[Anonymous]

Hello!

For the past week or so I've become so low and upset. It's become such an effort just to get out of bed and get ready. I can't go throughout the day without crying and I just want to stay in bed. I'm normally a happy person but I just don't know what is going on. I've lost my appetite and I'm barley eating a thing. I feel so low and nervous all the time. I went to my GP yesterday who put me on some propranolol because my heart was beating a bit fast and to help calm me down but so far it's done nothing except give me heartburn! I've got to go for a thyroid test next Friday but I'm worried it maybe the start of depression or its just anxiety.

[Idle]

Hi, I am just bumping this as you have received no replies yet

[shuttermagic]

Hi, I think its normal for people to go through changes in their emotions, even ones that may seem quite extreme at times. It is good that you have been to see your GP about how you are feeling, and hopefully these negative feelings wont stay with you for too long.

I'm not sure if something has happened to you recently that you feel could be the reason for you feeling this way? Changes in our life or worries about the future can bring on strong emotions of despair or anxiety, as can loneliness.

It may also be that the more conscious you are making yourself of the fact you haven't been feeling to great is making you more anxious? and is continuing the cycle of despair. You could try just going out or doing something that normally makes you happy or relaxed and see if that helps take your mind off things.

Also its worth remembering that sometimes we can go through periods of feeling down for no apparent reason, and may naturally feel better in a few days.

I hope you start to feel better soon,
xx

[Watch Key Phone]

Hi. shuttermagic has a good point, are there any external things going on that might be stressing you out? Even things which don't seem bad, but are simply major changes or causes of disruption can cause feelings like this. For example, when starting a new job, even if you love it, it might make you feel uptight or anxious for a while. Have a think about whether there is anything like this going on. If there is, it will help you come to terms with what is happening and try and work out ways to relax yourself.

The next step would be to think about possible medical causes - as you've already started. Thyroid problems, insomnia, maybe you're in the early stages of flu or a virus, that sort of thing.

There's also the chance that it is down to some random fluctuation, and you will feel better in just a few days! It might seem unlikely now, but sometimes things like this just happen. It could be some hormonal thing, or maybe you just weren't sleeping well for a few days, or something like that. Don't rule out the possibility that it is just a short-term change.

If none of those seem relevant, or it goes on for more than another week or so, then it sounds like it could be a type of depression or anxiety. Important things if that is the case:
1. Don't panic. You can get better from anxiety and depression. Sometimes it takes a long time, sometimes it is very quick. It is never permanent and there are always things you can do about it.
2. Be selfish. Depression and anxiety are illnesses. Some people don't believe it, but it's true. Take some time off school/work if you need to, and don't feel guilty about asking for help from family and friends when you don't feel up to things you normally would.
3. Prioritise. Your personal, physical health is the most important thing. If you do nothing else, then try to get as much sleep as you feel you need (even if that is more than usual), and make sure you eat and drink enough to stay healthy. Even if your mind seems to be unable to do anything, you are just an animal who needs sleep and nutrition to stay alive.

I hope you feel better soon.