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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How do I stop feeling this way?

    I just feel tired and lacking of energy and any will to do anything.

    I have been feeling low, feeling isolated and wanting to stay isolated. Sleeping all day and not even cleaning my house. I feel unmotivated and just living a shadow and it seems unreal. I don't know what i have and I have noone to turn to. Plus I have a dog, a cat and a son… and I just sit in my room or lie on the couch and fall asleep any time of the day.
  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 2

    Thanks

    Ash Rehn

    Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Sex Therapist, Social Worker

    Mental Health Medicare Provider of focussed psychological strategies, Counsellor & Therapist specialising in ‘sex addiction’, pornography issues, gay counselling, online therapy. For more information: www.ForwardTherapy.com View Profile

    Unpleasant feelings are usually signs that we need something we are not currently getting. Sometimes we have a reaction to life events that leaves us feeling tired, unmotivated and lonely. Or we might have a medical problem that has not been diagnosed that can be making us feel awful. On top of this, most of us have responsibilities in life and the burden of these can add to the severity of how bad we are feeling. From what you have written, it sounds like you are concerned about your animals and your son as well.

    Have you spoken to your GP or another doctor about this? Your doctor can do a medical examination to investigate whether there is a physical cause for how you are feeling. In any case, a doctor can also refer you to an appropriate mental health practitioner, such as a mental health social worker or psychologist, who can assist you to recover with focussed psychological strategies. Medication is not always required but you can also discuss this with your doctor if you think it might be important.

    First stop: your GP. Ask to be referred to a mental health practitioner. The doctor will assess your health and can write a letter to the practitioner of your choosing or someone your doctor recommends.

    I hope you are feeling better soon.

    / Ash Rehn

  • http://www.mvsgroup.com.au/ Max is a clinical psychologist working in the public and private health sectors. He currently holds several appointments at Monash Health where he provides … View Profile

    Hi there,

    I'm really sorry to hear of your situation. It sounds as though things are really tough! I'd really encourage you to reach out to a friend or family memebr if at all possible and share some of your experience. It's surprising, but this can go a long way to relieving the burden that I'm sure you are feeling!

    I would also recommend that you talk to your GP. If you have a family GP that you feel comfortable with, that will be an excellent starting point. If you don't have a GP you feel comfortable with, or a regular one, this may be an opportunity to look into connecting with someone whom you trust and can rely on for your healthcare needs.

    A GP will be able to link you in with the right medications if you need them, and potentially a psychologist to give you the support you need.

    Wishing you all the very best-

    Max.

  • 2

    Thanks

    I am a consultant psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 20 years. I provide mental health care online. I have worked in public … View Profile

    Hi,

    The way you are feeling is definitely not right and it is important to seek help.

    Seeing your GP, or going to see a GP for the first time if you don't have one is the most important thing to do.

    A GP will understand your situation and will have seen people feeling the way you do before. It is possible that you have a physical health problem that is making you feel this way - anaemia or an under-active thyroid gland can both cause the symptoms you describe.

    Having ruled out a physical cause for your symptoms your GP will probably discuss treatments for depression with you, which could include psychological treatment or medication or both.

    The most important thing is to get treatment so that you start enjoying life again.

    Richard Harvey

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