Micra95
Member
I've finally bitten the bullet, as I feel I have a duty to say "hello" to so many immensely courageous souls on these forums, many with mental health issues and stories similar to my own.
I've had a history of depression, anxiety and what is now known as OCD since having a nervous breakdown in 1977 and again in 1982, both involving periods of hospitalisation. My first breakdown was bought on by cramming for A Levels in 1977, but it is true to say that the cracks were already there following the early death of my father. I can remember the exact day and time when revising that I felt and overwhelming feeling of depression and "not being able to cope", feelings that have shadowed me for most of my adult life. It certainly changed me forever. I could probably write an Egon Ronay guide to most of the major and minor tranquillisers from chlorpromazine to diazepam and most of the tricyclic antidepressants that have been prescribed to me over the years. I've also seen a plethora of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists - some have helped, many haven't, and some profited!
On a positive note, since 1982, I've managed to complete my A Levels as a mature student, gain a degree, get married, have a family and hold down a variety of sometimes quite stressful marketing jobs. Courses of psychotherapy have helped, as have modern antidepressant medication such as Seroxat and Citalopram. NHS Community Psychiatric Nurses have been of great help and support. It's all a far cry from those less enlightened times of the 1970s, when as an adolescent I was referred to the local mental hospital.
I had a long period after 1999 when I was getting on just fine, but stressful family or work situations can trigger problems and for the past few months I've been seeing a CPN again, who I've found very helpful. The trigger this time has been my wife's chronic physical illness that has affected her emotionally, and although I take pride in supporting and loving her through this, I do find the emotional side difficult to deal with bearing in mind my history (and a teenager in the house too!!).
Ultimately, I suppose I accept myself and understand the illness more now, I don't fight it (in the traditional sense) or expose myself to unnecessary stress. Since 2000 I've been more of a house-husband working part time while child-rearing. Over the past couple of years I've gone back to working full time but in a more menial role, but with much less stress. I think my white collar days are over, but this could be a blessing!
Anyway, cheers to you all, and perhaps I offer some support on the forums!
I've had a history of depression, anxiety and what is now known as OCD since having a nervous breakdown in 1977 and again in 1982, both involving periods of hospitalisation. My first breakdown was bought on by cramming for A Levels in 1977, but it is true to say that the cracks were already there following the early death of my father. I can remember the exact day and time when revising that I felt and overwhelming feeling of depression and "not being able to cope", feelings that have shadowed me for most of my adult life. It certainly changed me forever. I could probably write an Egon Ronay guide to most of the major and minor tranquillisers from chlorpromazine to diazepam and most of the tricyclic antidepressants that have been prescribed to me over the years. I've also seen a plethora of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists - some have helped, many haven't, and some profited!
On a positive note, since 1982, I've managed to complete my A Levels as a mature student, gain a degree, get married, have a family and hold down a variety of sometimes quite stressful marketing jobs. Courses of psychotherapy have helped, as have modern antidepressant medication such as Seroxat and Citalopram. NHS Community Psychiatric Nurses have been of great help and support. It's all a far cry from those less enlightened times of the 1970s, when as an adolescent I was referred to the local mental hospital.I had a long period after 1999 when I was getting on just fine, but stressful family or work situations can trigger problems and for the past few months I've been seeing a CPN again, who I've found very helpful. The trigger this time has been my wife's chronic physical illness that has affected her emotionally, and although I take pride in supporting and loving her through this, I do find the emotional side difficult to deal with bearing in mind my history (and a teenager in the house too!!).
Ultimately, I suppose I accept myself and understand the illness more now, I don't fight it (in the traditional sense) or expose myself to unnecessary stress. Since 2000 I've been more of a house-husband working part time while child-rearing. Over the past couple of years I've gone back to working full time but in a more menial role, but with much less stress. I think my white collar days are over, but this could be a blessing!
Anyway, cheers to you all, and perhaps I offer some support on the forums!
to the Forum. I am sure that your experience and wisdom will be really valuable here.