Mental Health just not good......
Discussion
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thought I'd link my last anonymous post so people can get a bit of background and perspective, if they want...…
I'm 3.5 years on from when I first posted nd tbh things haven't changed which, when I actually write it down, sounds awful.
If I summarise briefly where I'm at now and what's happened over the last few years, I think it might help me, more than anything.....
2017 was somewhat of an annus horribilus for me, and those around me. The job, I hated, came to an abrupt, unexpected, but not unwelcome end in January, and I then spent 3 months trying to find a new job, which eventually came and seemed good. The remainder of the year, from June onwards saw the famous film turned upside down and in my very small family we had 'Four Funerals and a total body paralysis' following an innocuous accident.
2018 I bumbled along at work, sorting out some issues and things were sort of OK but I still had no direction, my self confidence wasn't amazing and I couldn't really see much point....
2019 started well, I got headhunted but turned it down having got reassurances from my current employer (having taken the bold step to tell them I had another offer on the table), then 3 months later my still new boss simply told me my services were no longer required, and I was gone. Fortunately, another job came along very quickly, it's not ideal and has complicating factors but it is paying the bills.....oh and another family bereavement and a couple of significant family medical issues.
On to 2020 and in to lockdown, working from home and spending weeks alone without seeing another person probably wasn't helpful, interspersed with a life or death situation developing with a parent (who is now on the road to recovery). I seem to have lost some of the friendships I had, haven't been able to start any new ones, and it being Mental Health Awareness Week has started to make me think about my life in general again, despite trying to repress any feelings or emotions.......
Outwardly, you'd still never know, my façade remains good, but I just don't see the point in anything and I know something's wrong, but have no idea how to fix it. Last night I tried to go on to a dedicated webchat service, but they were busy and I couldn't bring myself to call...
In the grand scheme, with some many other things going on in the world, it just seems trivial but I think I need to do something before I cause irreparable or long lasting damage....
I have no idea why I'm posting even......
Thought I'd link my last anonymous post so people can get a bit of background and perspective, if they want...…
I'm 3.5 years on from when I first posted nd tbh things haven't changed which, when I actually write it down, sounds awful.
If I summarise briefly where I'm at now and what's happened over the last few years, I think it might help me, more than anything.....
2017 was somewhat of an annus horribilus for me, and those around me. The job, I hated, came to an abrupt, unexpected, but not unwelcome end in January, and I then spent 3 months trying to find a new job, which eventually came and seemed good. The remainder of the year, from June onwards saw the famous film turned upside down and in my very small family we had 'Four Funerals and a total body paralysis' following an innocuous accident.
2018 I bumbled along at work, sorting out some issues and things were sort of OK but I still had no direction, my self confidence wasn't amazing and I couldn't really see much point....
2019 started well, I got headhunted but turned it down having got reassurances from my current employer (having taken the bold step to tell them I had another offer on the table), then 3 months later my still new boss simply told me my services were no longer required, and I was gone. Fortunately, another job came along very quickly, it's not ideal and has complicating factors but it is paying the bills.....oh and another family bereavement and a couple of significant family medical issues.
On to 2020 and in to lockdown, working from home and spending weeks alone without seeing another person probably wasn't helpful, interspersed with a life or death situation developing with a parent (who is now on the road to recovery). I seem to have lost some of the friendships I had, haven't been able to start any new ones, and it being Mental Health Awareness Week has started to make me think about my life in general again, despite trying to repress any feelings or emotions.......
Outwardly, you'd still never know, my façade remains good, but I just don't see the point in anything and I know something's wrong, but have no idea how to fix it. Last night I tried to go on to a dedicated webchat service, but they were busy and I couldn't bring myself to call...
In the grand scheme, with some many other things going on in the world, it just seems trivial but I think I need to do something before I cause irreparable or long lasting damage....
I have no idea why I'm posting even......
Take some form of speaking therapy. Pay for it if you are in a position to do so, as the free services are busy. Try to make that barrier not exist.
Don’t feel guilty about your issues vs. everybody else’s and the wider picture. Other people’s problems don’t devalue yours. Getting yourself sorted out will one day help those around you.
Acknowledge and validate the fact that you have had a hard time of it.
Don’t feel guilty about your issues vs. everybody else’s and the wider picture. Other people’s problems don’t devalue yours. Getting yourself sorted out will one day help those around you.
Acknowledge and validate the fact that you have had a hard time of it.
Everyone will have a different perspective on this and what works for others may or may not work for you.
What worked for me was;
1. Get a dog. I didn't want a dog and actively resisted getting one, but we ended up with a Lab from the rescue centre nevertheless. It got me out walking and exercising, which then turned into trying a bit of running with the dog for short distances
2. Start running properly. This got me out mixing with the local community through parkrun, where I start doing my stint as a volunteer and met a couple of guys who I started running with more regularly and ended up as really good friends. We go out most weekends for a trail run now which I really enjoy. Once I had the bug I started entering races, including marathons (a few of went to Berlin last year) and setting up training plans - it all gives a focus which is not work.
3. Start cycling. This came about when I picked up my first running injury and couldn't bear not exercising. It ended up with me getting better and getting to go on cycling holidays with some like minded mates at work to places like Majorca and France, which frankly is brilliant fun and cheap too
TL:DR - start exercising and do stuff with like minded other people - it really does help.
What worked for me was;
1. Get a dog. I didn't want a dog and actively resisted getting one, but we ended up with a Lab from the rescue centre nevertheless. It got me out walking and exercising, which then turned into trying a bit of running with the dog for short distances
2. Start running properly. This got me out mixing with the local community through parkrun, where I start doing my stint as a volunteer and met a couple of guys who I started running with more regularly and ended up as really good friends. We go out most weekends for a trail run now which I really enjoy. Once I had the bug I started entering races, including marathons (a few of went to Berlin last year) and setting up training plans - it all gives a focus which is not work.
3. Start cycling. This came about when I picked up my first running injury and couldn't bear not exercising. It ended up with me getting better and getting to go on cycling holidays with some like minded mates at work to places like Majorca and France, which frankly is brilliant fun and cheap too
TL:DR - start exercising and do stuff with like minded other people - it really does help.
smn159 said:
Everyone will have a different perspective on this and what works for others may or may not work for you.
What worked for me was;
1. Get a dog. I didn't want a dog and actively resisted getting one, but we ended up with a Lab from the rescue centre nevertheless. It got me out walking and exercising, which then turned into trying a bit of running with the dog for short distances
2. Start running properly. This got me out mixing with the local community through parkrun, where I start doing my stint as a volunteer and met a couple of guys who I started running with more regularly and ended up as really good friends. We go out most weekends for a trail run now which I really enjoy. Once I had the bug I started entering races, including marathons (a few of went to Berlin last year) and setting up training plans - it all gives a focus which is not work.
3. Start cycling. This came about when I picked up my first running injury and couldn't bear not exercising. It ended up with me getting better and getting to go on cycling holidays with some like minded mates at work to places like Majorca and France, which frankly is brilliant fun and cheap too
TL:DR - start exercising and do stuff with like minded other people - it really does help.
All of this and pack in the booze if you drink. What worked for me was;
1. Get a dog. I didn't want a dog and actively resisted getting one, but we ended up with a Lab from the rescue centre nevertheless. It got me out walking and exercising, which then turned into trying a bit of running with the dog for short distances
2. Start running properly. This got me out mixing with the local community through parkrun, where I start doing my stint as a volunteer and met a couple of guys who I started running with more regularly and ended up as really good friends. We go out most weekends for a trail run now which I really enjoy. Once I had the bug I started entering races, including marathons (a few of went to Berlin last year) and setting up training plans - it all gives a focus which is not work.
3. Start cycling. This came about when I picked up my first running injury and couldn't bear not exercising. It ended up with me getting better and getting to go on cycling holidays with some like minded mates at work to places like Majorca and France, which frankly is brilliant fun and cheap too
TL:DR - start exercising and do stuff with like minded other people - it really does help.
HustleRussell said:
Take some form of speaking therapy. Pay for it if you are in a position to do so, as the free services are busy. Try to make that barrier not exist.
Don’t feel guilty about your issues vs. everybody else’s and the wider picture. Other people’s problems don’t devalue yours. Getting yourself sorted out will one day help those around you.
Acknowledge and validate the fact that you have had a hard time of it.
Means not a problem, and I think work might offer something, but the prospect of talking to someone scares me a lot, I don't know how I'd react or get very far without completely losing it (I have bottled up emotions for decades too)Don’t feel guilty about your issues vs. everybody else’s and the wider picture. Other people’s problems don’t devalue yours. Getting yourself sorted out will one day help those around you.
Acknowledge and validate the fact that you have had a hard time of it.
smn159 said:
Everyone will have a different perspective on this and what works for others may or may not work for you.
What worked for me was;
1. Get a dog. I didn't want a dog and actively resisted getting one, but we ended up with a Lab from the rescue centre nevertheless. It got me out walking and exercising, which then turned into trying a bit of running with the dog for short distances
2. Start running properly. This got me out mixing with the local community through parkrun, where I start doing my stint as a volunteer and met a couple of guys who I started running with more regularly and ended up as really good friends. We go out most weekends for a trail run now which I really enjoy. Once I had the bug I started entering races, including marathons (a few of went to Berlin last year) and setting up training plans - it all gives a focus which is not work.
3. Start cycling. This came about when I picked up my first running injury and couldn't bear not exercising. It ended up with me getting better and getting to go on cycling holidays with some like minded mates at work to places like Majorca and France, which frankly is brilliant fun and cheap too
TL:DR - start exercising and do stuff with like minded other people - it really does help.
Thanks for the perspective.What worked for me was;
1. Get a dog. I didn't want a dog and actively resisted getting one, but we ended up with a Lab from the rescue centre nevertheless. It got me out walking and exercising, which then turned into trying a bit of running with the dog for short distances
2. Start running properly. This got me out mixing with the local community through parkrun, where I start doing my stint as a volunteer and met a couple of guys who I started running with more regularly and ended up as really good friends. We go out most weekends for a trail run now which I really enjoy. Once I had the bug I started entering races, including marathons (a few of went to Berlin last year) and setting up training plans - it all gives a focus which is not work.
3. Start cycling. This came about when I picked up my first running injury and couldn't bear not exercising. It ended up with me getting better and getting to go on cycling holidays with some like minded mates at work to places like Majorca and France, which frankly is brilliant fun and cheap too
TL:DR - start exercising and do stuff with like minded other people - it really does help.
Can't have a dog as I'm (normally) out the house for far too long and don't think it would be fair.
I actually do exercise (at the gym) and classes and have made my most recent acquaintances through there, just to catch up for a cup of tea after or the occasional meal, but not sure these are proper deep and meaningful relationships or ever will be
Derek Donkey said:
HustleRussell said:
Take some form of speaking therapy. Pay for it if you are in a position to do so, as the free services are busy. Try to make that barrier not exist.
Don’t feel guilty about your issues vs. everybody else’s and the wider picture. Other people’s problems don’t devalue yours. Getting yourself sorted out will one day help those around you.
Acknowledge and validate the fact that you have had a hard time of it.
Means not a problem, and I think work might offer something, but the prospect of talking to someone scares me a lot, I don't know how I'd react or get very far without completely losing it (I have bottled up emotions for decades too)Don’t feel guilty about your issues vs. everybody else’s and the wider picture. Other people’s problems don’t devalue yours. Getting yourself sorted out will one day help those around you.
Acknowledge and validate the fact that you have had a hard time of it.
It'll probably be scary and emotional but psychology is a science and a profession, and you will be speaking in confidence.
For me, getting help was a rash 3am decision but one which I have never regretted.
I echo what everyone else has said, definitely talk to a professional if you can, lots of exercise and a clean diet helps me, I have also started sea swimming and it has been a total revelation, totally clears the mind and also helps with your breathing pattern, I swim every day in all weathers.
The realisation I actually need to 'talk' to someone hit me yesterday after watching a YouTube video with someone I follow on other social media platforms (a minor celeb) who described a situation where they could have been talking about me. I cam out in a cold sweat and then it just hit me....the bit I can't see to do is follow through on it......I think, no I know, I'm scared what might happen, and what else it might reveal - it's why online chat seems much more of a 'safe' option, at least initially
I don't drink much - more under lockdown than previously but nothing even vaguely excessive.....my diet isn't good and I'm far too stubborn to change that. Exercise is coming back which is good and a bit of a focus for an hour a day.
I wish I had someone I know to talk to - but I did try once a few years ago, and the friend wasn't overly supportive or helpful so I've stayed silent ever since......I'm still embarrassed, hence using an anonymous account...
I don't drink much - more under lockdown than previously but nothing even vaguely excessive.....my diet isn't good and I'm far too stubborn to change that. Exercise is coming back which is good and a bit of a focus for an hour a day.
I wish I had someone I know to talk to - but I did try once a few years ago, and the friend wasn't overly supportive or helpful so I've stayed silent ever since......I'm still embarrassed, hence using an anonymous account...
Derek Donkey said:
smn159 said:
Everyone will have a different perspective on this and what works for others may or may not work for you.
What worked for me was;
1. Get a dog. I didn't want a dog and actively resisted getting one, but we ended up with a Lab from the rescue centre nevertheless. It got me out walking and exercising, which then turned into trying a bit of running with the dog for short distances
2. Start running properly. This got me out mixing with the local community through parkrun, where I start doing my stint as a volunteer and met a couple of guys who I started running with more regularly and ended up as really good friends. We go out most weekends for a trail run now which I really enjoy. Once I had the bug I started entering races, including marathons (a few of went to Berlin last year) and setting up training plans - it all gives a focus which is not work.
3. Start cycling. This came about when I picked up my first running injury and couldn't bear not exercising. It ended up with me getting better and getting to go on cycling holidays with some like minded mates at work to places like Majorca and France, which frankly is brilliant fun and cheap too
TL:DR - start exercising and do stuff with like minded other people - it really does help.
Thanks for the perspective.What worked for me was;
1. Get a dog. I didn't want a dog and actively resisted getting one, but we ended up with a Lab from the rescue centre nevertheless. It got me out walking and exercising, which then turned into trying a bit of running with the dog for short distances
2. Start running properly. This got me out mixing with the local community through parkrun, where I start doing my stint as a volunteer and met a couple of guys who I started running with more regularly and ended up as really good friends. We go out most weekends for a trail run now which I really enjoy. Once I had the bug I started entering races, including marathons (a few of went to Berlin last year) and setting up training plans - it all gives a focus which is not work.
3. Start cycling. This came about when I picked up my first running injury and couldn't bear not exercising. It ended up with me getting better and getting to go on cycling holidays with some like minded mates at work to places like Majorca and France, which frankly is brilliant fun and cheap too
TL:DR - start exercising and do stuff with like minded other people - it really does help.
Can't have a dog as I'm (normally) out the house for far too long and don't think it would be fair.
I actually do exercise (at the gym) and classes and have made my most recent acquaintances through there, just to catch up for a cup of tea after or the occasional meal, but not sure these are proper deep and meaningful relationships or ever will be
ks for one or two hours as you run and then putting the world to rights over a coffee that you don't really get with gym buddies. You don't need to join a running club either - I really can't recommend parkrun enough for this sort of thing, particularly if you get involved and start volunteering.
Derek Donkey said:
The realisation I actually need to 'talk' to someone hit me yesterday after watching a YouTube video with someone I follow on other social media platforms (a minor celeb) who described a situation where they could have been talking about me. I cam out in a cold sweat and then it just hit me....the bit I can't see to do is follow through on it......I think, no I know, I'm scared what might happen, and what else it might reveal - it's why online chat seems much more of a 'safe' option, at least initially
I don't drink much - more under lockdown than previously but nothing even vaguely excessive.....my diet isn't good and I'm far too stubborn to change that. Exercise is coming back which is good and a bit of a focus for an hour a day.
I wish I had someone I know to talk to - but I did try once a few years ago, and the friend wasn't overly supportive or helpful so I've stayed silent ever since......I'm still embarrassed, hence using an anonymous account...
If you reveal roughly where you live perhaps one of the nicer, local to you, PH types could go for a coffee with you now Starbucks etc is open?I don't drink much - more under lockdown than previously but nothing even vaguely excessive.....my diet isn't good and I'm far too stubborn to change that. Exercise is coming back which is good and a bit of a focus for an hour a day.
I wish I had someone I know to talk to - but I did try once a few years ago, and the friend wasn't overly supportive or helpful so I've stayed silent ever since......I'm still embarrassed, hence using an anonymous account...
TX.
Terminator X said:
Derek Donkey said:
The realisation I actually need to 'talk' to someone hit me yesterday after watching a YouTube video with someone I follow on other social media platforms (a minor celeb) who described a situation where they could have been talking about me. I cam out in a cold sweat and then it just hit me....the bit I can't see to do is follow through on it......I think, no I know, I'm scared what might happen, and what else it might reveal - it's why online chat seems much more of a 'safe' option, at least initially
I don't drink much - more under lockdown than previously but nothing even vaguely excessive.....my diet isn't good and I'm far too stubborn to change that. Exercise is coming back which is good and a bit of a focus for an hour a day.
I wish I had someone I know to talk to - but I did try once a few years ago, and the friend wasn't overly supportive or helpful so I've stayed silent ever since......I'm still embarrassed, hence using an anonymous account...
If you reveal roughly where you live perhaps one of the nicer, local to you, PH types could go for a coffee with you now Starbucks etc is open?I don't drink much - more under lockdown than previously but nothing even vaguely excessive.....my diet isn't good and I'm far too stubborn to change that. Exercise is coming back which is good and a bit of a focus for an hour a day.
I wish I had someone I know to talk to - but I did try once a few years ago, and the friend wasn't overly supportive or helpful so I've stayed silent ever since......I'm still embarrassed, hence using an anonymous account...
TX.
Derek Donkey said:
The realisation I actually need to 'talk' to someone hit me yesterday after watching a YouTube video with someone I follow on other social media platforms (a minor celeb) who described a situation where they could have been talking about me. I cam out in a cold sweat and then it just hit me....the bit I can't see to do is follow through on it......I think, no I know, I'm scared what might happen, and what else it might reveal - it's why online chat seems much more of a 'safe' option, at least initially
I don't drink much - more under lockdown than previously but nothing even vaguely excessive.....my diet isn't good and I'm far too stubborn to change that. Exercise is coming back which is good and a bit of a focus for an hour a day.
I wish I had someone I know to talk to - but I did try once a few years ago, and the friend wasn't overly supportive or helpful so I've stayed silent ever since......I'm still embarrassed, hence using an anonymous account...
It's great that you are really aware of an issue and amenable to the idea of talking therapy as too many are closed to it.I don't drink much - more under lockdown than previously but nothing even vaguely excessive.....my diet isn't good and I'm far too stubborn to change that. Exercise is coming back which is good and a bit of a focus for an hour a day.
I wish I had someone I know to talk to - but I did try once a few years ago, and the friend wasn't overly supportive or helpful so I've stayed silent ever since......I'm still embarrassed, hence using an anonymous account...
I was fortunate to have an acquaintance who I thought was 'some kind of psychologist' and it was to him that I reached out for help.
He explained that he was in fact trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Hypnotherapy and invited me to read around those therapies to see if it was what I was interested in. Simply I didn't know but I went on to have sessions with him anyway and I didn't have to look any further.
I had around 10 sessions over the phone towards the end of 2018. It was not so much about discussing specific issues, although I did, but this approach is more about giving you an awareness of thoughts which normally influence you subconsciously and bringing them to the surface so that you are aware of them. That is very empowering because a lot of your mood and the way you react to things comes not from your conscious mind but from your subconscious. If you are subsequently able to spot this subconscious element you are much better equipped to immediately correct and deal with it yourself. It doesn't 'fix' your issue so much as equip you with the tools to see things as they are rather than through the lens of your occasionally injurious subconscious thoughts.
I am now more comfortable and confident, I have noticed that I am much better able to bounce back from setbacks, I simply understand myself and others better.
If you are taking DMs on this account I could send you a link to his website?
Edited by HustleRussell on Friday 19th June 16:06
In order of priority:
(1) Talk to a professional counsellor. It will help immensely, in all likelihood. The fact you are scared to do it shows that you need it.
(2) Get your testosterone levels checked. Having no sex drive is not normal.
(3) Find a goal in your fitness hobbies - get strong, good at running or whatever.
(1) Talk to a professional counsellor. It will help immensely, in all likelihood. The fact you are scared to do it shows that you need it.
(2) Get your testosterone levels checked. Having no sex drive is not normal.
(3) Find a goal in your fitness hobbies - get strong, good at running or whatever.
HustleRussell said:
It's great that you are really aware of an issue and amenable to the idea of talking therapy as too many are closed to it.
I was fortunate to have an acquaintance who I thought was 'some kind of psychologist' and it was to him that I reached out for help.
He explained that he was in fact trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Hypnotherapy and invited me to read around those therapies to see if it was what I was interested in. Simply I didn't know but I went on to have sessions with him anyway and I didn't have to look any further.
I had around 10 sessions over the phone towards the end of 2018. It was not so much about discussing specific issues, although I did, but this approach is more about giving you an awareness of thoughts which normally influence you subconsciously and bringing them to the surface so that you are aware of them. That is very empowering because a lot of your mood and the way you react to things comes not from your conscious mind but from your subconscious. If you are subsequently able to spot this subconscious element you are much better equipped to immediately correct and deal with it yourself. It doesn't 'fix' your issue so much as equip you with the tools to see things as they are rather than through the lens of your occasionally injurious subconscious thoughts.
I am now more comfortable and confident, I have noticed that I am much better able to bounce back from setbacks, I simply understand myself and others better.
If you are taking DMs on this account I could send you a link to his website?
I think I should be able to receive DM's....I was fortunate to have an acquaintance who I thought was 'some kind of psychologist' and it was to him that I reached out for help.
He explained that he was in fact trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Hypnotherapy and invited me to read around those therapies to see if it was what I was interested in. Simply I didn't know but I went on to have sessions with him anyway and I didn't have to look any further.
I had around 10 sessions over the phone towards the end of 2018. It was not so much about discussing specific issues, although I did, but this approach is more about giving you an awareness of thoughts which normally influence you subconsciously and bringing them to the surface so that you are aware of them. That is very empowering because a lot of your mood and the way you react to things comes not from your conscious mind but from your subconscious. If you are subsequently able to spot this subconscious element you are much better equipped to immediately correct and deal with it yourself. It doesn't 'fix' your issue so much as equip you with the tools to see things as they are rather than through the lens of your occasionally injurious subconscious thoughts.
I am now more comfortable and confident, I have noticed that I am much better able to bounce back from setbacks, I simply understand myself and others better.
If you are taking DMs on this account I could send you a link to his website?
Edited by HustleRussell on Friday 19th June 16:06
ORD said:
In order of priority:
(1) Talk to a professional counsellor. It will help immensely, in all likelihood. The fact you are scared to do it shows that you need it.
(2) Get your testosterone levels checked. Having no sex drive is not normal.
(3) Find a goal in your fitness hobbies - get strong, good at running or whatever.
1. I suspect you are absolutely right, and I know you're right, but I'm still afraid to do it (1) Talk to a professional counsellor. It will help immensely, in all likelihood. The fact you are scared to do it shows that you need it.
(2) Get your testosterone levels checked. Having no sex drive is not normal.
(3) Find a goal in your fitness hobbies - get strong, good at running or whatever.
2. Have never any drive, not even as a teenager - the whole thing is complicated and something I've actively repressed for decades
3. Goal at the moment is to be marginally less fat, doesn't seem like much but I know what that looks like (and I don't like the look of myself in a mirror and haven't taken off my top in public for years now)
Edited by Derek Donkey on Friday 19th June 17:15
I'm not sure why it hasn't been suggested yet... Get yourself to your GP and have a chat with them about your options.
The GP can start to guide you on the best road to go down, be it counselling (or suggestions for counsellors), a referral, or basic medication just to help you through the days until you feel strong again. If you don't want to follow their advice, it's your choice, you've lost nothing, but they are health experts, and this is a health issue.
This distinction many place with mental health seems relevant here. It is as if it somehow differs from physical health (and should be treated differently) is nonsense and I think quite damaging personally. Whilst I appreciate it's good to get lay people's advice, you wouldn't go ringing around random practitioners (and some charlatans) or take advice from ill-informed people on the internet if you had another chronic illness like diabetes, or asthma, but for mental health issues, everyone has an opinion and Google provides a list of unqualified charlatans as long as your arm all claiming to help.
@ORD, the testerone thing is nonsense unless you can explain further. A lack of interest in sex is very typical of a number of mental health disorders (and often alleviates once they're resolved). Given the OP is obviously showing symptoms of "low mood", symptomatic of many mental health issues, the last thing he needs to worry about is his masculinity hormones are in decline, especially when there's nothing he's written I can see that suggests this is the case.
I do however agree about exercise and diet, a healthy body promotes a healthy mind and vice versa, I would argue however that the underlying reason for this is, because in actuality all one system and reiterate my first point. We're not brains piloting bodies, it's all part of a single system, and when you become sufficiently ill due to a failure in any part of that system, you go see a doctor. There's no exception for mental health.
People, especially men, often only admit we need help when it's too late. We all know this.
The GP can start to guide you on the best road to go down, be it counselling (or suggestions for counsellors), a referral, or basic medication just to help you through the days until you feel strong again. If you don't want to follow their advice, it's your choice, you've lost nothing, but they are health experts, and this is a health issue.
This distinction many place with mental health seems relevant here. It is as if it somehow differs from physical health (and should be treated differently) is nonsense and I think quite damaging personally. Whilst I appreciate it's good to get lay people's advice, you wouldn't go ringing around random practitioners (and some charlatans) or take advice from ill-informed people on the internet if you had another chronic illness like diabetes, or asthma, but for mental health issues, everyone has an opinion and Google provides a list of unqualified charlatans as long as your arm all claiming to help.
@ORD, the testerone thing is nonsense unless you can explain further. A lack of interest in sex is very typical of a number of mental health disorders (and often alleviates once they're resolved). Given the OP is obviously showing symptoms of "low mood", symptomatic of many mental health issues, the last thing he needs to worry about is his masculinity hormones are in decline, especially when there's nothing he's written I can see that suggests this is the case.
I do however agree about exercise and diet, a healthy body promotes a healthy mind and vice versa, I would argue however that the underlying reason for this is, because in actuality all one system and reiterate my first point. We're not brains piloting bodies, it's all part of a single system, and when you become sufficiently ill due to a failure in any part of that system, you go see a doctor. There's no exception for mental health.
People, especially men, often only admit we need help when it's too late. We all know this.
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