I've been depressed for 50 years.

Hi wandat46

We note from a recent post which you have made to our forum that you may be experiencing thoughts around self-harm. If we have misinterpreted your comments then we apologies for contacting you directly. But if you are having such thoughts then please note that you are not alone in this, and there are people out there that can help.

If you are having these suicidal thoughts then we strongly recommend you speak to someone who may be able to help. The Samaritans offer a safe space where you can talk openly about what you are going through. They can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen.

Their contact details are on our patient information leaflet here: https://patient.info/health/dealing-with-suicidal-thoughts, which also offers lots of other advice on how you can access the help you may need.

If you are having such thoughts then please do reach out to the team at the Samaritans (or the other people detailed in our leaflet) who will understand what you're going through and will be able to help.

Kindest regards

Patient

My condition is PsA where most of my joints become sore and painful. I was basially lucky and was seen by the Pain Clinic who gave me many coping techniques. Also I use TENS machines to control my pain. Also I have learned how to control my medications so I do not become zonked out. This has gone on since 1984 and it is a real trail. I have no treatment for my PsA as the medical profession seems to loose interest after time because people who suffer this problem balk at the treatments that cause the immune system to crash and make us ill. Some people are ok by it although not in my case.

Mental Health problems associated with Chronic Pain can be a real problem as we enter a circle of pain and low mood and this can lead to overeating. Personally I would suggest a more beneficial NISD be taken such as Celebrex, that may be more beneficial to your gut. The medical profession has many alternatives other than Ibuprofen that may be a better alternative. Pain medications can also cut into the pain you are suffering from

Ask to see a Physio, they may be able to give you help with movement, you also need to be introduced to a CPN who will help you gain a more positive attitude to past live regrets and also ways of living with your Pain.

When it comes to a Mental Illness since being a child you need to address and control your condition. You need to try and understand what caused your condition, to do that will help you move on.

Talk to your GP and ask for a treatment plan, low mood will not help you in the control of pain. You need help and understanding so you can live your life in a better situation that you are living now

BOB

Hi wandat46,

My oh my you are really down. And have been for all those years, a lifetime of depression and now self loathing as well..

No way will you improve yourself without a game plan. You have written of your bad times, and if I asked you to write down your good times you would probably reply-there were no good times.

If you have bipolar disorder you need proper medications, no medical insurance in the good old U.S, of A. and your left to deal with it on your own, and can't.

Is there a possibility of a charity organisation there to help you or equivalent of the Salvation Army, you need help from somewhere to cope with this.

Mike

Hi Wayne,

Thanks, yes I was only trying to be supportive, never meant any offence, never would in my posts. The problem is that things can be read the wrong way, apologies if my post sounded harsh.

Not being sure of what's available in other countries I suggested charities or Salvation Army as a starting point to get much needed help. We criticise the NHS but thank goodness for it.

Sorry again for any confusion,

Mike.

Hi ,

Glad that's cleared up wandat 46, I have been/still am, at the dark place your in at the moment. Getting much needed help and support now but it took ages . What help is available for you?

Hope you get sorted soon,

Best wishes Mike.

Just so I am clear in my mind, if you have no medical insurance then you get no State help with your illness?? Or is there limited help through a queueing process or whatever. It seems unbelievable in this day and age that the sick and vulnerable are cast adrift by the authorities. Sorry if I sound dim, in the U.K. we are so used to the National Health Service providing free (well we do contribute through taxes) healthcare that any pay or you go without scheme sounds outrageous.

Best wishes,

Mike.