Posted by Wittgenstein on April 3, 2007, at 19:45:05
Hi Everyone,
I've been browsing the boards for the last two weeks and have finally plucked up the courage/energy to join.
I'm from England and was in my final year at university until I took an overdose a few week's ago, in an attempt to end it all. Anyway, I've been diagnosed with severe depression and severe long standing social phobia (which explains a lot of the problems I have been having for years). I'm now taking a course of Citalopram (40mg) with the occasional Lorazepam. Since my home situation is very difficult (at uni I was living away from home) and my boyfriend lives in the Netherlands (yes it's complicated!) I have taken 'asylum' with him for the foreseeable future - after coming back home from uni, I did hold out with my parents for a week or so but being there made me feel extremely suicidal.
At the moment it feels like everything has stopped - just trying to get through each day as it comes - sleeping most of the time if I can. The idea of getting help here - psychotherapy (which was recommended by my 'pdoc' in England) is daunting because of the language and cultural differences - it will probably work out ok but I'm so nervous about entering a whole new system.
I had my first appt. today with the mental health service - they were very nice (although I hardly remember any of it thanks to the lorazepam!) - I know they are making another appointment for this week or early next but when I asked about therapy the psychologist said something like "well first you have to be 'stabilised' and then we will see what treatment is best". To be honest I didn't really understand what she meant - is this normal or perhaps just a misunderstanding in terms of language?
Does anyone have any experience like this (i.e. getting help in a foreign country)? If not, if there's anyone out there who, like me, is just coming to terms with a diagnosis and treatment prospects or is in the 'pre-treatment survival limbo', I'd love to hear your stories/thoughts - or those who are further down the line and might be able to share some insight into what's ahead.
I'm basically really scared right now - feels like my whole world has collapsed around me.
Best wishes to all of you,
Wittgenstein
poster:Wittgenstein
thread:746642
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20061013/msgs/746642.html