Recognized as suffering anxiety

Has your GP discussed antidepressants or other medications with you? Before his bowel issues my husband had depression and after trying several medications he spent several years on sertraline. It really helped. He described it as taking the lows away, feeling more stable.  You may need a different mix with the anxiety, through my husband had that too and would occasionally take propranalol for when he felt he was going to have a panic attack. He is now not taking any of them. He was just in a situation that wasn’t helping him at the time and the meds did. I wonder if you and your GP would be open to trying something before the well being practitioner? As it’s a long time to wait without help. 

Please know you are not alone. In these thoughts or the stoma or both. Always here if you want to send me a message, even to just rant, and I am sure many others are too. My husband has hated the whole stoma process, 3 weeks after his life saving emergency op and getting his stoma his best friend died suddenly and he experienced a sort of PTSD. It’s a lot to deal with. We’ve had tears trying to change the bag, tears at not being able to wear favourite clothes, it’s hard. The Macmillan support line, we haven’t used but I am told it’s excellent and maybe worth a try for stoma specific frustrations? 

I hear you and I’m here if I can help. 

Hi Forester

I’m so sorry you’re going through this.  
You’ve really had a terrible time and need some help now not in six months.

Do you have friends /family support?

I’ve been depressed during a bombardment of traumas and I had to work through it with anti depressants, they did get me through by numbing my anxiety and emotions. I was on them for a year and worked full time. When I look back now they kept me going and I got through. 

i also listened to meditation apps, now I know that may sound off the wall but I couldn’t concentrate on reading and I found a quiet space with soothing sounds gave me head space.

With my best wishes 

Artsie Ann 

not off the wall at all Artsie and if it works for you go for it - I try to keep active and make sure I have things lined up in my social calendar to look forward to - reading and music hep a lot too 

Forester42. 

im replying to you whilst in van and bouncing about I’ve caught that MODERATOR button. So so sorry. But gotta admit quite funny. That’s second time it’s happened. Wish they’d allow us to untick!! 
it really sounds like you’re working way through. With very best wishes

Artsie. 

PS. I’m not actually driving. Hubbys in control. But this old VW is very bouncy 

Sounds quite a ride, thanks. I try to think ahead and focus - almost like a military campaign - I should be OK. I was considering drawing medical attention to my anxiety for a while but afraid they would either find nothing wrong with me or decide I'm so fat gone I need the full straight-jacket and padded room treatment - glad they don't think in the same worst case scenarios I do. 

Interesting thought Artsie I shall suggest that to admin as I do it frequently too !

Court 

You’re not too far gone, you’re here and dealing with your challenges.  Be proud of you.

You sound focused and determined, good on you.

Im sure the doctors will help with meds if you need,

I’m old and have had a challenging time however I knew when I had to have something to keep me able to function.. they worked to the point I was just numb, so I weaned self off. They certainly got me through.

With kind regards

ArtsieAnn