Just Joined

Jessasaurus

Hi, I'm a 29 year old with M.E., chronic pain/fatigue, severe depression and a whole host of other issues. Last year I had to give up work which devastated me. I got my official diagnosis in 2012 after years of suffering and yet since then I've actually found it harder to get help in the NHS as my doctor's see every new symptom as "due to the M.E." which I can't get help with as the nearest clinic is too far and the staff very unsympathetic. I can't get any help with my mental health despite severe low mood and desire to self harm due to underfunding. The only thing they'll offer me were group services (not group therapy) which were at an awkward time of day in another town, so I couldn't do those either since I can't drive and the pain is too had to walk far. I live on the outskirts of my town, in my parents house, too far to walk anywhere and due to tense relationships I desperately need to get out. I've been on the housing list nearly a year and I'm getting desperate. I'm virtually housebound at this point and my every other interaction with family members include them reminding me I'm not working or living rent free. 
I'm kind of at a loss. I really do try to stay positive, but I can't live like this too much longer and now I'm terrified that things will be even worse thanks to the re-elected Tory government. 
Any suggestions and reassurances are very welcome. 

chiarieds

Hi @Jessasaurus - Welcome to this great online community, & thank you for joining. I'm so very sorry to read about the problems you're facing with ME, etc.  Altho' I have a different disorder, I've faced the same; everything is because of this. IMHO often GPs are at a bit of a loss to help people with chronic/ongoing disorders.

I'm sorry to also read that your family members don't appreciate how your problems impact on your life, & that it's not that you choose not to work, but can't.

It's good that you try to be positive; that's a strength. No use worrying about what may be, we all have to wait & see, in any situation.

For now, I will ask my friend @thespiceman to offer advice about your severe depression, as he not only has a great understanding, but many resources to share.

I'm pleased you joined; people here really care, & will offer their utmost support. Please chat here whenever you wish!

thespiceman

Hello @Jessasaurus    Pleased to meet you .

Thank you for joining and sharing.

Thank you for my friend for mentioning me. Pleasure to help you.

I am one of the team of community champions.

Please can I say sorry to hear you situation especially the depression, I know can be hard every day to cope.

I am y self have mental health issues do a lot on the website, forum  to advise, support members.

One of the issues you mentioned group support this the way forward with most mental health councils, charities. This the problems.

Please I wish o give your some reassurance, confidence, self esteem.

I used these three charities.

https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk.

https://www.mind.org.uk.

https://www.rethink.org.

All offer floating support wellbeing health advice and information.

Mentioned struggling to get out most  services councils or charities will pick up yourself from home.

Unfortunately all charities councils have to be paying so if you wish to use their services.
Will have pay petrol. Car parking nothing is free.

Most of the time long a go all support workers paying out of their own pocket.

If you have as some do a lot of people expensive.

All services are strapped cash wise reason why have support meetings monthly.  You are part of any agreement expected to attend.

This helps you learn, educate have knowledge to cope with your issues. In a room with others like wise.

Some charities have female only support groups.

Might not be in all areas.

One final point if you have issues you need recovery from and need to respond, they will be all too willing to support you.

I have the ME Society web site link .

Please if that helps you.

https://www.actionforme.org.uk.

Helpline 0844 576 5326

For chronic pain fatigue.

https://www.awaywithpain.co.uk.

Housing this is my own housing association, interested in supporting those of our community . Has supported housing, mental health services and much more.

Be aware some areas not covered have a look.

https://www.homegroup.org.uk.

Other help information useful.

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk.

https://www.redcross.org.uk.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk.

Welfare assistance helps members of our community.

Please if I can help with anything else please get in touch.  Your not alone, keep safe and warm.

Please take care.

@thespiceman

Adrian_Scope

Hi @Jessasaurus and welcome to the community. It sounds like you've been really struggling for quite a long time. Have you tried Mind's tips on managing the urge to self-harm, or looking at Harmless? Obviously if you're having those sorts of urges, it's important to talk to someone qualified and able to help you with them. Have you ever tried speaking to Samaritans (116 123)?

As a pan-disability charity our strengths lie more in the daily lives of disabled people rather than complex mental health, but if you'd like us to, we'd be more than happy to try and find you some additional support, by way of a social care referral. If that's something that might interest you, please send an email to [email protected] and we'll be happy to discuss it.