Hello, everyone I am having a lot of problems.

[elshiva]

Depression, anxiety, schizoaffective disorder. Any advice besides getting a shrink and taking meds?

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. That's quite a menu of selections.

Why do you discard the option of medical assistance?

[elshiva]

2. Only because that is what everyone says when I ask for

assistance "get a shrink" and then nothing else. I am trying to get a shrink, but there has to be something else you can talk to me about, right? Some experience or something? Just changed my insurance for a lot of messy reasons, but I will get a therapist very soon. In the meantime, got any thing helpful to share?

Thank you for posting.
:hug:

[Droopy]

4. Do not consume alcohol or street drugs in an attempt to self-medicate

It will only make things worse. If you start having thoughts of suicide, call a suicide hotline immediately. If you still feel like you can't take it anymore after that then check yourself into a hospital.

I have schizoaffective disorder and I know what a hellish disease it can be. If you need to talk in private to someone who has been there feel free to shoot me a PM. I work 4pm to 2am, so if I don't get back to you right away I'm not ignoring you and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

6. It's responses like these...

That make me wish that one could recommend responses for the Greatest page around here.

elshiva, if you listen to nothing else, please listen to this voice of wise experience from a peer. This is golden advice. Absolutely golden.

On edit: elshiva, I am sorry I did not respond sooner. I fell asleep not long after I posted and just made my way here. I will be checking back regularly.

[DemExpat]

5. I second Droopy's words

and can only give you my understanding and cyber-hug for support, elshiva.

Hope you get relief soon,

:hug:

DemEx

[EFerrari]

3. Yes, Check into this forum as often as you need to.

Because there are some awesome posters here.

[hedgehog]

7. While you're waiting -

1. Get a good check-up from your regular doctor to rule out any other problems - thyroid, blood sugar, anemia, etc.

2. Start taking a good multi-vitamin and ask your doctor about other supplements - fish oil, Vitamin D, etc.

3. Try to walk outside just 5 minutes a day. If you can make half an hour, even better, but sometimes 5 minutes is all you can manage.

4. Eat properly - limit your caffeine and alcohol. Get lots of fruits and vegetables and a little dark chocolate (I always tell people dark chocolate is medicinal even if it tastes good!)

5. Take things just 5 minutes at a time until you're feeling better.

6. Most important - you WILL feel better.

[Ellen Forradalom]

8. I second the lifestyle-related advice

Identify lifestyle factors that could be aggravating the problem, and tweak them. Put dietary improvements at the top of the list, followed by mild exercise. Lifestyle factors can support or hinder your medical efforts; pay attention to them.

You have my warmest hugs and heartfelt support.

[hedgehog]

9. So elshiva - how's it going?

I always look forward to your posts and hope this rough patch ends soon.

[mopinko]

10. check in here.

do you have anyone irl that is close to you, and understands where you are at with this? someone that you can call just to say hi, and check in?