Nursing position in an insanely busy mental health assessment team. So I was struggling with depression and anxiety, I could not take the new type of antidepressant medications because they have a strange effect on me, so I was just trying to cope with some anxiety medication. eventually about a month ago things got so bad that I asked my psychiatrist to put me on the older type of medication, I started feeling a bit better and this week I have been really impressed with how much better I was coping. So this morning my internet went down for the 4th time in a week. I phoned our main telco in Aus to try and switch back to them, I was on the phone for about an hour and a half all up. They then tell me they can't switch me on the phone I have to go to the shop, still feeling fine, positive, no probs have to do some shopping anyway. I walked into the shop three times before I finally got some service, I explained the story to the girl and she looked at me blankly and said "I don't know what you are talking about" I said forget it, and walked out, now I am starting to unravel, I am in the supermarket trying to get my thoughts together to get the ingredients for a curry that I make all the time. I come the bread isle to get some chapatis and I can't see them anywhere, So I burst into uncontrollable tears, I just can't get myself back together, This lovely older women walked up to me put her arm around my shoulder and asked me what was the matter. I told her I couldn't find the chapatis and that I knew that sounded ridiculous. She said it's OK I know what it is like when you just have to let it go. Then she helped me look for the chapatis. God had an angel on standby for my melt down. So I am not as good as I thought I was, but I am improving.

Sweetie, you are going to yell at me, but I have an answer for you. Please join an aerobics exercise class. maybe pilates and some yoga. Go religiously 3 or 4 times a week and watch the stress go away. It has kept me going for 20 yrs, especially did wonders for my fibromyalgia, help me find my wonderful boyfriend, gave me the courage to retire early from a stressful job. I am broke, but I am happy. Kay

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by fannyfurkin 28 Nov 2010

I am not going to yell at you, this is a wonderful idea, I am more into resistence training myself and I have been thinking that going back to the gym would be a really good idea. Thank you for your suggestion, it is entirely sound advice.
Alice

I hope you are not using Topomax because that one will do really strange things to you.

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by fannyfurkin 28 Nov 2010

No I an using dothiep, it is an old one but none of the side effects I get with the new ones. i really think my hormones got on top of me with a few other things in the mix. I am feeling better now.

I know the feeling, hope you can get the right medication. There are angels among us, always willing to help. Glad you found one.

I know the feeling, hope you can get the right medication. There are angels among us, always willing to help. Glad you found one.

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by fannyfurkin 28 Nov 2010

There are lots of angels here on Cute and you are one of them.
Alice

wish I lived close to u ,could have made some homemade chapatis and a curry for u.Get well soon Take care.

3 comments

by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

That is so sweet, thank you.

by katydid 27 Nov 2010

may I ask about Chapatis. What is it? Do we have it here and call it something else?

by bevintex 27 Nov 2010

It is like a tortilla, i had to look it up myself

Hi Alice, I am so sorry to hear this. I think that it might be a good idea to have your medication checked. I hope that you will feel better soon. I hope you managed to get your roti (that is what we call Chapatis in SA) and that your curry was a success. Sarah.

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by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

My curry went well, thank you. It is two early for a review of the medication because the older ones take 6 weeks to get to therapeutic levels. I think I have improved a lot in the last 4 weeks though.
Alice

by airyfairy 27 Nov 2010

Hi there, Having read my note to you I feel ashamed that it does not sound very caring. It is difficult for me as I have never suffered any depression. My youngest daughter (37 yrs) suffers from Bi polar and she now has it under control with the right medication. I truly believe that the wrong medication can really mess you up. Just DL your curry recipe - looks great. Look after yourself.

Alice I hope you feel better and thank you for the angel that was send to you. Soemtimes dealing with companies nowadays can be so frustrating. Customer Service is by many a thing of the past. This reminds me of the time I was going through menopause. Cried at the drop of a hat and could not stop at times.

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by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

I am like that when I am premenstrual. but I can't tell when that is anymore because I have had a hysterectomy. lol.

by ksieminskie 27 Nov 2010

had that problem too doc said mark off the days you feel that way then go four weeks and mark cry days so the family would understand for me it was the loss of the ability to have more children so he said plan the babysit for a friend that cure the want in a hurry !it worked on the cry days I planned nonstressful things gave myself premission to be moody.
was a nurse for 30 years have lupus and have suffered from depression (you know the black hole) from the time I was a child used several med lexopro work best for me now I spend my time alone away from infections and florecent light it make it worse .not being a nurse any longer gave up lic. I am having a severe problem with who am I now and my self esteme husband doesn't understand and I can't even put it into words so I just cry too.

by fannyfurkin 28 Nov 2010

I must try marking the days as you said, That would help me make more sense of it. I doubt that it would help my husband to understand though, he would see it as a chink in my armor. It is really hard to stop being a nurse. even though I hated it in the end it is a big part of who you are. But we are both still nursing in a way, when we come on here and try to help others just as you have done now. Self esteem is a fragile thing. We do need to take care of it for ourselves because if we let them other people will take it from us in a heartbeat.
Alice

Hugs & prayers, and don't let the wicked phone lady win.

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by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

Thank you.

Alice - I'm sorry you are under such tremendous strain- remember GOD is always at your side and He does care - chin up - enjoy the Cuties as we all care

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by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

Thank you Elizabeth. I do enjoy the cuties.

Alice you did have a bad day ,I do understand where you are coming from .Do hope better ones ahead for you --Sandra (Toowoomba)Email me if you need to talk I also am a ex nurse

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by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

Thanks Sandra, I will remember that.
Alice

Alice, my dear - am so happy your had an angel when you really needed one - too bad that the people at the phone company couldn't have been nicer to you. I do hope you r get your meds worked out with the doctor. Rick suffers from depression, long before the stroke, so I know how he is when his are off - his depression would come out as anger - but since the stroke it is more depression and sadness - so I have to watch him better now. I always would ask him if he needed to get his meds adjusted and he would get upset with me - because he always wanted it to be someone else's fault that he felt that way. But when he had his brain surgery the doctor asked me if he could do anything for me - I just told him to take the angry out - Rick hasn't been angry since - he has a great sense of humor now and has only had two times that he got depressed since the stroke - so I know - that the different meds that they put him on - helped, too. I would love to be able to give you a real hug - will this do for now?

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by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

Thank you Shirlene, I am sure my dosage of my meds is fine it takes about 6 weeks for the old tricyclics to reach a therapuetic level and I think it is not normal to be happy all the time any way.
I know what you mean about Rick it must go with the name, I am sure my Rick is depressed, he is nearly alway angry. He blames it on my 'mental state". (it's fun when 2 psych nurses live together) anyhow my boys had a word to him about the way he speaks to me and he pulled his head in, so life is happier around here, but he thinks it is because I am not medication, not because he is minding his manners.
Alice

Alice I am so sorry for your problems, I hope you are feeling on top of everything soon

Alice, I've been fighting with anxiety and depression over 10 years now. Some days are harder to deal with than others. Once they added abilify to my antidepressant I've been less depressed and less anxious and don't cry at the drop of a hat as often. Sometimes little things just overwhelm you and you can't help yourself- you have to cry. Talk again with your doc. There has to be some combination that will work right for you. Just don't give up!!! You will get better sometimes you have to take life one hour at a time and even 10 minutes at a time. You will get through it!!! You know it often takes time to see how different combinations work for you so relax for now and speak with your doctor. Some of the older medicines work better than the new as they've withstood the test of time. Hang in there Miss Alice- God has you covered!!:)
Meri

Alice, thank goodness for the Angel being there just when you needed her...hope you are feeling a little better today! Those Phone companies are a disgrace they need much better PR...Hugs Sally

Hi Alice, the fact that you are talking here about how you are us a huge step. Returning to the Alice of old will be a slow journey and you are getting there. Then there will be the new improved person.

If phone companies in Aus are like the ones in the UK they push the sanest of souls into gibbering wreck. Write to them instead of going in the shop and tell them you were unhappy with the service on the phone and in the shop. Last year my daughter moved, cancelled the phone and internet and set up a new contract for the new property. Three months later she found she was still paying for the first property... Several hours of phone calls later she was told the problem had been solved and the old house would be disconnected and the contract ceased. Her new phone was disconnected. Pause for a gasp or laugh
To cut a long story short in three weeks her phone was disconnected 3 times and she had 4 different phone numbers. She never knew her own number and had to ask me. The phone company when I spoke to them said oh sorry we will get the number you want back. I pointed out this number was in their old house and it might be inconvenient driving 3 km to th eold house to make and receive phone calls. Keep at it girl you will get there with whatever it is and keep up the good work with your website

Keep on with the good work on your self

Seems that public places have me feeling pretty swamped on occasion as well, so you sure aren't alone. Good ol Mars n Venus thing as well, how males tend to not quite understand. I hope you are getting plenty of sleep, as that can be a contributing factor, I think. Always something to be thankful for, and that lady sure was it for you -wish she was on here so we could all give her a bunch of flowers! It'd be nice to make a 'Dammit Doll' and take it in to show that very unhelpful staff member why you might need one of those -she probably wouldn't understand that, either! May your week keep heading upwards from here on in (has to, really!)

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by shirlener88 26 Nov 2010

Oh my - what is that kind of doll - I have never heard of it. I don't want to be like the phone company - but I might need to give someone one of those dolls one day - Hehehe!

by bevintex 26 Nov 2010

Whenever things don't go so well...
And you want to hit the wall and yell...
Here's a little dammit doll
That you can't do without.
Just grasp it firmly by the legs
And find a place to slam it
And as you whack the stuffing out
Yell, "DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT!"

Just a little doll you beat the stuffins out when when you are frustrated. Poem above goes with it.

by elizabethak 26 Nov 2010

Is there a pattern? Mind you the years have added patience-I needed one of those long ago!

by bevintex 26 Nov 2010

there is somewhere I just can't find it.

by fannyfurkin 27 Nov 2010

I definitely need one of those. I think it would have been hilarious in the phone shop slamming a doll against a wall and screaming "DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT!"

by bevintex 27 Nov 2010

You would of gotten their attention!

by greysewist 27 Nov 2010

Thanks Bevintex for the poem. I've seen it just recently too, and was given one years ago. It's pretty much like a regular voodoo type doll, Shirlene, just with a bit of fabric or paper with the poem attached. The fun is really in the giving, I think, but also to be given one by a caring friend :)Actually you could use the In The Hoop dolly pattern on DBC, but make it less 'cute' :)

by katydid 27 Nov 2010

Where was this doll when I needed her!!!!

We all need to have those days some of us more than others. LOL Glad you had a friendly face to help you. My favorite thing when I am upset is to talk to my 4 yr old grand d. Last time I was ill she told me I should take one of the pink pills (childrens chew tylenol) and I would be all better. Made me laugh. Hope your day is better tomorrow. Hugs Lisa

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by shirlener88 26 Nov 2010

Oh Lisa, out of the mouth's of Babes, huh? Hehehe!

by quiltgrama 27 Nov 2010

yes she is always surprising me. She is my love for sure.

:} Hi Alice - no-one with a name like fannyfurkin deserves to lose her chapatis and I'm glad there was an older person to help you though your moment of despair. How are you feeling now, then?? A bit better?? I'm sending you a huge warm hug from glorious Scottsdale, Arizona, where the sun is making this day one of God's Best. Think autumn warmth with a touch of the coming winter's chill and you have it right. I can't get enough of this sunshine after our long, cold, wet winter down south in Mount Gambier, South Australia. I'll be back to check up on you soon.
AlmaG.

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by greysewist 26 Nov 2010

I love what you wrote, Alma, especially that first line -you'd cheer *anyone* up, Lol.

by shirlener88 26 Nov 2010

Alma, I wished you were a bit closer - we could have a great visit. I am in Northern Utah.

by jayce 26 Nov 2010

like this

[you can only hold it in for so long, then it must come out....if it doesn't that is when the bad stuff starts to happen....a good cry every so often clears the head and the insides so you can think again.....

Don't feel bad. This is the time of the year for meltdowns,lol! I always have a tough time with Thanksgiving because my dad died suddenly the day before Thanksgiving a few years ago. I have to work my way through it every year. You are not crazy, normal as all get out, lol!

Oh Alice, I think at that point almost anyone would have had a melt down. Even when you are feeling great some things happen beyond our control that just throw us off. Hopefully you will have an easier day today and feel much better soon!
Debra

Oh sweetheart you just had a really bad day. I am so glad that someone was there for you. Sometimes it is the straw that broke the camels back, and you just need to release that in a good cry. You are a wonderful woman and don't forget that. Love and Hugs to you. Cindy B.

dear Alice,special blessing for you:
"there isn't a valley so low that an Angel can't carry you through it" love G.

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Alice you're okay...we all have those days once in a while. A good cry helps us to release all those bottled up feelings. What a blessing came out of it..for you and for your angel. Reva

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by fannyfurkin 28 Nov 2010

I know Reva, that is why I need my Cute friends so much, I live in a house full of men and they don't get it.
Alice

Hi I know just how you feel. Sometimes I feel like sitting in the middle of the floor and crying. Things just get overwhelming. Sometimes you just feel better to cry and get it out of your system. I do believe their are angels among us to help. Bless that lady for helping you when you needed it. Hugs from all of us here when ever you need them. Suzanne

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by fannyfurkin 26 Nov 2010

Thank you Suzanne, you clearly know exactly how I feel.
Alice.

by fannyfurkin 26 Nov 2010

Thank you Suzanne, you clearly know exactly how I feel.
Alice.

I think it was a terribly frustrating week. Many of us would have cracked under the pressure. Better tears than violence. I think you are more normal than you think and blessings on the woman who was there with a much meeded hug.

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by fannyfurkin 26 Nov 2010

Yes Karen, She was a lovely lady, I was very embarrassed but so grateful she was there, I am also so grateful for my cute family. I live in a house full of men, and even though my younger son (26) is more sensitive than most they all go into "fix it" mode and start telling me what to do instead of just going "there there" and giving me a hug. That is the bit that women get so much better than men do.

hear is my curry, I need to take a better picture I should do that tonight.

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by shirlener88 26 Nov 2010

thanks for the recipe.

Yes, those angel just pop up right when we need them don't they? It's great to hear you are improving and know you are not alone...alot of us have been there and struggle as you are and need the support & understanding of others.......thank you for sharing!!

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by fannyfurkin 26 Nov 2010

Yes indeed they do, Having Cuties to laugh and cry with has been such a blessing.

Dear Alice,

How wonderful of that "Angel" to help you out. I don't blame you either for walking out of the IT shop. They need someone to teach them how to deal with clients - and whatever happened to good old fashioned service anyway?

Don't let it get you down - tomorrow is a new day and everything will fade into insignificance once you've had a sleep.

Cheer up - things will eventually fall into place - and good luck with that lovely curry. Love and blessings Chris

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[2]

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by fannyfurkin 26 Nov 2010

Thanks Chris, that curry look great, is it one of yours? I need more recipes and photos for my cooking site. If you wanted to share.

by pennifold 26 Nov 2010

No this is not mine - the one I make is a Chicken sate style - but I can't eat it anymore due to my allergic reaction to peanuts! I'll have to change the peanut paste to something else love and blessings Chris

by tanuja 27 Nov 2010

change peanut for coconut or cashew nuts ,add cream for the extra bit of richness if u use cashewnuts.