Feeling better: A question of hope
Hey everyone,
So, here's my story: My dad passed away last November after a really rough few years with declining health. In those final years, he was pretty much bedridden and couldn't talk at all. I had to be his voice and make sure he got the bets care possible. He was everything to me-we were super close-but when it came down to making that tough call about his treatment, I knew what needed to happen. After four awful days by his bedside, he finally let go.
Since then, I've been a wreck mentally and physically for 10 months now. Constant anxiety has left me in a foggy haze every day. The doctors have run the gamut of tests-scans, biopsies, blood work-and they all came back clean. My body feels sick, there's always this lump in my throat, and I've even lost my appetite. So frustrating!
Because I thought it was purely physical at first, I declined any medication from the GP. But around mid-July, things got really bad. There were nights when I couldn't see a way out of feeling so unwell mentally. My family ended up on high alert watching over me, and after one particularly tough night, my husband convinced me to go back to the doctor.
This time, a different GP prescribed mirtazapine and gave me hope that things would improve. They said I wouldn't feel like this forever, which was exactly what I needed to hear. I'm now 7 weeks into taking it, and mentally, I'm about 70% there. Plus, I've started seeing a counselor and getting hypnotherapy (I tried counseling before but couldn't find the right fit).
While my anxiety isn't gone, it's definitely less intense, and quicker to recover from. My family has noticed that I seem more like myself again. But the nausea still hangs around every day. It feels like this might be the new norm.
My doctor says progress is good so far but acknowledges it's early days with the medication. When things aren't going well, I try to keep going, repeating "just keep batting on." But honestly, all I want is for everything to feel better and return to my pre-dad-loss self.
Sorry if this post is long-I had a lot pouring out of me once I started writing it. If anyone else has been through similar struggles or can offer some words of encouragement, it would mean the world to me.
Thanks in advance to anyone who takes time to read this and respond!
16 Replies
Just had my morning coffee and stumbled upon Midnight's post-man, it hit me hard emotionally even though the struggles aren't exactly mine. Like, I read through and felt this weird connectiion despite the differences because, honestly,the emotional toll is just too relatable.
It's that feeling of your brain and body not playing nice with each other and wondering why everything around you seems to be on pause for no good reason. It's rough trying to keep going when it feels like every day could just...stop being worth living. But then you decide, hey, maybe life can get better if you push through.
So my issues are all about sleep, dude. I haven't slept well forever, but lately, it's been terrible-like only a couple hours a niht, sometimes even less than that. And man, when you're running on empty, your entire world kind of falls apart. Making plans? Forget it. Keeping up with people around you? Nuh-uh. Happiness isn't really an option.
Anyway, things are slowly getting better for me. It's not easy figuring out what works because I've been to so many doctors and tried all sorts of meds. But when it comes down to it, sometimes you gotta take matters into your own hands-and that means making a choice: live or...not? For me, deciding to keep fighting was the start.
I dove deep into researching sleep disorders, learned about CBT-I programs-basically cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia-that I started using myself. It's been tough but there are signs of improvement now. And you know what? That gives me hope that things can get better.
It's crazy how many people out there go through this kind of struggle. Some find relief with medication, others don't. The journey to figuring it all out is long and winding. But your post shows you're determined to understand yourself and that's really powerful. Reaching out like you did? That's a huge step.
Like, I didn't plan on writing so much today but once I started, there was just this flood of things to say. Anyway, I'm cheering for you and your journey towards recovery. Keep pushing because there's a lot more out there worth living for.
Oh yeah, me too-I'm a midnight reader. And hey, if someone ever asks, I'd be the dolphin in this thread!
Sending all my best vibes your way!
Thanks a bunch for reaching out! Honestly, it doesn't really matter why we're in such a deep hole-what's important is having some hope now. I really hope things keep getting better for you. It's rough when you can't just be yourself without feeling stuck. Recovery is all about figuring out how to live again and find that freedom.
All the best!
Sorry about what you're going through. Lots of people here know how it feels.
Your loss must be hard. Anxiety is real and tough on your body.
Hope things improve soon.
Welcome.
Thanks. Means a lot to get understanding replies
Feel free to hit me up anytime if you need someone to chat with.
I just wanted to say thank you, maybe that's it for now.
I've been dealing with severe anxiety and depression for quite some time now, and it feels really tough, especially in the mornings. I usually wake up around 4 AM feeling very nervous and agitated. To help myself fall back asleep, I try to use techniques from CBT, but often end up getting out of bed to make some tea or find something else to keep me occupied, which does ease my anxiety a bit. As the day progresses, I feel better by evening-I almost feel normal again.
Currently, I'm on 15mg of mirtazipine. On Thursday, I went back to see the doctor because I was feeling so afwul, adn she adjusted my dosage to 30mg and also prescribed propranolol for when needed. It's like you, wanting to feel better and more at ease-trying to live with this constant fear and dread feels incredibly difficult.
Sucks, right? Mirtazapine helps a bit. Hope your dose and propranolol do the trick. Propranolol didn't work for me-made me dizzy. Wish you luck.
I'ev had my share of anxiety and depression for years now, and it's definitely not something that just clears up overnight like a broken leg would. The brain is one tricky piece of machinery-we're still figuring out how all the parts work together. So there's no magic bullet here.
Everyone's journey is unique, so don't stress about comparing yourself to others. You're making progress from where you were before. Just be kind to yourself as you go along. For me, getting outside and swimming has been a real lifeline. Plus, having a supportive family around makes such a huge difference. Better days are ahead, I promise. Keep pushing forward.
Thanks for your message. I went for a six-mile walk in the countryside this morning, and it really did help me feel better. I know things will get better eventually, but it just feels like it's taking so long. I'm not exactly known for my patience either. Thanks again for reacihng out to me.
Mental health is one tricky beast without clear edges. But hey, every little win counts, no matter how tiny it feels. Try keeping a log of all your accomplishments-big or small-and look back on it sometime. You might be super surprised by how much you've actually done!
sorry 2 hear abt ur loss & rly tough times rn.
sometimes when u go thru a lot of stress (like caring for ur dad), it can show up as physical issues later. ppl call this "executive stress" & its normal af. the foggy feling is also super common cuz ur brain is trying 2 process everything. it's like ur mind needs some space from all the pain.
i rllly think u r doing well tho with meds & counseling. thosse r good first steps.
bereavement is different for everyone, no rush or deadlines here. what helps can vary too, journals or meditation maybe (yep i know its been said). my thing is "this too shall pass" - it's like a lifeline in hard times.
u will never go bck 2 exactly who u were, but u will laugh & enjoy life again. ur dad would want that for u.
hope this helps:)
Sorry about your loss. You got a good GP though. Mirtazapnie didn't work for me either.
Ask your GP about pregabalin. Works great for anxiety. It's an anti-epileptic but helps with mood stuff too. Build up the dose slowly.
Hope you feel better soon.
HT
I'm sorry to hear about what you are going through. I have been taking medication for my depression for several years now and see a therapist weekly as well. The medication can take some time to adjust to, but it has helped me. My general practitioner started me on a low dose and gradually increased it to 45 mg. Additionally, I take Estipram alongside it. Some people may need more time to get through their situation, so please be patient with yourself.
i know my dad ain't gonna be around forever & i'm rlly sad about it. his passing will hit me hard, idk what else to say. my mum passd in 2014 but we weren't that close. my dad is diff. losing him would lowkey destroy me. u're not alone in this. actually talking to people who've lost a parnet might help. they get it & can offer some real comfort. ur not the only one going through this mess. it's hitting u hard emotionally so no wonder ur not feeling well. the best thing u can do is talk to others going thru the same stuff. they cant bring back ur dad but they can help u cope emotionally
I don't have much to add, but remember, "this too shall pass." That's what has kept me going at times when things were extremely difficult. I've been making progress despite the challenges. Finding a good therapist and working through past traumas is crucial; it can be incredibly hard. There have been many low and dark moments, but I've started to stabilize enough for EMDR therapy. After adjustments in medication, genesight testing, and TMS treatments, I'm beginning to feel a change. It may not seem possible now, but you are putting in the hardest work you've ever done. We will all get through this together.