Discussion & help on depression & mental health related issues

[Baines' left foot]

Whats up with you? Does being a everton fan automatically qualify you!

Had a serious neck/head injury in 2020 resulting in perennial screaming tinnitus and sensitivity to noise, meaning a lot of higher pitched sounds are very painful.

I've always struggled with focusing on 'boring' things and not liked being in noisy environments for too long. With the added hearing conditions it made everything so much harder, and it became clear I have ADHD, (which I am medicated for) and ASD (for I have not been diagnosed).

My ability to tolerate sounds and being out in busy public spaces has been dramatically reduced, and it's had a hugely negative effect on almost all aspects of my life.

 

[Spadge Vernacular]

Just had a message from DWP to say I have a telephone assessment for my PIP claim next month. A little boost to start the day.

I’m pleased it’s not face to face as I was a bit nervous about having to scruff myself up as I’d been advised to.

What a state we are in that people suffering such as yourself feel they are going to face an unfair grilling from assessors who have reputations of employing tactics that prioritise minimising monetary loss over ensuring fair treatment. I'm sure it'll be OK but wishing the best of luck with it.

 

[Baines' left foot]

What a state we are in that people suffering such as yourself feel they are going to face an unfair grilling from assessors who have reputations of employing tactics that prioritise minimising monetary loss over ensuring fair treatment. I'm sure it'll be OK but wishing the best of luck with it.

Thanks.

One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that quite often these people aren’t anywhere near as capable as they think they are.

Once I get a bit of push back I become a polite pain in the arse. It’s often the only way in these times, and it’s by design, because they know most people will shrug and accept rejection.

I’m up for the fight.

 

[COYBL25]

Just had a message from DWP to say I have a telephone assessment for my PIP claim next month. A little boost to start the day.

I’m pleased it’s not face to face as I was a bit nervous about having to scruff myself up as I’d been advised to.

From what I gather, the " interviewer " reads off a script and I`m pretty sure it`s a " points based " interview

Also, if it`s the likes of Capita doing the interview, the person interviewed may get rewarded for booting people off / failing them, by the way of a bonus scheme.

ie : The way you answer each question accrues points and if you don`t reach a certain total at the end of it, you get booted and have to appeal.

I`d read up on it and prepare yourself for it, as best as you can

 

[Spadge Vernacular]

Thanks.

One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that quite often these people aren’t anywhere near as capable as they think they are.

Once I get a bit of push back I become a polite pain in the arse. It’s often the only way in these times, and it’s by design, because they know most people will shrug and accept rejection.

I’m up for the fight.

Well I'd keep the Post Office debacle front of mind.

You obviously can't threaten that as such as it is a different concern but you 'could' make reference to investigatory practice being under public scruntiny at present and leave contacting your MP as a last resort but if not satisfied raise it with them.

I'm sure that you won't need to do either.

Edit: just spotted @COYBL25 above which is more informed.

 

[Baines' left foot]

From what I gather, the " interviewer " reads off a script and I`m pretty sure it`s a " points based " interview

Also, if it`s the likes of Capita doing the interview, the person interviewed may get rewarded for booting people off / failing them, by the way of a bonus scheme.

ie : The way you answer each question accrues points and if you don`t reach a certain total at the end of it, you get booted and have to appeal.

I`d read up on it and prepare yourself for it, as best as you can

Yeah, preparation is everything with this sort of thing. Think I sent 18 pieces of medical evidence, so I’ll get all that in front of me and make reference to them where applicable.

Well I'd keep the Post Office debacle front of mind.

You obviously can't threaten that as such as it is a different concern but you 'could' make reference to investigatory practice being under public scruntiny at present and leave contacting your MP as a last resort but if not satisfied raise it with them.

I'm sure that you won't need to do either.

Edit: just spotted @COYBL25 above which is more informed.

Also, if they try and ignore my ASD then I’ll kindly point out that I’ve been on the so called waiting list for a formal diagnosis since about July last year.

You can only do so much with the system. You have to play their game.

 

[Gwladysover]

Thanks.

One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that quite often these people aren’t anywhere near as capable as they think they are.

Once I get a bit of push back I become a polite pain in the arse. It’s often the only way in these times, and it’s by design, because they know most people will shrug and accept rejection.

I’m up for the fight.

Wishing you all the best.

 

[Bishop Thumpety-Thump]

Having a bit of a bad run at the moment. Was previously on Zoloft for a few years when my wife was going through cancer, however I successfully weaned myself off them middle of last year once she received the all clear. I felt emotionally like I’d been bowling with the bumpers up for years and now they’ve been removed I can feel a wide range of emotions again. My anxiety had disappeared and things were looking good.

Anyway a few months ago I noticed a blurred spot in the middle of the vision in one eye. Initially I panicked thinking it was a brain tumour or something, however after multiple tests with specialists (that cost me a fortune) I’ve been diagnosed with macular dystrophy (similar to age related macular degeneration), which has no treatment or cure. Was told yesterday it will eventually likely spread to the other eye, which will make reading and driving impossible. As a self employed musician this fills me with dread as I won’t be able to work (unless I can somehow hire a driver for gigs!). Even worse, as it’s only the central part of my vision that’s affected I won’t qualify for a disability pension. Unsure what type of work I could do instead, and at the age of 50 I imagine finding a new career would be quite difficult.

Anyway I find now that I’m jumping at shadows, every eye floater, eye strain or headache is making me think that it’s about to deteriorate further. This is despite my eye specialist telling me it’s slow moving and could be years before it spreads to the other eye.

Unsure why I’m posting this tbh, not keen on going back on medication but equally don’t want to continue feeling this anxious. Would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has experienced anything along these lines.

I was over in the UK in January and got to three home games, was in the Upper Gwladys each time and when play was down at the Park End I couldn’t tell what the hell was going on. Thinking about it that’s probably the only positive thing to take from this, I missed Luton’s last minute winner!

 

[Bishop Thumpety-Thump]

Had a serious neck/head injury in 2020 resulting in perennial screaming tinnitus and sensitivity to noise, meaning a lot of higher pitched sounds are very painful.

I've always struggled with focusing on 'boring' things and not liked being in noisy environments for too long. With the added hearing conditions it made everything so much harder, and it became clear I have ADHD, (which I am medicated for) and ASD (for I have not been diagnosed).

My ability to tolerate sounds and being out in busy public spaces has been dramatically reduced, and it's had a hugely negative effect on almost all aspects of my life.

Sorry to hear this mate. I have relatively mild tinnitus after years of playing in bands and it’s awful. I have to have white noise like talk radio on to get to sleep at night.

 

[Bluemersey]

Tbh too much ale I'm gonna make a significant go of staying off ale, I didn't get as ill when I first took Citlophram without ale. But I have been unwell since new year, it maybe a physical illness rather than tablets.

Hope your doing OK, regards stopping ale maybe just reduced intake will work. Sometimes completely stopping can trigger your symptoms and make things worse. Try limiting the days you drink and reduce the alc level at the same time. I used to drink every day and overtime reduced it to days off work and maybe a couple during work days but to a minimum. Haven't missed the everyday habit and feel a million times better for it but also look forward to the treat days as reward. I still take my meds. I know we are different but hopefully you find a balance that helps you. Don't forget you can always chat to others especially if your feeling a bit low. We all need help from time to time, good luck

 

[JelavicBrate2]

Hope your doing OK, regards stopping ale maybe just reduced intake will work. Sometimes completely stopping can trigger your symptoms and make things worse. Try limiting the days you drink and reduce the alc level at the same time. I used to drink every day and overtime reduced it to days off work and maybe a couple during work days but to a minimum. Haven't missed the everyday habit and feel a million times better for it but also look forward to the treat days as reward. I still take my meds. I know we are different but hopefully you find a balance that helps you. Don't forget you can always chat to others especially if your feeling a bit low. We all need help from time to time, good luck

I'm going to make effort to give up ale, think it's doing more harm than good in my life. Got to about 5 weeks sober, but went back to it. I'll try to take it day at a time, staying of ale tonight and probably whole weekend. Thanks for support.

 

[Gwladysover]

I'm going to make effort to give up ale, think it's doing more harm than good in my life. Got to about 5 weeks sober, but went back to it. I'll try to take it day at a time, staying of ale tonight and probably whole weekend. Thanks for support.

Taking things one day at a time is a good idea. Wishing you all the best.

 

[Tim's tourettes]

I'm going to make effort to give up ale, think it's doing more harm than good in my life. Got to about 5 weeks sober, but went back to it. I'll try to take it day at a time, staying of ale tonight and probably whole weekend. Thanks for support.

If u can mate, take advantage of a clear head in the morning (as opposed to after drinking) and get out for a walk/excerise. I often walk, alone, and just let my thoughts race. For whatever reason my thoughts are all positive when I'm walking/exercising. I finish feeling calm.
I'm off out now for a frosty wander!

 

[BigDunc'sFod]

I'm going to make effort to give up ale, think it's doing more harm than good in my life. Got to about 5 weeks sober, but went back to it. I'll try to take it day at a time, staying of ale tonight and probably whole weekend. Thanks for support.

I found this advice when trying to break a habit or make a new one

"Never miss twice"

Trying to eat healthy every day and then find yourself at the tail end of a maccies and shake? Make the next meal, or next day, a healthy one. Try not to let that one meal out moment create a new cycle against you.

5 weeks sober is a fantastic result. You know yourself best, and so are a better judge as to whether you can do moderation or need to cut it out entirely, but it's never too late (and certainly never to early) to get back into your goal and sometimes thinking of the perspective of what you've achieved so far can help you do another 5 weeks if that makes sense

 

[BigDunc'sFod]

Having a bit of a bad run at the moment. Was previously on Zoloft for a few years when my wife was going through cancer, however I successfully weaned myself off them middle of last year once she received the all clear. I felt emotionally like I’d been bowling with the bumpers up for years and now they’ve been removed I can feel a wide range of emotions again. My anxiety had disappeared and things were looking good.

Anyway a few months ago I noticed a blurred spot in the middle of the vision in one eye. Initially I panicked thinking it was a brain tumour or something, however after multiple tests with specialists (that cost me a fortune) I’ve been diagnosed with macular dystrophy (similar to age related macular degeneration), which has no treatment or cure. Was told yesterday it will eventually likely spread to the other eye, which will make reading and driving impossible. As a self employed musician this fills me with dread as I won’t be able to work (unless I can somehow hire a driver for gigs!). Even worse, as it’s only the central part of my vision that’s affected I won’t qualify for a disability pension. Unsure what type of work I could do instead, and at the age of 50 I imagine finding a new career would be quite difficult.

Anyway I find now that I’m jumping at shadows, every eye floater, eye strain or headache is making me think that it’s about to deteriorate further. This is despite my eye specialist telling me it’s slow moving and could be years before it spreads to the other eye.

Unsure why I’m posting this tbh, not keen on going back on medication but equally don’t want to continue feeling this anxious. Would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has experienced anything along these lines.

I was over in the UK in January and got to three home games, was in the Upper Gwladys each time and when play was down at the Park End I couldn’t tell what the hell was going on. Thinking about it that’s probably the only positive thing to take from this, I missed Luton’s last minute winner!

Hi mate. I'm not a doctor at all but it seems you have some anxiety returning and though you were happy about weaning yourself off Zoloft, maybe returning to some form of SSRI such as Lexapro (escitalopram), Celexa (citalopram) or Prozac would be beneficial. Perhaps talking to your doctor about the side effects and dosage you were on will help them prescribe or try something different.

Regarding the diagnosis, it's more medical professional taking I'm afraid but I'd also suggest support groups and thinking about learning new ways of doing things early. Your diagnosis is a pretty rare one, so being in a community could be really helpful and have you get some good tips and tricks. When I was a kid there was a lad who I think had a similar diagnosis and would tilt his head up to look at you with his peripheral vision. It was a bit funny at first, but we got used to it.

Wishing you the best, mate