Monday, 14 December 2009

Back, but not quite so bouncy...

I've been offline for a while and now I'm back, but I'm not better by any means. For those of you who are unaware, I've had depression for a while now, on and off. The last few months have been very busy, what with a new part time job, children at school and finding new routines. So I stayed offline as I was struggling to find the new me through all of the above. However, recently, things took a serious nose dive.
I'd begun to listen to a little voice in my head telling me I was useless at everything I did: work, housework, mothering, wifeing, everything. As I listened to this voice I began to hide my feelings from everyone, too. And so the tears started and I couldn't stop them. I'd shut myself off from the world, from those who loved me. This built up and up until... BANG! Last Wednesday I could no longer keep the facade I had held for weeks at work. I crumbled.
Firstly, I texted hubby and told him to ring the helpline he'd been given by our GP. So he did and he was told to get me to the GP or hospital asap. I rang the GP and he was on half day closing - wonderful. I had to tell someone at work I was going but couldn't. Another text to hubby and his reply was I only had to tell one person. Ella - should you ever read this (though I doubt it knowing your love of IT lol) thank you! My dear friend Ella got another friend of mine, Keith and they hugged me until my crying was down to a whimper.
The next step was to tell someone in senior management. To my amazement, the only senior teacher I know to be a Christian came to me and prayed for me. She then took me to hospital and stayed by my side until hubby appeared. They said they couldn't help! I explained I was suicidal and hearing voices and they sent the psychiatric nurse to talk to me. She said I needed to be referred by my GP. Hmmm, he's on half day closing, so she gave me a phone number for the local mental health nurses.
On the way home I rang them and they said they'd ring me back that afternoon. Which they did. We're getting somewhere at last, I thought. I thought wrong. They said they'd write with an appointment for next week. I had to go to the doctors first thing in the morning, get my medication checked and get signed off work. I got signed off, got new tablets and slept hours and hours. On Saturday I got a letter saying I had an appointment - for JANUARY 4TH!!!!!!!!!! For goodness sake! I rang and they said there was nothing they could do due to the time of year they were shutting for Christmas.
So I'm now sitting at home - alone - shaking due to the effects of my new tablets and being withdrawn from my old ones. Worrying about what colleagues think about me. I'm not daft, I know the stigma mental health has. Feeling lonely and sorry for myself. Not looking forward to Christmas though with two young children I'm desperately trying to find some bounce in me somewhere.
So, there you go. My life in the last few days has turned upside down. I'm the worst I've ever been yet the NHS has failed me and my family. Hubby is anxious - worried about me and the children, he now feels like he is a father of 3. What next for me? I don't know. More tears? Definitely. More loneliness? I hope not. The dreaded S word? Please, God, I hope not. However, I know I lose control to the voices in my head every now and again and they win. I pray they don't ultimately win the greatest prize of all - my life.

9 comments:

sassyele said...

Oh hunni...i really feel for you! sounds like you have some fab people around you...both at home and at work! i know how hard it is to get passed those voices in the head....mine win very often, but i hide it well! i really wish i could wave a magic wand and make everything okay for you, but its never that easy is it? can't believe the lack of support from the NHS...says alot mind! all i can do is wish you all the best and be here to tweet if needed...you'e a very special lady, even though you probably don't believe me, just take 1 day at a time hun xx

sarah said...

i am sending you loads of (((hugs)))
however i also want to say WELL DONE for admitting how you are feeling adn what you are experiencing.
surely the docs could get you an emergency appointment?? can your hubby get on to them about his concerns for your health
really hope the tablets start to make you feel a bit more calm and human soon
take care
(Sbroadhurst on twitter)

Louisa (Dyna-Girl) said...

Sarah, I am so so sorry to hear this, you poor, poor thing. I know I am miles away, but if there is anything at all that I can do by phone or e-mail me, please let me know! For what it is worth, from what I know about you, I think you are really wonderful. You are good and kind and really funny. I don't doubt for a minute that you have lots of family and friends surrounding you that love you very much.
When things get rough, why don't you try calling the Samaritans? They are there for you the whole time and they listen to whatever you want to say. I think this in itself can be a tremendous support.
Don't worry about anyone else and what thye might or mioght not think, just concentrate on yourself at the moment.
Take care Sarah and please keep in touch.
Thinking of you and sending lots and lots of cyber hugs
Louisa

Anonymous said...

Ah Sarah sorry to hear you are feeling like this x
The NHS have seriously let you down but with support and love from family and friends you can get through this.
Sending you huge hugs xx

(welshbybirth on twitter)

Sarah said...

First BIG HUGS to you!
It's been said already but firstly I'm proud that you could see you needed help as this is the first step to getting better.
I had depression early this year and thought I could cope and it got too much for me and May/June I crumbled.
It took the NHS 6 weeks to get me an appointment but until then friends and family were amazing, they listened and offered me plenty of shoulders to cry on.
I'm much better now but I still have my moments but I can now cope with them better.
Just take a day at a time and remember there are lots of people that care x x x More BIG HUGS
(@blissbubbley on twitter)

Sarah said...

thank you all! you're amazing just to put up with me. I have a had the crisis team out tonight as had another bad moment - did a runner basically - they're getting me a psychiatrist app for tomorrow. Lovely ladies they were! (ooh that sounded a bit like Yoda!) He will hopefully put me on meds until mine kick in - like a stopgap. They said I CAN survive Christmas - so I can - I think xxx

Retro Chick said...

I hope you get the help you need.

It sounds like you have supportive friends and family and that's what's important.

xx

Laura Rigney said...

Have you ever read a book called 'But inside I'm screaming'?

It's so insightful and may help you when you are feeling this way.

I have an old copy I can send to you if you wish xx

Sarah said...

Thank you Laura - will tweet you xxx