Feeling completely detached from myself and reality

Hi @Mtx

I hear a lack of purpose and direction, and a real sense of hopelessness

What happened 2 years ago, was there an event that potentially triggered this current state of being?

Have you felt like this before?

I'm wondering who's around for you, and if you'd feel brave enough to open up to them about how you're feeling? I'm concerned that your mood is so low, are you experiencing any other symptoms?

Hi @Mtx

wow things are really tough for you at the moment, so alone! You're really not comfortable at work or at home?

You mention your illness, do you already have a diagnosis? I'm wondering if you have depression given the symptoms you present with, what are your thoughts on this?

https://www.sane.org/mental-health-and-illness/facts-and-guides/depression

Great that you show awareness about self medicating, and realise it's probably not helping in the long term.

How about going to see your GP and getting a referral to see a psychologist, it sounds like you could do with another pair of ear?

Hi @Mtx,

I think its important to highlight that the role of a psychologist (who are not medical doctors), as opposed to a psychiatrist (who are medical doctors) is very different.

This is important to know because it may influence our expectations regarding treatment and support.

Because psychologists are not medical doctors it would be unethical for them to recommend specific medications. Most psychologists do have a good idea about different medications and how they impact our bodilly chemistry, but they are unable to write scripts or recommend meds. With that said, some psychologists may suggest you speak to a doctor or psychiatrist about trying new meds or changing your script, but ultimately its up to the GP or psychiatrist and yourself to come to that sort of decision and make any changes if need be.

On the other side of the coin, psychologists do have a set of skills generally different to GP's and psychiatrists, and the focus of psychologists is not necessarily medical (or medicinal) based. So they may be able to help you with your motivation and self-worth, while the GP or psychiatrist can help you with your meds 🙂 a nice combo there.

On the flip side, there are many life-activities which can often do a simialr job to medication, and may also assist with motivation. You may like to chat to your psychologist or GP about these too 🙂