Monday Mental Health Check-In Week of 2/13/17

NYTino24

***This thread has a general trigger warning! Idea stolen from a BMB... This post can be replied to at any time during the week! Not limited to those with a diagnosis, but please be sensitive others. We will attempt to be as flame free as possible!*** 

How are you doing? Feel free to share a gif, pic, or meme that helps you.

NYTino24

I have my post-observation conference today with my boss and report cards are due. Trying to keep calm as DH's trip approaches and hoping I O early. Rocky temps aren't helping.

We got an email about free counseling over the phone via work a few weeks ago. It's anonymous and free (paid for by work) and I may do it. I just can't seem to get to the point where I want to do anything and I think that's a sign of depression. I feel bad for DH that all I want to do is lay around and waste time. I try to use short bursts of energy to get stuff done, but mostly I'm a lump on the couch lately. Ideally...

jess0211

@NYTino24 all the hugs coming your way today! It does sound as if you are experiencing some depression. I think it would be great if you sought out the free counseling services through work . I have taken advantage of similar services offered by my employer and have found it really helpful. I know where I work you often can get same day appts which helps when you're in that state of helplessness. I know it's so hard to see past this right now, but know that this is just a moment in time and we are all here for you! So much positive energy coming your way. Good luck today!
Fx TB doesn't eat this post...

jess0211

I am getting really anxious about DHs surgery. It's a minor sugery but he keeps saying things like, "You know who to contact about my life insurance and pension plan, right? Just in case. And if something happens to me I want you to be happy" wtf dude?! That's sweet and all but NOT helping my high state of anxiety at the moment. Between that, work (preparing to be out for a few days), my Dad's unexpected visit (that's a love/hate relationship), and life in general and of course hoping I O before tomorrow.   I feel a little overwhelmed and a constant tightness in my chest. I know this will pass but I need to get through the day and be productive so I can focus on DH the rest of the week.

BertieMeetsGertie

@NYTino24 sorry you are still aren't feeling better. It sounds like a great idea to try out the free counseling. We're rooting for you!

@jess0211 boys are stupid. I'm sure everything will be just fine, but I know how anxious anything medical can make people. We will be thinking about you both tomorrow! 

I'm hanging in there. Looking for ways to reduce my stress. Besides yoga and acupuncture, what else do you think I could try? 

JulesDP

@NYTino24 So many creepy hugs coming your way.  I'm so sorry that you're having a tough time right now.  I would absolutely give the counseling a try! I saw a therapist for about 2 years, and it was a really positive experience. It was nice to have a neutral party to help me work through things.  She also encouraged me to try medication for my anxiety.  I'm so glad that I took her advice. GL!

@jess0211 I'm so sorry for the increased anxiety.  I would be the same way if I was in your shoes. It will be tough as your caring for YH, but try to take a little time for yourself each day -- take a walk, go for a drive, paint your nails -- anything! Hang in there, buddy  

@BertieMeetsGertie have you tried meditation at all? There's an app called Headspace that's supposed to be great.  I am going to give it a try because I'm horrible at meditation! My mind always starts to wander 3 seconds into it.


I'm doing much better than I was last week. I definitely think that getting back into my running routine has helped.  I'm also really excited to start acupuncture next Monday. 

On Friday, my brother and I are attending a transplant education seminar put on by my Dad's team of doctors. I'm a little anxious about it.   However, knowing my personality, I think that learning more about the process and what to expect will ultimately make me feel better.

Here's a bunny eating a banana just because
 

adirat

@nytino24 If only we were all ovulating left and right!

@jess0211 @julesdp Hugs friends. Family going through medical stuff is so scary and always makes me feel out of control. We're hoping for good news.

Sort of similar to @BertieMeetsGertie -- I would be interested in other tips for relaxing. Also, I think I need to talk to a therapist about this genetic mutation news and all the feelings I have about TTC now. Any advice on how to find or select one? Thanks. 

heatherdubrow

@NYTino24 I think trying that counseling is a great idea. Big hugs

@JulesDP what kind of transplant is your dad having. I'm a big believer that knowledge is power. It sounds like this seminar will really help you understand the process!

I'm doing ok, just getting frustrated with all of the side effects of my FET meds. I just don't feel like myself at all. Im done with the lupron (hopefully) Friday, so hoping that will help.

JulesDP

@adirat I think it's great that you're considering seeing a therapist.  I really think that you'd benefit from having someone outside of YH to help you talk through your feelings/fears/etc.  I got lucky when I found my therapist, which was basically just through a google search and cross referencing that with who was in network for my insurance.  I would start with asking your RE and possibly your GYN if they have any recommendations.  It might take a few tries before you find someone you "click" with.  GL!  

jess0211

@BertieMeetsGertie have you tried meditation or other forms of exercise besides yoga? I find activities like zumba to be helpful. 

@JulesDP I must have missed what was going on with your Dad! I am sorry to hear about that, dealing with family health issues is so stressful.  I agree with the other ladies, I think learning about the process may help reduce anxiety in the long run. I used to work with a woman who did education sessions for families who had loved ones undergoing a type of brain surgery and I know the family members found it empowering. Hugs!

@adirat I would start by checking with your insurance. I know my insurance company has a directory and I can look up a provider by specialty  (ie TTC, genetic counsel  etc). 

jess0211

@adirat ;http://www.nsgc.org/page/find-a-gc-search

jess0211

@adirat @BertieMeetsGertie ;

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/relaxation-techniques

JulesDP

@heatherdubrow If all goes as planned, he'll be having a single lung transplant. I totally agree - knowledge is power! I'm sorry that you're feeling so yucky from the FET meds. Hang in there  

@jess0211 My dad has a rare lung disease for which there is no cure. He was told in December that without a lung transplant he would only have ~6 months to live.  It's scary stuff for sure.

letyourheartbeyourguide

@NYTino24 I know it's hard to make that first call/appointment, especially if you're already struggling with feeling unmotivated, but in my experience counseling can be really worthwhile.

@BertieMeetsGertie I think adult coloring books are a good stress-reducer. I like the Johanna Basford ones because they're very detailed - it doesn't take all that much energy or creativity, but requires just enough focus that I can't really think about other things at the same time. 

@adirat I second the suggestion to ask your OB/RE for a therapist recommendation. If they don't have one (or don't have one in-network for you), you can try this site: https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/  You can filter it by your insurance network and then read the background info for possible therapists to see if someone seems like a good "fit". Just remember that if you meet with someone and you don't feel like they're a good fit for you, you can absolutely shop around and try other counselors - it's like any other relationship and there's no one-size-fits-all approach, so the key is finding someone who works well for you.

@JulesDP I hope the seminar will help y'all feel a little more in control during this (understandably scary) process.

mschanandlerbong1214

I'm new here and I love this idea.

TW kids/pregnancy/breastfeeding mentioned. 

I was was diagnosed Bipolar II after DS1 but had been struggling since my teens. I was hospitalized and medicated for a short while before becoming pregnant with DS2 and have been on Zoloft since 1/2015. It helps but because it's not ideal for Bipolar disorder it's like a bandaid on a bullet wound. But because I'm still nursing my youngest I can't take my regular meds. This struggle makes life tough daily and I worry that it could hinder our chances. Since I was on Metformin (for a metabolic disorder) when I conceived both times previously and have since been taken off of it I'm worried what that could mean for TTC. Lots of little fears that add up to stress that I know won't help. And since I've been benched in a sense I won't know the answers to any of these things for a couple months. I'm hoping that hanging around here and learning more from you ladies will help me and give me a place to vent if needed. 

BertieMeetsGertie

Thanks, all!! I'll check out those ideas! 

LoveInDC

Hugs to everyone who finds themselves here. P&G today explained below.

Regs on here know that I've been having a hard time the past couple of weeks. I finally saw my therapist today and she suggested I take a break from some of my obsessive TTC tendencies. So I'm going to be taking a bump break until I'm feeling better. I will probably lurk for a bit because cold turkey is hard, but if anyone asks, that's why I've disappeared.

Thanks to everyone for your support during my rough patch. I hope to be back soon, but the stress is just too much for me right now. Lots of love and hugs your way.

adirat

@loveindc Hugs friend. Take all the time you need. If some time off does get you your bfp, please do let me know  

(insert gif of the VPR crew crying here)

heatherdubrow

@LoveInDC hugs girl. We'll be here for you when you want to come back!

adirat

@loveindc PS I think @heatherdubrow and I are in agreement that we would still love to hear your thoughts on VPR in that thread!:)

heatherdubrow

adirat said:

@loveindc PS I think @heatherdubrow and I are in agreement that we would still love to hear your thoughts on VPR in that thread!:)

Yes. Absolutely.

NYTino24

Is anyone watching This is Us? I'm really glad they are including anxiety and depression in the plot.

hartmich

Just a couple of quotes I heard today that really struck me:

"Words can only do so much. Hugs can do much more than words, but when hugs can’t do anything, that’s where faith kicks in."

"I encourage you to accept that you may not be able to see a path right now, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there.”

NYTino24

I am just loving all of the characters today, but I feel for all of them too. A&D really suck. I'm actually anxious waiting for Jack and William to die.

BertieMeetsGertie

@NYTino24 I was SUPPOSED to be watching this is us right now but DH just had to watch the Rachel Maddow show... 

NYTino24

@BertieMeetsGertie That's why I made sure not to include spoilers!!

BertieMeetsGertie

I really appreciate that @NYTino24! I plan to watch it tomorrow. 

jess0211

@BertieMeetsGertie  and @NYTino24 can't wait to watch it tomorrow...I gave DH the tv tonight since he can't do much else. He watches the lamest shows. Although I haven't seen the episode yet I really appreciate it when shows realistically discuss mental health issues. Even in today's society there is so much stigma and fear.