Depression Getting Out Of Control

[bekbek]

Since I had to leave my job about 2 weeks ago I've been really down. I had to leave due to the high stress factor and it made me violently ill and made my anxiety and panic attacks flair up something terrible.

I haven't started my therapy for the PTSD yet. But since leaving work and knowing that these issues are on the horizon I've been having messed up dreams, close to tears constantly, really depressed and anxious.

Could this be because my brain is finally unlocking some of the trauma in preparation?

 

[ghotiff]

I am no expert, but maybe not working has stopped your distractions and freed up your brains energy and time so that your symptoms are worse.

 

[Changing4Best]

You need to get into therapy as soon as possible, as well as find another source of income so you can afford it. The therapist can answer all such questions and recommend books that you can and should read too, so that you can better understand your condition. Mine does that last for me anyway, and the books are very helpful too! Sometimes, if she has the book, she will even loan it to me! Once I have read that one, she'll either recommend another or loan me another, depending upon whether she has it in her office or not. Once you can better understand what you are going through, you can better deal with it!

I find it best personally to not dwell on dreams, because otherwise they can overshadow my days. It is best to let your therapist decide if they are helpful in your recovery or not. Some folks do keep a dreams journal, so they can then leave them and not let them interfere with their day. Somehow, I guess, writing them down takes their sting away!

 

[bekbek]

Thanks for responding guys. I have sessions with my therapist every 3 to 4 weeks, at the moment the cost is being covered by the government.

My T is going away for 5 weeks at the end of May so she doesn't want to get into anything heavy because she doesn't want to leave me unsupported and not a time like that.

Although work might have been a distraction, it was also a trigger because it stressed me out so much and messed around with my routine and and sleeping habits that it did more bad than good. But it definitely worked as a distraction.

 

[Deleted member 19804]

Do you have a coping strategy for those peaks in depression or anxiety? For me it really helps to listen to certain kinds of music and focus on the lyrics, or to watch a comedy tv show.

Can't you get therapy sessions a little more frequently? Only once every 3 to 4 weeks isn't very much if you're suffering like this. Even if it's just to help you get through the day until your T comes back and you can really get into the deep stuff.

 

[Definitely..maybe]

First of all- good for you for knowing you can't handle work right now. I'm glad you made a good choice for yourself!

I was in a similar situation a few months ago, work was causing all my symtoms to get worse and then added physical issues as well. I hated it but I just could not go in anymore. However instead of feeling better when I left symptoms were still bad, new symptoms showed up and I felt like I now had a time line on having to get better quick. For me, all of that showed up because I had been repressing those feeling and ignoring then while busying myself with work. Sometimes things get worse before they get better. My depression has now subsided an amazing amount and I'm happy I have time to just focus on myself and school.

 

[Hashi]

New
Do you have a coping strategy for those peaks in depression or anxiety?

I'm also wondering this. I think it's good to have several strategies. One good thing about not being at work is that there's more chance to use them.

I find deep breathing exercises and listening to a guided relaxation helpful.

I was recently off work for some time, and part of what I did was work my way gradually through a "Relaxation for Dummies" workbook. Even if I did only 5 minutes a day, I did something every day. It helped a lot.

 

[bekbek]

Unfortunately I can't go more than every 3 to 4 weeks because I only have a certain amount of sessions free per year and there is no way I can afford it otherwise.

I do have techniques for the anxiety, but depression wise I just can't seem to shake the feeling no matter what. And I'm so tired all of the time. I feel like I could sleep for 24 hours a day and it wouldn't be enough. Anytime I go out, one or two hours later I am absolutely exhausted.