Hello, My name is Serena and I am 15 years old. I was diganosed with lymes disease of June this year. Things have been really tough with my lymes disease. My majority of the pain of my lymes is my mental side. I have depression anxiety and bi polar symptoms, I have lost all my friends and dropped out of school, My whole family doesn’t understand what I’m going through. I have tried to explain but they never understand. I am also in a committed relationship.( I am very mature for my age) And he doesn’t understand either. He is getting frustrated and almost giving up on me. Almost everyone has given up on me except for my mother. But sometimes she gets so frustrated that she gives up on me aswell. I have no emotional support from anyone and everyone blames me for how I act. I have no motivation to do anything with my life. I stay it bed all day unable to get up. I have given up on my life. Declining my medicine thinking there is no point and that it’s never going to get better. all I really need is a friend. But everyone is so frustrated with me and now I’m all alone. Does anyone have any advice. I’m stuck in a hole unable to get out. It’s un believably Hard. I also just went through a divorce with my mother and step father, So my mother is very low on money and is very stressed on trying to keep our house. I get stressed about the easiest things. And I just feel like I should give up. I would like some Asvice and if anyone else wants to explain their story I would love to hear it.
Serena, age 15 is hard, even if you aren't sick. In your case, you have additional challenges. The meds you are not taking -- are those for lyme? or for the depression, anxiety, and bipolar? Because not taking your meds could have serious consequences. The best thing you can do is pick up the phone and call your psych and explain why you need an appointment right away. You are mature for your age, so you can do this. Giving up isn't an option. There is a lot of good stuff coming in your life. You just have to get yourself back on track to be able to enjoy it. If you want to call the hotline first just to tell someone everything you are going through, The number is ■■■■■■■■. In fact, I think it's a great idea for you to call the hotline. You can tell them anything.
I have had lymes for a year and a half now, But yes I’m taking medication for my lymes and my mental symptoms. I actually go to a naturopath. I’m from Canada, Canada doesn’t exactly recognize lymes disease so there isn’t a medical treatment yet. That’s why I go to a naturopath. I have heard of
other people going to a naturopath and getting cured. Thank you for the supportive words and I will defiantly be calling that number today.
Serena,
Welcome to the group, I’m sorry you are going through such a rough patch in your life, but hang in there things will get better. I am diagnosed with bipolar OCD etc and have had it since 16. I’m 27 now but I remember lonely days in my bedroom and serious depression. Medication and counseling can help… You are not alone. I know you may feel ill and depressed but it might help to get a journal and set small goals… Like look into the future and brainstorm what u can do with your talents and make a list or make a list of uplifting songs that make u happy and play those. Making a list about the future can give u hope. I’ve been through a lot of treatment for anxiety I ordered this infomercial cd set called attacking anxiety and depression, that helped a little. It gave me coping skills and helped turn my anxiety into goal setting. U might be Able to find one on ebay. I hope things get better for u. I know that for me mental illness has a few sides: spiritual, chemical, physical, genetics, and. PTSD dealing with past. I pray things get better for u
This is a reality of our disease. People simply do not understand what it is we go through, often excusing it as 'oh, you just had a tick bite, toughen up'. It is nothing like that, you know this.
The positive that comes of this is it shows who your real friends are and who is going to be there through anything. You are young, 15, so I assume your boyfriend is youngish as well. He may be a mature young man, but he is still young and inexperienced in the world, so he may not be there for you. This is not your fault, it is simply the reality of a young person who is changing and pushing through things. You simply cannot take this on yourself. Sincerely.
Your job right now, nothing else, is to combat the disease. This is your number one priority. And when you do get the disease eradicated or under control it is then you look for other components to your life. But you are a machine whose sole job is to fight Lyme Disease. You can do it.
I just read your post from Dec 3rd. I don't get to this site much.
But I wanted to tell you that being involved with Face to Face support groups has been critical all my adult life. I have no idea how long I have had Lyme, but I definitely have had difficulty in my relationships as well.
Last night I went to an Emotions Anonymous Group and we gave White Elephant gifts and then talked about our experience strength and hope. It made my week. Emotions anonymous has online meetings too. These are scheduled and a Group of people are online at the same time.
I don't believe most of us can get better without addressing our mental state. And family, mates and other people who haven't had great challenges like this are NOT who you should be talking to. Save your happiest words for them. They still love you, but the rest of the medical world IS TELLING THEM that you are lazy, crazy, sassy, whatever.
If there is not an EA or a Lyme support group in your area, you can still get amazing support from an Al-anon group or other 12 step support group. You will make friends and begin to heal.
If you do not drink, you can attend an AA meeting or AA for Teens (I forget the name). Just google the AA general services office and they have references to many of the other groups.
Now if you live in an area without many groups, online Skype or chatrooms can be very supportive to.
Just sending emails....even through a site like this is not enough.