Don't Accept the Slump

 

You know when you aren't feeling well.  Whether it be a cold, stomach pains or feeling low in yourself, it's obvious to us that something isn't right.  But how can you get help if you don't know what to say to a health professional?

The good news is that it doesn't matter whether you say the 'right words' just that you seek help.  There is no shame in it and you could even make yourself stronger by doing so.

Your first step is to accept that something isn't quite right.  Googling your symptoms may give you some ideas but this shouldn't be relied on.  You can talk to family or friend for their perspective on your feelings as they may see things completely differently.  Once you've had a conversation with someone you know and trust, you can use these points to speak to your GP as it will have become clearer during that first conversation.

Next is the appointment itself.  I know how hard this can be, it is not easy to declare how you really feel to someone else let alone a doctor.  But, you've gotten this far so why give up now?

Start with the most important issue for you - for me at the moment, it's sleep.  I'm exhausted throughout the day but at night, I can't sleep either due to waking up at least 4 times during the night or because I'm in pain.  I've often found that the first thing you explain leads quite nicely into the other issues that are bugging you.  

For example, my tiredness affects me 24/7 but when I do have moments of energy I tend to either overexert myself or my anxiety decides now is the time to rethink every option possible for today.  So, in this instance, I would explain how I overthink even the smallest things and thus my anxiety levels go through the roof on (mostly) what if scenarios.

The point is that you need to have that conversation - get the ball rolling.

But what if you don't agree with what the doctor is saying?  What if they are suggesting something that you simply don't want to try such as tablets or therapy?  Well, that's ok too.  You are in control of how you want to recover.  Taking medication isn't an option for some people and if you're like me, therapy has been unhelpful.  

If you don't feel like you've been listened to by that doctor - you can see someone else, that is perfectly acceptable wherever you are.  You've gotten this far in seeking help so you need to fight for what feels right to you.

There are plenty of options available for mental health support through your GP and things that you can do for yourself (trust me, I've tried most of them).  It's not just a choice of medication and off you go.  There is so much more available so you will find something that feels right for you.

Below, I've listed a few options that are available for you.  If you haven't tried any of these, give them a go and see if they help.

Mind UK website

Support groups on social media that are condition specific (I'm part of one dedicated to Adenomyosis Support)

Trust your instincts - if you think that going for a long walk will help or by surrounding yourself with nature, go for it.  For me, I had an urge to attend church as I felt like there was no other option anymore.

Self help/mindfulness apps (I use Finch)

Hobbies - something you enjoy doing or trying something new that you've always wanted to have a go at.

Whatever you do, do not accept the slump is here to stay.  Please speak up for yourself, it's worth it.