The question was submitted
08/04/2008
Subject: What to do when spouse is away???
My spouse is going overseas due to work on 8th Aug morning till 10th Aug night....I am getting more afraid as the date is coming closer and closer...
I dun know what kind of depression I have. It has just been 2months since I have it. Psychiatrists just say that I have depression.I'm taking Fluoxetine 40mg once daily and Alprazolam 0.25mg for emergency...I think I have anxiety disorder, sleeping disorder,panic disorder,eating disorder, sucidal thoughts....everything is just wrong with me. No doctors would gv me any stronger med as I may overdose with alcohol.
So, when I start to panic as heartbeat gets faster suddenly and whole body trembles uncontrollably, I'll walk out of my house to avoid OD. (OD 3times & hospitalised). But I'll be in a daze walking & walking until I finally crys out none-stop and seating down somewhere, trembling so hard.But if spouse is at home by 12am, this would not happen....I am not thinking of anything when that happen! U got to listen & believe me! It just comes suddenly at certain hour.
What am I going to do when he is not going to come home this weekend??? What if I really breakdown? What am I going to do if I cannot control myself? I can't sleep. Shall I get sleeping pills from a GP?
I'm new to this illness...my dosage was increased from 20mg to 40mg 2weeks ago only. I dun think I'll have the mood to go out with friends. Nobody except a couple of friends knows abt my illness. No even parents. I'll miss him so much that I can't focus on anything...A psychiatrist said I'm very stubborn...
So, that means I'm totally hopeless...no med can cure me...
Answer from DepNet
Dear “What to do when spouse is away???”
It seems that your attempts to prevent possible panic attacks in the absence of your husband have created more anxieties and fears. It may be challenging to think beyond these intrusive thoughts & at this point, planning ahead may be very crucial in helping you cope better & maintain control.
Within such a short time, it may be difficult to remain calm, so it may be more helpful to look at feasible options. Say, just for the next 3 days, ask someone to stay over, or stay with someone or check yourself into the hospital for emergency care?
When you survived this, you may wish to review the situation & look at what can be done to resolve your concerns. Since overdosing with alcohol is mentioned, is alcoholism a contributing factor to your current conditions or possible marital troubles?
& you are right that there isn’t any meds that can cure stubbornness … so that means you have the cure in your own hands. You can decide what is more important -- being stubborn & say it’s hopeless or being problem-solving & do the necessary to improve -- & experience the difference in your life.
The answer was published on DepNet
08/11/2008