Feel completely useless
Feb 26, 2019 14:34:07 GMT
Post by Piltover on Feb 26, 2019 14:34:07 GMT
Hi Nothere,
Thanks for posting to our forums. I'm Justin, a member of the OutLife support team.
I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling like this. I can absolutely relate to what you're going through. I've also had mental health problems for many years which have often left me feeling hopeless and suicidal. It can be so tiring to experience these sorts of feelings for months or years at a time, and it's no surprise that you feeling frustrated. But you've also decided to reach out, and I'm so glad you have, as there is a lot of help and advice out there and hopefully somewhere that can help.
First thing's first, you've mentioned that you're experiencing suicidal thoughts. This happens to a lot of people (try reading the OutLife page on suicidal thoughts for more info (https://www.outlife.org.uk/suicide) but in case of an emergency, whether you're feeling suicidal, planning to end your life, or just don't feel safe, try calling the below numbers.
Samaritans - 116 123, available to listen and talk, non-judgementally, 24/7
Emergency Services - 999, in the case of a medical emergency, or if you fear for your own well-being or safety, call and ask for an ambulance
Here out OutLife we don't provide direct support beyond these forums, but we do have a wealth of knowledge about the people and places that can help LGBTQ+ people in mental distress. Below I'm going to link to some organisations that might be able to offer some assistance, be that over the phone, or in the form of other services like counselling. You don't mention where you live so I've not included any local services and have tried to stick to organisations that operate across the UK.
- Switchboard is a helpline run by LGBTQ+ volunteers who will listen to what's on your mind and maybe point you toward some services that can help. Call them on 0300 330 0630 10am - 10pm.
- MindOut is an LGBTQ+ mental health charity based in Brighton, which offers a suite of services including advocacy, mentoring, and peer and online support. They could also help you find local resources to keep yourself safe and maybe begin addressing some of the issues that have been bothering you for such a long time..
- Mind, the mental health charity has a great set of fact sheets on suicidal thoughts, along with some stories from other people who've experienced them, on its website. Take a look, it may help to understand the feelings you're having a little better.
- Pink therapy is a website which features LGBTQ+ focused therapists. If you're in a position to afford one and think it could be beneficial, then it might be worth seeing if there's a therapist in your local area. www.pinktherapy.com/
- Also take a look at the OutLife fact sheet about finding a therapist, here. There are other options available if you can't afford one privately: www.outlife.org.uk/accessing-mental-healthcare
- Some people find it helpful to connect with local LGBTQ+ people in their area, or peer support groups where they can talk to people who have similar experiences. You don't mention where you are, so I can't suggest any, but if you're in the UK and think it could help, try researching local community groups, or potentially an LGBTQ+ hobbyist group that interests you.
While I can't say that I'm completely better now, I can say that in my personal experience, I've managed to make significant progress in managing my mental health, and though it's taken a long time, it's also been worth it. There are lots of avenues to explore, and although there are no quick fixes there's a lot of support out there.
If you've got any more questions then please post another message on these forums and we'll gladly get back to you. Wishing you all the best. Take care of yourself.
Justin
Thanks for posting to our forums. I'm Justin, a member of the OutLife support team.
I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling like this. I can absolutely relate to what you're going through. I've also had mental health problems for many years which have often left me feeling hopeless and suicidal. It can be so tiring to experience these sorts of feelings for months or years at a time, and it's no surprise that you feeling frustrated. But you've also decided to reach out, and I'm so glad you have, as there is a lot of help and advice out there and hopefully somewhere that can help.
First thing's first, you've mentioned that you're experiencing suicidal thoughts. This happens to a lot of people (try reading the OutLife page on suicidal thoughts for more info (https://www.outlife.org.uk/suicide) but in case of an emergency, whether you're feeling suicidal, planning to end your life, or just don't feel safe, try calling the below numbers.
Samaritans - 116 123, available to listen and talk, non-judgementally, 24/7
Emergency Services - 999, in the case of a medical emergency, or if you fear for your own well-being or safety, call and ask for an ambulance
Here out OutLife we don't provide direct support beyond these forums, but we do have a wealth of knowledge about the people and places that can help LGBTQ+ people in mental distress. Below I'm going to link to some organisations that might be able to offer some assistance, be that over the phone, or in the form of other services like counselling. You don't mention where you live so I've not included any local services and have tried to stick to organisations that operate across the UK.
- Switchboard is a helpline run by LGBTQ+ volunteers who will listen to what's on your mind and maybe point you toward some services that can help. Call them on 0300 330 0630 10am - 10pm.
- MindOut is an LGBTQ+ mental health charity based in Brighton, which offers a suite of services including advocacy, mentoring, and peer and online support. They could also help you find local resources to keep yourself safe and maybe begin addressing some of the issues that have been bothering you for such a long time..
- Mind, the mental health charity has a great set of fact sheets on suicidal thoughts, along with some stories from other people who've experienced them, on its website. Take a look, it may help to understand the feelings you're having a little better.
- Pink therapy is a website which features LGBTQ+ focused therapists. If you're in a position to afford one and think it could be beneficial, then it might be worth seeing if there's a therapist in your local area. www.pinktherapy.com/
- Also take a look at the OutLife fact sheet about finding a therapist, here. There are other options available if you can't afford one privately: www.outlife.org.uk/accessing-mental-healthcare
- Some people find it helpful to connect with local LGBTQ+ people in their area, or peer support groups where they can talk to people who have similar experiences. You don't mention where you are, so I can't suggest any, but if you're in the UK and think it could help, try researching local community groups, or potentially an LGBTQ+ hobbyist group that interests you.
While I can't say that I'm completely better now, I can say that in my personal experience, I've managed to make significant progress in managing my mental health, and though it's taken a long time, it's also been worth it. There are lots of avenues to explore, and although there are no quick fixes there's a lot of support out there.
If you've got any more questions then please post another message on these forums and we'll gladly get back to you. Wishing you all the best. Take care of yourself.
Justin