I've no idea about the debt payment side, so I'm just going to jump straight in to the counselling part. I started my counselling "journey" with bereavement counselling (I'd lost my mum, dad and sister...not all at once but I'd not dealt with any of the loss and my sister kinda pushed me over the edge). In that, the therapist felt that I had more going on and suggested I ask my GP for a referral. My GP agreed that I probably had a lowish level of depression (crying all the time, no energy, no enthusiasm. I was gambling a lot but didn't tell him that part). I was fortunate to have BUPA and got referred to a psychiatrist (which freaked me out but turned out to be the best thing ever). On his suggestion I attended an inpatient group treatment programme but as an outpatient. I went for 2 months. We covered everything. We were taught various psychological theories, had group sessions, individual sessions, looked at loss, abuse, self esteem, trust, depression...the complete works. I don't know if anything similar is available on the NHS but if it is grab it with both hands as it was unbelievably helpful because I started to learn that my unhappiness (and addiction) was multi factored. I learnt how my childhood, past relationships, current relationships, self esteem, coping mechanisms, loss...everything added together to get me to that point. And undestanding all of that has helped me to move forward. Not just with cg, but with life and all the shi..te that comes with it. And now I'm better able to cope with life, I'm better able to cope with the addiction. I also had some gamcare counselling which was useful in that it added to what I'd already learnt.
I think a referral to a psychiatrist is great. See what they say. If there's any underlying condition/disorder then it's better to know and get treatment and support for it. Be honest. Tell them everything! My belief is that getting deep down into the underlying "stuff" really helps you to move forward. It might be painful (I felt much worse before I began to feel better) but it's worth it.
LB x
I've no idea about the debt payment side, so I'm just going to jump straight in to the counselling part. I started my counselling "journey" with bereavement counselling (I'd lost my mum, dad and sister...not all at once but I'd not dealt with any of the loss and my sister kinda pushed me over the edge). In that, the therapist felt that I had more going on and suggested I ask my GP for a referral. My GP agreed that I probably had a lowish level of depression (crying all the time, no energy, no enthusiasm. I was gambling a lot but didn't tell him that part). I was fortunate to have BUPA and got referred to a psychiatrist (which freaked me out but turned out to be the best thing ever). On his suggestion I attended an inpatient group treatment programme but as an outpatient. I went for 2 months. We covered everything. We were taught various psychological theories, had group sessions, individual sessions, looked at loss, abuse, self esteem, trust, depression...the complete works. I don't know if anything similar is available on the NHS but if it is grab it with both hands as it was unbelievably helpful because I started to learn that my unhappiness (and addiction) was multi factored. I learnt how my childhood, past relationships, current relationships, self esteem, coping mechanisms, loss...everything added together to get me to that point. And undestanding all of that has helped me to move forward. Not just with cg, but with life and all the shi..te that comes with it. And now I'm better able to cope with life, I'm better able to cope with the addiction. I also had some gamcare counselling which was useful in that it added to what I'd already learnt.
I think a referral to a psychiatrist is great. See what they say. If there's any underlying condition/disorder then it's better to know and get treatment and support for it. Be honest. Tell them everything! My belief is that getting deep down into the underlying "stuff" really helps you to move forward. It might be painful (I felt much worse before I began to feel better) but it's worth it.
LB x
Sorry, posted twice and don't know how to delete it!!
Thanks LB
Im hoping it will give me answers next tuesday. I havent been right for years. As long as I can remember really. On and off different meds for years none of them making the slightest bit of difference. I think the Dr I saw last week actually listened to what I was saying which really made a difference. She called me yesterday to see how I was. Ive got an appointment to see her again on tues so Im hoping I will be in a better state of mind to talk. I will take what ever they offer me and at least if that fails I can say Ive tried...... thats all we can do isnt it?
You sound like it helped you loads....
20 days - it feels like months
22 days today....sunday nights are always the worse for me. Thankfully I have no funds so cant do anything anyway. Not really enjoying life right now. Thats all.
24 days. Had my my psychiatrist appointment today. Also had an appt with the GP who I saw last time. She was really nice and supportive and has booked me in to see her in 4 weeks. The pysch appointment went well. I was dreading it and told him that I will probably spend most of the appointment crying. I did cry a little bit but also laughed a bit too. He said I was a bit of a strange case (that I already knew lol) and that hes going to speak to the doctors there and see what they suggest because Im a bit complex and I dont tick any one box....should be interesting I suppose... oh and day 24 today
So glad to hear that your psych appointment went well. A strange case? Aren't we all! At least he's willing to seek advice from his colleagues, rather than just palming you off. If you've a complicated past history it might take a little while, but at least the ball is in motion. And great that you've got a good GP. Keeping on keeping on...enjoy day 26 x
Thank you LB
Well I went back and saw the other doctor who has prescribed me yet another mood stabilsing drug (they think Im bi-polar, among other things) I dont think I am. I know this sounds really shallow but the drugs Ive been prescribed are fat pills basically. They might make me less mad but the rapid gain weight is a side effect of them. I dont want the bloody tablets. I dont want to be fat. Id rather be bloody miserable than fat. I dont even know what I want anymore. Has anyone got a magic wand?
Anyway day 30 today. Thats some good news. And also payday which means Ive got money in the bank.....
DAY 32 - not a good day I feel terribly on edge for no apparant reason
Day 33 - a better day today despite a horrible long 12 hour shift. I feel quite sane tonight. Came home from work and finally got round to cleaning the kitchen. Havent stopped, it was revolting. Feel on a bit of a high compared to last night when I couldve quite easily of gambled my wages away. Dont feel like it at all tonight. Ive decided to not bother taking the new tablets, I dont feel they would do me much good.
Had a relapse on the 5th December....think it was the panic and build up to Christmas. Nothing since - 51 days now...hanging on in there. f*** 2016 - this year is going to be better.....
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