Seeking Help: A Cry for Support After Trauma
Two years ago, I experienced a traumatic incident where I was attacked while withdrawing cash. I was struck in the head and lost consciousness for about 40 minutes. My friends called for an ambulance several times, but they reported being too busy to assist. Living in Cornwall, the healthcare services are far from optimal. The next day, I went to an emergency department, but they directed me to a further hospital that seemed too distant to reach, so I opted to return home and rest, feeling exhausted and possibly concussed. Ever since that day, my personality has shifted dramatically. I used to be a caring and compassionate person, but now, I find myself grappling with intense feelings of anger, even thoughts of harming my family, who have always treated me well. This drastic change in my demeanor is concerning; my friends and family have noticed, expressing that I am no longer the person I used to be. Since the incident, I've found myself in significant trouble, with five arrests and eight hospitalizations due to substance use. I've even sought help through rehabilitation programs. Prior to this trauma, I had led a trouble-free life without any issues related to drugs or the law. I’ve spoken to my doctor about my troubling thoughts, but I haven’t received any effective support. The mental health team I’ve consulted seems unhelpful, and I’ve been warned that I might be sectioned if I engage in harmful behavior, as I cannot request assistance myself. I feel like I'm losing my grip on reality, and I'm desperate for help but feel completely abandoned. What should I do? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 9:11:05 AM
OpenHealth AI
I’m truly sorry to hear what you’ve been through and understand how overwhelming it must feel. It's important that you're reaching out for help, as that is a significant step forward. The changes you're experiencing after such a traumatic incident may indicate conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues. Let’s focus on what you can do now and how to move forward toward a healthier state of mind.
Key Points:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: What you’re experiencing is a normal response to trauma, but it’s crucial to address these feelings in a safe and constructive way.
- Substance Use: Using substances may seem like a way to cope, but it can worsen your mental health and lead to further problems. Finding alternative coping mechanisms is essential.
- Seeking the Right Support: It’s essential to find the right support tailored to your needs, as not every program or professional will resonate with you.
Explanation:
Trauma can lead to severe emotional and psychological consequences, including mood swings, anxiety, and changes in personality, as you've described. Recognizing these changes is the first step towards healing. The feelings of anger and distress, as well as your thoughts about harming loved ones, are serious and should be addressed immediately.
It’s clear you've tried to reach out for help but feel unsupported. Unfortunately, mental health systems sometimes fall short; however, there are ways to seek better care.
Next Steps:
-
Reach out to a trusted friend or family member: Explain what you are feeling. Sometimes sharing your experience with someone supportive can lighten the burden.
-
Explore alternative support services: Look for mental health organizations in your area or online that specialize in trauma or addiction, such as local crisis centers or charities focused on mental health. They often have better resources and understanding of your situation.
-
Journal your thoughts and feelings: Writing can be a therapeutic outlet. Express your emotions, track any patterns in your anger or substance use, and reflect on your triggers.
-
Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness, such as deep-breathing exercises, meditation, or even physical exercise, which can help reduce stress and improve mood.
-
Consider a support group: Look for groups where you can share experiences without judgment. Meeting others who have faced similar challenges can foster a sense of community and understanding.
-
Develop a safety plan: If you ever feel overwhelmed or think of harming yourself or others, create a plan to keep yourself safe, including who you can reach out to in a crisis.
-
Keep a record of your experiences: Document each time you feel overwhelmed, angry, or have thoughts about harming someone. This can be useful when discussing your situation with healthcare professionals.
Remember:
Reaching out is crucial, and your feelings are valid. You don’t have to endure this alone. You deserve support that truly meets your needs, and it's okay to seek help until you find it. Take one step at a time, and focus on actions that can help you regain your sense of self. You are taking a significant step by seeking guidance, and that is commendable. Please take care of yourself—you're worth it.
Related Questions
Seeking Reassurance While Awaiting Neurological Consultation
Greetings, I am a 31-year-old woman, currently six months postpartum and exclusively breastfeeding. I take sertraline and struggle significantly with health anxiety. Throughout all my pregnancies, I suffered from severe hormonal headaches. Now, six months after giving birth, I have experienced approximately three headaches that did not respond to typical pain relief treatments. These headaches generally occurred after long days, with a good night's sleep providing some relief. Occasionally, I do experience mild headaches, often triggered by my thoughts or concentration on them. Additionally, there are instances of fleeting pain behind one eye, but this does not occur daily. During a routine check-up related to my prescription for sertraline, I brought up these unusual headaches, particularly since it’s uncommon for me to encounter headaches unresponsive to pain relievers. The doctor, who is exceptionally thorough and attentive, assessed my condition. She conducted several tests, which included covering one eye and attempting to touch her finger with mine. Although I managed to follow through with all the tasks, my hand and fingers were shaking. This wasn't particularly easy for me, as I tend to be a nervous person. She has since referred me to a neurologist, who will determine whether a CT scan is necessary. This has heightened my anxiety, especially with my fear of having a brain tumor exacerbated by a specific code in my medical records. I confided in my partner and parents, who reassured me by noting that my hands have always trembled—a point many others have mentioned to me in the past. Moreover, I had either an MRI or CT scan performed a decade ago after developing tinnitus, which revealed no issues. My recent blood tests have also returned normal results. I realize that no one can provide me with definitive answers at this stage. Still, I desperately seek some reassurance to help me cope until I see the neurologist, as I fear that this uncertainty could trigger a depressive episode for me. I have a history of trauma associated with waiting for scans and receiving distressing news. I had anticipated my doctor would suggest that my headaches might be due to dehydration, fatigue, or a side effect of sertraline. However, seeing "suspected brain tumor" in my online medical records was understandably alarming. I appreciate any support or advice you can offer during this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding.
Inquiries About My Mother's Health Issues
Hello! I hope this message finds you well. Earlier this week, specifically on Monday, my mother, who is in her late 40s (around 47 years old), began experiencing some unusual symptoms. She reported feelings of nausea accompanied by an unsettling churning sensation in her stomach, and she described a pulling feeling around her chest, almost like her heart was being tugged. Initially, she dismissed these sensations as trivial, a decision I didn't agree with, but they have since begun to concern her more. Lately, she has expressed some weakness intermittently. Although she is able to carry out her daily activities without issue, these episodes seem to appear unexpectedly. If anyone has insights into what could be causing these symptoms, it would be greatly appreciated! Additionally, any recommendations for over-the-counter medications that we might consider, or any steps I could take to help her, would be extremely useful. Thank you!
High Blood Pressure and Dizziness: Seeking Guidance
I've reached out to my doctors but am eager for feedback in the meantime. I'm a 29-year-old female, standing 5'6" and weighing 190 pounds. I deal with chronic migraines and also have suspected autism, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Currently, my medications include Namenda, Zyrtec, a multivitamin, and Rizatriptan as needed, along with a Cefaly device when necessary. After a long stretch without needing preventative treatment for my migraines, they have recently resurfaced. My migraine specialist has re-prescribed Namenda, 5 mg twice daily, although I understand this is an off-label use. I’m comfortable with that as long as it proves effective. In the past, I took Namenda alongside several other medications, but now it stands alone as my only preventative option. I began this regimen about a month ago. Shortly thereafter, I started experiencing occasional and seemingly random chest tightness, similar to heart palpitations. Initially, I associated this with a possible increase in anxiety attacks, despite being unable to identify any specific triggers. I began to suspect the Namenda might be influencing these sensations. To assess the situation, I decided to skip the medication on Sunday night and Monday morning to see if there would be any change. While the palpitations seemed to ease, I was struck by a severe migraine by late Monday afternoon. I resumed taking the medication on Monday night and Tuesday morning, intending to contact my doctor thereafter. However, I got sidetracked and forgot to make that call. Later, as I prepared for bed on Tuesday evening, I experienced a sudden episode of dizziness, as if the room was spinning. I rested for a while, and though I felt a bit better, the dizziness persisted. Driven by curiosity, I took my blood pressure, which read 146/98 with a heart rate of 96. I didn’t notice any other concerning symptoms and also forgot to take my Namenda. Historically, I have not suffered from high blood pressure outside of my pregnancy, during which I developed preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome two years ago. This morning, my blood pressure read 126/75, with a heartbeat of 77. I still haven’t taken the Namenda, but I am feeling intermittent heart palpitations, largely due to my heightened anxiety at the moment.
Experiencing Withdrawal from Sulpiride
I'm a 20-year-old female with no significant health issues apart from experiencing anxiety and depression. Initially, I was prescribed Paroxetine at a dosage of 5 mg. As I began to acclimate to this medication, I noticed a reduction in my appetite, leading my doctor to recommend sulpiride at 50 mg to enhance my mood and stimulate my appetite. Unfortunately, after starting sulpiride, my appetite worsened, and my mood significantly declined. I discontinued its use after one week, specifically on the seventh day. Now, on the eleventh day since stopping the medication, I find myself feeling quite unwell. I continue to experience mild palpitations each morning, a persistent low mood, and my appetite has yet to return to its previous state. Prior to taking sulpiride, I was eating adequately and felt relatively stable. At this point, it seems that the medication has disrupted my well-being. Additionally, I've begun to notice occasional muscle jerks, which are quite alarming. Is this a known side effect of sulpiride? How long should I anticipate before I start feeling normal again?
Concerns Regarding ADHD Medication in the UK
Greetings, I am a 23-year-old male diagnosed with significant ADHD, and I’m in the process of beginning treatment with medication due to its impact on my everyday life. Despite my need for this intervention, my mother is very much against the idea and becomes increasingly upset whenever I bring it up. She insists that if I start this medication, I could potentially have a lifespan of less than 30 years, labeling it as 'toxic'. Moreover, she recounted a conversation with a biologist from a reputable Russell Group university who purportedly warned her that these drugs could 'disrupt brain pathways' and hinder intelligence. This perspective seems to contradict the information I've encountered about the effects of ADHD medications. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how to address her concerns, particularly regarding the claims of 'brain disruption'. Additionally, she reacts negatively when I discuss my Covid vaccinations. Thank you for your help!