Anyone else here been diagnosed with Malnutrition alongside their MH problems?

StillIRise
StillIRise Online Community Member Posts: 181 Empowering
in Mental health and wellbeing
I've been feeling very physically weak for a few months now and I am at a low weight (low BMI).  I had a bunch of tests done and today my doctor has told me that I have Malnutrition.  

I am in my 40s and I am not or was not physically ill but I do have mental health problems.  My doctor has told me I need to eat more.  But I can't afford to eat more. 

Comments

  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 63,129 Championing
    Hi @StillIRise sorry to read about your situation have you tried food banks in your area
  • StillIRise
    StillIRise Online Community Member Posts: 181 Empowering
    Sandy_123 said:
    Hi @StillIRise sorry to read about your situation have you tried food banks in your area
    I'm not able to leave my home unfortunately so I don't think food banks are allowed to deliver food.
  • Sandy_123
    Sandy_123 Scope Member Posts: 63,129 Championing
    edited June 2023
    Oh sorry, alot of food banks deliver in my area if you can't get out, it might be worth a Google, 
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing

    @StillIRise I'm so sorry to hear about your new diagnosis. On top of everything else you have been going through.  

    Struggling to get the food you need must be really tough. We have a page on accessing free food and food banks, which you might find helpful to read. This includes some information on getting free or cheap food without a referral, as well as a with a referral. 

  • StillIRise
    StillIRise Online Community Member Posts: 181 Empowering
    Hannah_Scope said:

    @StillIRise I'm so sorry to hear about your new diagnosis. On top of everything else you have been going through.  

    Struggling to get the food you need must be really tough. We have a page on accessing free food and food banks, which you might find helpful to read. This includes some information on getting free or cheap food without a referral, as well as a with a referral. 

    thank you for the information.

    I've reached a point of questioning why I am even bothering to fight so hard to continue with life.  Why not just end it?  What is the point of a life that is just endless struggle and terror purely to survive?
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    I'm going to pop another email over to you <3 
  • StillIRise
    StillIRise Online Community Member Posts: 181 Empowering
    Hannah_Scope said:
    I'm going to pop another email over to you <3 
    I just saw your email thanks.  The GP listened but said they can't help with psychiatric stuff and have sent a referral to the community mental health team to see me.  I called the community mental health team and they said they can see me July 10th now.  That is weeks away.  They told me I can call 111 and then a specific extension number (can't remember what) to discuss my desire to commit suicide.  I have no way of getting into A&E as I am not able to navigate any sort of journey safely at all due to my MH issues.

    Honestly I really have tried so very hard not only to survive but also I've really focused on therapy and any medication they've offered me.  The doctors have noted in their various letters and reports that I am very compliant with treatment.  But I feel enough is enough.  Survival (because you can't call what I am doing actually living - it's just survival), is not meant to be this hard.   There are other people in this world who have at least some enjoyable moments in their lives. 
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,536 Championing
    I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling this way @StillIRise when in crisis, it's really important to talk to someone who is trained to help with suicidal feelings. 

    While you wait for your appointment, we'd urge you to call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org to chat with the fantastic team there. You can also get free support by text, just text 'SHOUT' to 85258, anytime. 

    If you can, please call 999 if you feel unsafe, or contact you mental health team. If you don't feel able to do this, please let us know. You are worthy of support, and the community is here for you. 
  • StillIRise
    StillIRise Online Community Member Posts: 181 Empowering
    paries1 said:
    StillIRise said:
    Hannah_Scope said:
    I'm going to pop another email over to you <3 
    I just saw your email thanks.  The GP listened but said they can't help with psychiatric stuff and have sent a referral to the community mental health team to see me.  I called the community mental health team and they said they can see me July 10th now.  That is weeks away.  They told me I can call 111 and then a specific extension number (can't remember what) to discuss my desire to commit suicide.  I have no way of getting into A&E as I am not able to navigate any sort of journey safely at all due to my MH issues.

    Honestly I really have tried so very hard not only to survive but also I've really focused on therapy and any medication they've offered me.  The doctors have noted in their various letters and reports that I am very compliant with treatment.  But I feel enough is enough.  Survival (because you can't call what I am doing actually living - it's just survival), is not meant to be this hard.   There are other people in this world who have at least some enjoyable moments in their lives. 
    Really sorry this has done this to you .
    The reality of struggling on a daily basis really takes it toll . 

    Are you in SE? Do you have the crisis line number ? 
    Thanks.  There seems to be a phone number for a mental health crisis line.  
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,458 Championing
    Did you consider applying for the DHP to help with the shortfall of your rent? This will definitely help with taking some pressure off your finances and at least you'll be able to afford more food for yourself.

    I totally understand that you have the PIP and now the WCA form to worry about too but applying for the DHP will be a step forward to at least being able to feed yourself and have a little better quality of life.

    I really do know what it feels like not to be able to afford to feed yourself, i've been there many times myself when my children were little and i wouldn't wish that on anyone.
  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,392 Championing
    Feels like the thread has moved on from nutrition but just wanted to add that I am also technically malnourished alongside MH issues.  Like you, I was just told to 'eat more' which isn't very helpful.  On top of that, I have frequent IBS which means the food I can get in often isn't used efficiently within the body.

    Did they say there is anything specific that you're currently low on?  If so, you can often find certain foods to boost vitamins, or even take vitamin supplements.  If it's simply more calories you need, they can be bought very cheaply, with things like biscuits & ice cream.  (Obviously not if you're diabetic though).  If you are able to get a foodbank delivery, they may be able to adjust a basic package to include more calories for you if you ask.

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