, get sick, move interstate... they are only human too. My GP thankfully has been my constant when I was changing psychiatrists, psychologists... All three of them and the staff in the hospitals where I stayed have helped me along in opening up over the last couple of years.

I find forums a great help too. Asking questions anonymously and getting peer & here professional support is really good for me. I also send emails, call or chat to Sane and other organisations when I don't want to share online or when I'm lost and distressed.

I am learning how important real people are as my support. All my life I've been brooding over my own issues, physically refusing cuddles when I was upset and physically walking away when I got upset. My mask was always in place. My therapist, psychiatrist and GP all work with me to understand and implement real life support. I was in a day program at hospital and try to stay in touch with people there - and actually made new friends, who understand me on a different level. I am also starting to disclose more at home and at work.

Everything I mentioned has been or is hard work and scary. I don't say it's easy to open up and it will be a lot of trial and error. But you are not alone and there are people out there who understand what you've been through and professionals who can help you, but it can be a very bumpy ride.

Take care @Chris and stay in touch.