Monday, July 21, 2008 Wendy asks

Q: I'm a real basket case

I have so much I am going thru... I don't know.. Seems everything is happening to me. I am going to be honest, I'm a real basket case. I wasn't diagnosed, but I believe I have had a nervous breakdown; to the point of not remembering the entire month of June 08. I am 38 yrs old, and I am facing losing my home to forclosure, I have 2 boys that are now living with their dad, no job, poor credit, I have one brother and one sister and neither one want to have anything to do with me because of my behavior over the years. If I talk to them on the phone, I just cry because that meant I was on their mind. Since I was early teenager, I discovered how to eat and then throw up my food. I was a heavy set girl, and wanted to lose weight, and I did, just the wrong way. To this day, I still battle with it. I eat all thru the night, and I don't even realize it. Last night, I ate 2 brand new boxes of poptarts, and woke up this morning and had a box of raisin bran. I don't know what to do. I can be extremely happy to the point of being hyper, sad, depressed, stressed, achy, constantly keeping a headache, and nothing seems to help. I remarried 3 yrs ago, and don't get me wrong, I love and care for him, but I don't know if that was the best thing to do. He's the reason we're in the financial shape we're in. He's an only child, so we have his 77 year old mother living with us, and they argue just like kids, but at this point in my life, that's all I have. I don't have money to go to the doctors, and pay for meds, and still try to live. I don't have any real reason to live. I was raised in the church, and I do love the Lord with my whole heart, but this way of living is killing me. I can honestly say "I HATE MYSELF, and who I have become. I don't even have any eyelashes on my left eyelid. I look on the internet for home remedies to help me regrow them. So you see how I have come to conclusion "basket case"? All help is appreciated on what to do, but mostly, prayers are needed to help me. Thank you for listening.

Wendy

Answers (2)

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Dr. Diana L Walcutt

7/21/08 9:56pm

Hi Wendy:

It certainly sounds like you have way too much on your plate! It also sounds like you really need a professional to talk to. You know, there are professionals that offer sliding scales, and there are Christian therapists who you might be able to find through your church. Have you spoken with your Pastor?

If you are feeling suicidal, please call 911. They can help you!

I wouldn't necessarily say that you had a nervous breakdown, but stress can put a terrible toll on our minds and hearts. It sounds like your faith is helping you get by, but don't hesitate getting help.

There is no way that someone can diagnose you over the Internet, but therapy and possible medications may be necessary. I have been known to charge as little as $5.00 for clients seen through a church. The church helped pay the balance.

As far as medications, drug companies often will help you get the medications you need, for little or no cost. Once you know the medications a doctor wants you to take, contact the drug company (they usually have a phone number listed for just this reason).

Finally, call the psychology association in your state to see if they have a program that helps out people in financial trouble. Some people are seen for little or no money. We have a program in our state that does this, and I know it's common in many others.

Please get some help?

Dr. Diana Walcutt

The Stress Masters

Vicki M

7/24/08 1:08pm

Hi Wendy,

I know you are going through an extremely difficult time right now, but you do not have to go through your pain alone. Please find someone to talk to right away: a family member, a friend, a therapist, a member of your church or a doctor. Talking about your situation will help you feel less overwhelmed. Dr. Walcutt has given you some very good advice in her answer.

While Healthcentral.com is not a crisis hotline and can not provide medical advice, there are people and resources out there that can help you get through this. Online resources are helpful in giving you the information you need to ask all the right questions when you speak to your doctor.

Here are some links to resources that might be of some help to you. Hotline counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will listen to you without judgment and can talk with you about everything you're going through.

The Boys and Girls Town National Hotline at 1-800-448-3000
1-800-273-TALK
1-800-SUICIDE

If you would like the help of a professional immediately, you can call 911, take yourself to the nearest emergency room, or Find a Therapist.

Support groups exist in many communities to help you get through this. Try these organizations:

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

Befrienders Worldwide

PsychCentral Support Groups

Please know that you are not totally alone out there. There are many member/readers here who have been where you are. Some folks might be walking the same road now. I'm always happy to hear from you and while I do not respond to every posting on this site, I do read them all. If you are having a particularly bad day, log in and tell us about it. Perhaps there is something in your situation that might help someone else, or you might benefit from reading what others have experienced. if you are having a good day, well log in and tell us about that too! It's all about sharing and caring.

Take care and please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M

Q: I'm a real basket case

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