Hi cookiemonster, Thanks for your insight, any type of cookies in particular? The doctor did advise me to be aware that after 2 or 3 weeks I may experience increased anxiety for a week or so and the urge to act impulsively, but to be aware this is just a characteristic of the medication and ride it ...

Hi, capitalt and emloja and thank you for your kind words, they are really helpful for me. I know it is early days and I understand the need to be patient, as there is no quick fix. It just feels good to take positive steps towards a solution. The doctor I saw initially wasn't my doctor, but another...

Hi, I have been recently been prescribed the anti depressant sertraline by my doctor. I know it can take a number of weeks for the medication to have its full effect, but I have started feeling better generally. I am taking better physical care of myself and for the first time reaching out and tryin...

Hi coleb, welcome. I am also new to using forums and I am sorry you are feeling so bad right now, but others are right in what they write, this low point in your life will pass. Maybe picking up the phone and talking to the samaritans will help in the moments when feel the urge to harm yourself free...

Hi, I am sorry to read that your life is so difficult at the moment, but you have done the right thing by having the courage to reach out for help. I know you say you are looking for ways to cope with your situation, but I totally agree with the previous post. The fact that you're looking for strate...

Hi James, welcome. I am new here too and have been welcomed with some kind words and useful advice. I guess what led me here in the 1st place was a need to seek the help of others, as I was no longer able to cope on my own. It's early days, but I've found by reading and relating to the posts on here...

Hi, I have spoken to my doctor who has started me on an anti-depressant and I have self-referred to the local heath care trust to access talking therapies etc.. I am waiting for an assessment call from them over the next few days. I know both of these will take a while to have an effect, but by aski...

Thank you for your kind words. I know it's early days, but after feeling stuck for so long, it feels nice to be optimistic about the future.

I finally made an appointment with my doctors surgery this morning, could not see my doctor and had to wait around a while, but I had nowhere else to be. Got to explain my situation and how I felt to a professional, who was very sympathetic and helpful. They gave me details of how to self-refer to t...

Hi, Thanks for your reply, it helps me to remember I am not alone, and everyone's situation is relative. I received the call from victims support, which I found really helpful in actually being able to talk to a person about my current issues. Unfortunately the information on help they mailed was a ...