Navigating a Tough Morning: Seeking Help and Making Choices
Age: 23, Gender: Female-to-Male (FtM), Height: 5’9”, Weight: Untracked (potential recovery from an eating disorder) When facing mental health crises, especially if thoughts of self-harm or suicide arise, it's critical to seek immediate assistance at the emergency department (ED). Preceding this moment, my mother insisted I remain at home and did not permit me to visit the ED, which left us both throughout the night without much sleep. I’m presently feeling exhausted, sore, and somewhat disoriented. Although I refrained from taking drastic action, I had consulted a nurse and a crisis hotline who both suggested that I negotiate with my mom about going to the ED, given that I had a plan but hesitated to follow through. Now that morning has arrived, my feelings are mixed. On one hand, I sense a wave of embarrassment, and on the other, I’m grappling with anxiety and a feeling of nausea. My next appointment with my therapist is not until a week from now, as I had scheduled it two weeks back. I'm anxious about whether I can endure the wait without facing a decline in my mental state, as the last week has been a rollercoaster. Currently, I’m uncertain about the best course of action. Should I contact the nurse line for guidance? Should I wait for two more hours until the behavioral health department opens? Is it even productive to go in if my thoughts of acting upon my plan have diminished considerably since last night, even though some part of me still struggles with it? I’m not sure I’m in a position where I'm significantly at risk, at least not majorly. However, I feel restless and hesitant to elaborate, as I drew my original ideas from a post I found online, not wanting to influence anyone negatively. Health Conditions: Anxiety, depression, OCD, celiac disease, vasovagal syncope with a potential trigger when standing (my blood pressure tends to drop), eczema, urinary tract infection and bacterial vaginosis. Medications: Currently on an Aristada injection (received it Tuesday), a prescribed steroid cream whose name escapes me, midodrine, metroNIDAZOLE (I believe this is the antibiotic in use), and a vitamin D3 supplement at 50,000 units. Please feel free to request further information if required. I sincerely apologize for any trouble this situation may cause.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 12:20:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I appreciate you reaching out and sharing your situation; it sounds incredibly challenging and emotionally taxing. Your feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, and uncertainty are valid, especially given the recent events. Here’s a structured approach to help you navigate this moment:
Main Points:
- Seeking immediate support is essential, especially in light of your thoughts and feelings.
- Communicate your needs clearly with your mother or a trusted individual.
- Utilize available resources, including crisis hotlines or mental health services.
Explanation:
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your mental state can happen, especially when you're managing several mental health conditions. It's commendable that you've refrained from acting on harmful thoughts. Recognizing your feelings, even when they are uncomfortable, is an important step in managing your mental health.
It's also important to understand that you deserve support and that reaching out for help is a proactive choice. While you may feel embarrassed, those feelings often reflect the pressure we place on ourselves and nothing compared to the support systems available to you.
Next Steps:
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Contact Guidance Services: Reach out to your crisis hotline or a nurse line as soon as possible for immediate support. They can help assess your current situation and recommend steps to take now.
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Communicate with Your Mother: Once you’ve received guidance, if you’re comfortable, discuss your feelings with your mom. Explain the importance of feeling safe and supported right now and the value of seeking professional help.
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Stay Engaged: While you wait for the behavioral health department to open, consider grounding techniques to help manage anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness. They can provide immediate relief and help lessen feelings of nausea or restlessness.
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Document Your Feelings: Keep a simple journal to note your thoughts and feelings as they change throughout the day. This can provide you with a clearer picture of your emotional state and give valuable insight for future appointments.
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Plan Ahead: Think about potential topics or feelings to discuss in your upcoming therapy session, which can help make the most of your time with your therapist.
Remember:
You are not alone in this and seeking help takes courage. It’s okay to feel uncertain, and it’s great that you're taking steps to care for your mental well-being. If feelings of crisis return or escalate, please reconsider visiting the emergency department or seeking immediate support again.
Don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance. Take care of yourself today.
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