I need help now

Hi Denise

We’re really sorry to hear about how you’ve been feeling and the impact this is having on you and your family. As we’ve mentioned here already the team at ReachOut are not doctors or counsellors but we will try to point you in the direction of the support you need to get through this. We will also talk to our clinical advisers in the coming days and pass on their advice to you as well.

While everyone goes through ups and downs, get stressed and even obsesses about things, if your anxiety and ocd is affecting you on a daily basis – as you realise yourself – you do need some extra support. You may already be using health services but it’s probably worth talking to your GP as soon as possible about how you’re currently feeling. If you think you might need a longer session with your GP you can mention that to the secretary when you make an appointment. It may also be worth writing down questions and issues that you would like to discuss before the appointment in case you don’t remember them all when you’re there. Your GP (or any GP) can advise you of the different options available to you.

Another option might be to talk to a counsellor. If you feel this might be helpful for you, there are a number of free and low-cost counselling services across the country. As we’ve explained here to Colin recently the website http://www.counsellingdirectory.ie explains the counselling process, cost issues (some services just charged based on what a person can afford) and can help you locate a suitable counsellor in your local area.

There are also a number of voluntary support organisations that can help you and your GP should be able to advise you on the options available locally.

It’s important to know that you’re not alone in the way you’re feeling and that you can get through this and feel better again. You mention that you’re having bad thoughts. If you’re feeling suicidal, you can call the 1Life helpline on 1800 24 7 100 any time of the day or night or text “help” to 51444. 1Life is staffed by trained counsellors and they can talk through your feelings with you. You can also contact Samaritans by calling 1850 609090 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org.
If you have a friend or family member nearby that you trust, please tell them about how you’re feeling. You and your children deserve the extra support you might need at the moment to help you get past the way you’ve been feeling. If you are in immediate crisis now please contact one of the services above – you can also contact emergency services at any time of the day or night.
It’s important that you keep yourself safe, so please do talk to someone. The idea of telling someone that you’re having thoughts of suicide is scary, but it can bring a sense of relief and be an important step in getting support. You don’t have to go through this alone.
If you don’t trust yourself to keep safe and you’re in danger of hurting yourself, call 999 or go straight to the A&E department of your nearest hospital.
Please do talk to someone, either on one of the helplines above (and you can use text or email) or someone you trust, to help you get through this. You can get through this and feel better again.

As I mentioned we will ask our clinical advisers about your comment to us as well and get back to you as soon as we can

Take care
Derek