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Depression Help
I don't normally post on here, but do post on TN so I didn't want to use my regular sn.
My husband hasn't been gone on deployment very long, but I'm suffering from some pretty bad depression. I went to the doctor at our base and she pretty much said it was because I'm sad that he is gone, but that isn't the case, I've been having depression issues before he left. He also isn't in a combat zone, so it's not like I'm worried that something is going to happen to him.
I also have some bad social and separation anxiety and can't even make myself pick up the phone to call another doctor at this point. I know that my husband can't just come home because I'm depressed, but I'm wondering if anyone has any resources that might help me out. Thanks so much.
Re: Depression Help
If you aren't ready to talk to another doctor in person, you can do some counseling through Mil1Source. They can do sessions over the phone, and keep them completely confidential.
I'm not sure what branch he is in, or what each branch calls it, but for Navy we have the Fleet and Family Support Center that also offers free counseling.
Try not to be discouraged by one doctor not taking your issues seriously. There are several options out there for you to get the help you need.
On Tricare Prime you can self refer for psych. I would call Tricare to verify that this is still the case, and if so find someone to see. My psychiatrist is amazing and I can't imagine ever going back to where I was mentally now that I am on the right meds.
I know that making the call is the hardest part. And the messing with the drugs to find the right ones is a huge PITA, but it is all worth it in the end. For me, I feel like making the appointment and being proactive in my mental health make me feel like a stronger person and that I have "beat" mental illness. Please call Tricare and see what you need to do. Also, if you see a psych and don't like him/her, don't hesitate to find another one.
Good luck to you, and Hugs! I completely know how you are feeling.
You have to do what is best for you. Pick up the phone one more time and call Military One Source. They will get some one on the phone to talk to you right away. You can get 12 sessions per year. You can do them over the phone or in person.
I also recomend getting out of the house. Go walk around the park. Get some fresh air at some point every day. Start volunteering some where. Take some classes. Go meet a friend for lunch once a week. Getting out of your house and getting fresh air and excercise will really help lift your spirits.
Bottom line, you have to help your self and you have to allow other people to help you. If you don't mind, I'll be keeping you in my prayers. Please let us know if we can help you in anyway.
Thanks so much for all the advice. I'm going to work on getting the courage up to call Military One Source, I didn't realize I could just make a call and they would set me up with a counselor.
I feel really bad because it seems like everyday I am telling my husband how I can't do this, and I can't get through this deployment he is on...and I know there is nothing he can do about it, but he's the only one I have that will really listen and understand right now.
I have some weird social anxiety too. Some things that help me are writing down what I want to say to the other person on the line, and don't think too hard about calling, it only makes the stress worse, just call. No one on the other end is going to judge you.
I want to echo what TX has said. You have to take care of yourself. Get out of your house once in a while. Go get some coffee and read a book in a library. Go to a park, anything. I know that your H wants to be able to help you. Understand that if he could be with you he would. That usually helps me do things that I couldn't think of doing by myself.
MH is on a short and "peaceful" deployment too, and this has been a nightmare for me. I started school to keep busy and I am realizing that H is the one that holds me together when things get tough. I thought I was doing better and more independent than I really am. It is hard, really hard. Especially when you are depressed and anxious. Hang in there. You can do this.
I changed my name