FabSwingers.com forum: Depression

By *ingdong11 OP Man
over a year ago

emsworth

Ok , bit of a heavy one this .

I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD and repetitive stress disorder .

I have become depressed enough to have suicidal thoughts and wonder if anyone else has been through this and has any advice ?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Seek help. Research counselling (you can refer yourself online). Get to your GP and ensure it's noted that you're feeling this way. Don't let it define your life though - keep yourself busy with distractions and exercise regularly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have battled depression off and on since having my 2nd child. The things that make you feel better are often the hardest to do. There is light at the end of the tunnel xx

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

If you go to the left hand side of the forum page there is a search box, type in depression and lots of threads will come up, there full of advice and people sharing their experiences. Hope they help.

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By *aturelover2016Man
over a year ago

London

Always try to remember that it's transitional thing, like a really bad hangover and your state of mind will change at some point. Don't ever see it as a result of circumstances but more like an illness (like the flue) because it's all that it is. Good luck!

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

It is the small victories that count.

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By *ingdong11 OP Man
over a year ago

emsworth

Thanks guys and girls ,

Already been having counselling but not really doing much for me .

I was put on Prozac by docs and felt much worse , just changed to citalopram yesterday .

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By *an_WoodMan
over a year ago

Stafford

It's an illness so if you feel medication isn't working check back with your GP. Good luck with recovery.

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By *ingdong11 OP Man
over a year ago

emsworth

Thank you !

It's weird how it suddenly hit when I have never had it before , and hot so hard .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you have suicidal ideation keep tge numbers of your local crisis team oto hand and avoid alcohol and drugs which never help.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thanks guys and girls ,

Already been having counselling but not really doing much for me .

I was put on Prozac by docs and felt much worse , just changed to citalopram yesterday ."

I'm on citaplopram and it works for me... Just be careful in the first couple of weeks! I had really bad shakes and I developed a habit of throwing and dropping things

This is what I find that helps for me... Look into creative & therapeutic activities. For me, my creative therapy is my adult colouring book. I keep a journal where I can rant and vent.

Also, my two closest friends are very aware of what's going on, when I'm good, when I'm bad, when I need help. Good, accepting friends are absolutely crucial. I know if I lash out at my closest male friend/fwb, he knows it's not me talking and it isn't personal.

Make sure the people closest to you try to understand what's happening to you, if they love and accept you the way you deserve, let them in. I hoard, my male friend knows this as he's the only person I let into my flat. I really blitzed my living room yesterday and I was so proud, he understood what a big achievement it was for me, he acknowledged it, which made me even more proud.

Also - make your good moments count, acknowledge them. Life is always brilliant, but it's the good moments you should hold onto.

And... Remember that you are NEVER alone.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Ok , bit of a heavy one this .

I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD and repetitive stress disorder .

I have become depressed enough to have suicidal thoughts and wonder if anyone else has been through this and has any advice ?

You might think this a strange question, but do you have a dog or cat? Stroking an animal is said to very therapeutic - have a look at Pets As Therapy website, amazing stuff!

I have been where you are and yes there is light at the end of the tunnel although it won't seem like it for a while, stay strong and keep talking to your GP and friends.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"It is the small victories that count.

several years ago I was told to focus on the little things that I took pleasure from however seemingly insignificant and the rest would follow. It's possibly simplifying things but it works

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By *onia1969Woman
over a year ago

Bridgwater

I suffer with depression, ptsd and borderline personality disorder.

Regular checks with GP and counselling and trying to be with friends help me

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Not the same but I had pnd with my daughter still struggle some days she's 3 now so whether its still classed as post natal or just 'normal' depression I don't know

Anyway ... take each day as it comes seek help if you need it, talk about your feelings don't be ashamed of them

If you ever need a chat please pm me x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thanks guys and girls ,

Already been having counselling but not really doing much for me .

I was put on Prozac by docs and felt much worse , just changed to citalopram yesterday .

I'm on citaplopram and it works for me... Just be careful in the first couple of weeks! I had really bad shakes and I developed a habit of throwing and dropping things

This is what I find that helps for me... Look into creative & therapeutic activities. For me, my creative therapy is my adult colouring book. I keep a journal where I can rant and vent.

Also - make your good moments count, acknowledge them. Life is always brilliant, but it's the good moments you should hold onto.

And... Remember that you are NEVER alone."

This is a brilliant post, even if all of that sounds daunting just picking up a few pointers will be a benefit to you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thanks guys and girls ,

Already been having counselling but not really doing much for me .

I was put on Prozac by docs and felt much worse , just changed to citalopram yesterday .

I'm on citaplopram and it works for me... Just be careful in the first couple of weeks! I had really bad shakes and I developed a habit of throwing and dropping things

This is what I find that helps for me... Look into creative & therapeutic activities. For me, my creative therapy is my adult colouring book. I keep a journal where I can rant and vent.

Also - make your good moments count, acknowledge them. Life is always brilliant, but it's the good moments you should hold onto.

And... Remember that you are NEVER alone."

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hey dude, sorry you're having to experience this. I don't have any advice as it's so subjective and what works for one person won't work for another. I've had depression since I was 13, on and off. Just wanted to give you a sympathetic nod, a virtual hug, and say that I know your pain.xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

So sorry to hear this.

I'm glad you have seeked professional help, that would have been my first bit of advice.

I have suffered depression (not suicidal) a few years ago. It's not a nice thing to experience, talk to people who will listen be there for you.

I'm suffering anxiety attacks and panic attacks of late, I often just like to be on my own and that's ok, just don't shit people out.

All the best

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Like anything it gets easier to manage with time. Find what works for you and keep at it. Whether it be counselling, art therapy, going to the gym, walks everyday you will one day find something that works. I've found that arts therapies work well for me and help bring me out of my low moments. Just important to remember that you'll never be alone, even when you feel at your loneliest. Drop us a PM if you ever need a chat or a rant.

H xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Keep telling yourself it will get better. Taking the focus of how I felt helped me. You should have been told that the medication can make you feel worse for a while before you start to feel better. I filled my life with bright colours, nice smells and ,unfortunately,good food to make me feel better. It does get better. I hope you have a good,understanding friend you can sit down and talk to. You have the strength inside you to overcome this x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Keep telling yourself it will get better. Taking the focus of how I felt helped me. You should have been told that the medication can make you feel worse for a while before you start to feel better. I filled my life with bright colours, nice smells and ,unfortunately,good food to make me feel better. It does get better. I hope you have a good,understanding friend you can sit down and talk to. You have the strength inside you to overcome this x"

I second the feeling worse before better on meds give them time to work x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I know what your talking about op,seriously i do,i snapped out of it and binned the tabs and that was 6or7 years ago,occupy your mind maybe get a hobby,join a gym and keep active

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By *ady LickWoman
over a year ago

Northampton Somewhere

I have ptsd caused by an event that happened nearly 20yrs ago. The symptoms do get better. I too was offered counselling which didn't work for me either. Have never taken medication have just learnt to live with it but like I said the symptoms are much less as time goes on. You must seek help though if you have suicidal tenancies.

Good luck OP

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By *angerousEyesMan
over a year ago

weston

Take each day as it's own, a step at a time, softly, softly Cath a monkey. You might have some set backs, no infact you will. Hold on too everything you love and cherish, remember everything you love and care about, remember they feel the same about you.

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By *L RogueMan
over a year ago

London

Keep talking to loved ones and close friends as well as professionals. If something bothers you, talk about it, don't dwell on it. Wish you all the best!

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By *ingdong11 OP Man
over a year ago

emsworth

"Hey dude, sorry you're having to experience this. I don't have any advice as it's so subjective and what works for one person won't work for another. I've had depression since I was 13, on and off. Just wanted to give you a sympathetic nod, a virtual hug, and say that I know your pain.xxx"

Thank you !

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By *ingdong11 OP Man
over a year ago

emsworth

"Like anything it gets easier to manage with time. Find what works for you and keep at it. Whether it be counselling, art therapy, going to the gym, walks everyday you will one day find something that works. I've found that arts therapies work well for me and help bring me out of my low moments. Just important to remember that you'll never be alone, even when you feel at your loneliest. Drop us a PM if you ever need a chat or a rant.

H xx"

Thank you very much , there are some really nice people on here

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By *ingdong11 OP Man
over a year ago

emsworth

"I know what your talking about op,seriously i do,i snapped out of it and binned the tabs and that was 6or7 years ago,occupy your mind maybe get a hobby,join a gym and keep active "

Cheers , I do go to the gym as get fitness tested 6 monthly but lately it's got really hard to go , possibly the meds.

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By *ingdong11 OP Man
over a year ago

emsworth

Thank you everybody for your kind words , it's good to know people still care about strangers .

The original meds were def not working for me , hoping the new ones will work better .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I know what your talking about op,seriously i do,i snapped out of it and binned the tabs and that was 6or7 years ago,occupy your mind maybe get a hobby,join a gym and keep active

Cheers , I do go to the gym as get fitness tested 6 monthly but lately it's got really hard to go , possibly the meds."

When I had CBT I realised exercise was for me the key to everything. I found a way of incorporating it in to my routine (gym straight from work for example) as when I'm struggling I too find it hard to motivate

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

The last time I was suicidal was when I found the Fab forum. I just read for a few weeks and then someone posted so racist that I had to post and challenge them. I kept posting, challenging and being silly on the daft threads.

I got a lot of horrible private messages, stick on the forum and felt like a leper. I also got some really supportive private messages from forum users and lurkers who agreed with what I said but didn't want to say it publicly.

I then found the community that is here. Sometimes it's not as obvious as others but when bad things happen people are generally kind.

The fact that no one here knew me or had any preconceived ideas about me helped get me back to being me.

Keep joining in and let the Citalopram have a chance to work before you give up on it.

Some days will be stay in bed days so trying setting yourself some small targets (get up and have a shower, perhaps). Some steps may appear to be backwards but it's still a step. We all live just moment by moment.

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By *ack LondonMan
over a year ago

London

"Seek help. Research counselling (you can refer yourself online). Get to your GP and ensure it's noted that you're feeling this way. Don't let it define your life though - keep yourself busy with distractions and exercise regularly. "

Really good advice. And OP, don't lie awake at night in silence, thinking of this or that. Listen to the radio, BBC 4 or 4extra.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If you do have stay in bed days don't let the bed take you prisoner. It's a nice comfort zone but not the place you should stay too long.

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By *obb2upCouple
over a year ago

Bangor

citalopram takes about 2 weeks to kick in and you feel a lot worse in that time but it is like a weight lifted of your shoulders when it does

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"citalopram takes about 2 weeks to kick in and you feel a lot worse in that time but it is like a weight lifted of your shoulders when it does"

Why does it make you feel a lot worse? Iv been perscribed it today.

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By *otsoSnowWhiteWoman
over a year ago

My Ice Castle! South Wales

One thing from reading threads like this is highlighting how common depression has become in one shape or form. Knowing you aren't the only one suffering and that people are there to give friendly advice. I've suffered myself for years and have picked up quite a few tips on ways to cope since joining fab. Some work some don't. Bit of trial and error as we're all different.

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By *otsoSnowWhiteWoman
over a year ago

My Ice Castle! South Wales

"citalopram takes about 2 weeks to kick in and you feel a lot worse in that time but it is like a weight lifted of your shoulders when it does

Why does it make you feel a lot worse? Iv been perscribed it today. "

Can cause nightmares, make you a bit jittery. This calms down after the tablets kick in. I took mine in the morning instead of the prescribed evening after consulting with my doctor

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"citalopram takes about 2 weeks to kick in and you feel a lot worse in that time but it is like a weight lifted of your shoulders when it does

Why does it make you feel a lot worse? Iv been perscribed it today. "

It doesn't for everyone. It is really normal to feel worse because you think you should be feeling better because you are taking SOMETHING. You're just feeling as crap as you were before, maybe experiencing a dip.

Some people will experience some of the side effects listed as they get used to the drug. I always get hungry on Citalopram and have no appetite on Fluoxetine.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"citalopram takes about 2 weeks to kick in and you feel a lot worse in that time but it is like a weight lifted of your shoulders when it does

Why does it make you feel a lot worse? Iv been perscribed it today.

Can cause nightmares, make you a bit jittery. This calms down after the tablets kick in. I took mine in the morning instead of the prescribed evening after consulting with my doctor "

Does taking them in the morning not so bad (for nightmares)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"citalopram takes about 2 weeks to kick in and you feel a lot worse in that time but it is like a weight lifted of your shoulders when it does

Why does it make you feel a lot worse? Iv been perscribed it today. "

In some people it can exaggerate their symptoms before the meds build up in their system. In some though, not all. If symptoms get worse but don't improve after two weeks revisit your GP as that med or dose might not be right for you.

I was put on all kinds of meds for depression, anxiety and panic attacks but now I'm med free and in a better place mentally. There's some very useful advice in this thread though OP I'm sure if you were in need of a deeper chat none of the contributors would mind a pm from you. Don't suffer alone mate

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"citalopram takes about 2 weeks to kick in and you feel a lot worse in that time but it is like a weight lifted of your shoulders when it does

Why does it make you feel a lot worse? Iv been perscribed it today.

Some people will experience some of the side effects listed as they get used to the drug. I always get hungry on Citalopram and have no appetite on Fluoxetine.

Thankyou. Do you find they help ?

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"citalopram takes about 2 weeks to kick in and you feel a lot worse in that time but it is like a weight lifted of your shoulders when it does

Why does it make you feel a lot worse? Iv been perscribed it today.

Some people will experience some of the side effects listed as they get used to the drug. I always get hungry on Citalopram and have no appetite on Fluoxetine.

Thankyou. Do you find they help ?"

The drugs work for me, even at low doses. I have been off antidepressants for the 8 months but if I spot the signs of a deep depression coming on then I will go straight back onto them.

If after four weeks you still haven't adjusted or feel worse then go back and try something else.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"citalopram takes about 2 weeks to kick in and you feel a lot worse in that time but it is like a weight lifted of your shoulders when it does

Why does it make you feel a lot worse? Iv been perscribed it today.

Some people will experience some of the side effects listed as they get used to the drug. I always get hungry on Citalopram and have no appetite on Fluoxetine.

Thankyou. Do you find they help ?

The drugs work for me, even at low doses. I have been off antidepressants for the 8 months but if I spot the signs of a deep depression coming on then I will go straight back onto them.

If after four weeks you still haven't adjusted or feel worse then go back and try something else.

Or speak to your GP - you may need to alter you dosage.

I was actually rather skeptical about Citalopram as it's one of the cheapest and GPs tend to go for it first (for that reason but also because it has good results) but after trying out a whole bunch over the years I'd say it's one of the better ones.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Ok , bit of a heavy one this .

I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD and repetitive stress disorder .

I have become depressed enough to have suicidal thoughts and wonder if anyone else has been through this and has any advice ?

Straight to the doctors for you please.

Been there too.

My GP was superb, same for my local Cris team.

You're not alone, you're not weird or mad or any other badge you want to throw at yourself.

You are plain and simple, not very well right now.

You're GP will be a huge help for you.

And things will improve.

More people suffer with depression than you realise, lots on fab too, so you'll get plenty of support here too.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Ok , bit of a heavy one this .

I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD and repetitive stress disorder .

I have become depressed enough to have suicidal thoughts and wonder if anyone else has been through this and has any advice ?

Still suffering, but less than before. I can't say specifically anything that has helped because I have done a complete overhaul on everything in my life, challenged anything that made me feel inadequate and just generally decided to be a better me. Got a long way to go, and I don't have any hopes of being free of depression forever, just doing what I can, when I can, if I can without expectation, and trying to live another day

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By *otsoSnowWhiteWoman
over a year ago

My Ice Castle! South Wales

"citalopram takes about 2 weeks to kick in and you feel a lot worse in that time but it is like a weight lifted of your shoulders when it does

Why does it make you feel a lot worse? Iv been perscribed it today.

Can cause nightmares, make you a bit jittery. This calms down after the tablets kick in. I took mine in the morning instead of the prescribed evening after consulting with my doctor

Does taking them in the morning not so bad (for nightmares) "

Yes I found it helped with the nightmares for me

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By *ingdong11 OP Man
over a year ago

emsworth

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men between 20 and 34 in England and Wales, representing 24% of all deaths in 2013, and for men aged 35-49, at 13% of deaths.

That's a worrying statistic , it needs to be talked about much more openly , men just don't like to let on and I think women are better at supporting each other .

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

Suicidal thoughts mean that you would likely be better passing some responsibility for your care to your GP.

PTSD, in my opinion, is a condition that may be helped by medication and psychotherapy.

Whilst your GP can help and refer you to a therapy provider, you can also shop around yourself. There are many different types of therapy and some may appear more suitable than others.

It's import to reduce as much stress from your life as possible, as each of the stressors will load you, up to or beyond a trigger point where PTSD may get worse. So reduce complexity of stuff going on and things that may hassle you. This won't cure you but will prevent things being as poor as they could be. Keep good things happening to you and be around people who are good for you and nourishing as much as possible.

There may be some specialist support service that could help too, if there's a particular issue that has caused things to become like this. Sometimes PTSD is from compounded experiences or events but a core theme may exist, that a representative support body exists for.

Take some small steps, so that others are able to lift the burden of more from you.

Wishing you all the best.

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By *ingdong11 OP Man
over a year ago

emsworth

Sophie , that is a very good post and makes a lot of sense !

I know there are things I need to change in my life to reduce stress / hassle ......mostly to do with the girl im in love with .

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Suicidal thoughts mean that you would likely be better passing some responsibility for your care to your GP.

PTSD, in my opinion, is a condition that may be helped by medication and psychotherapy.

Whilst your GP can help and refer you to a therapy provider, you can also shop around yourself. There are many different types of therapy and some may appear more suitable than others.

Take some small steps, so that others are able to lift the burden of more from you.

Wishing you all the best."

This, very much this.

And pretty much every other post offering support, understanding and compassion.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thanks guys and girls ,

Already been having counselling but not really doing much for me .

I was put on Prozac by docs and felt much worse , just changed to citalopram yesterday ."

I've been on that & did help. Good luck, take every day at a time. Small steps, & you will get there.

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By *ingdong11 OP Man
over a year ago

emsworth

So many good , compassionate people on here , see so much negativity on this forum at times but the response to my post has overwhelmed me and has made me feel less alone .

Thank you all x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Ok , bit of a heavy one this .

I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD and repetitive stress disorder .

I have become depressed enough to have suicidal thoughts and wonder if anyone else has been through this and has any advice ?

20yr veteran here. Contact me privately if you want a chat. It's survivable, and you don't need to suffer.

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