WW/WAW Looking for advice from the pros (Sandi)

[asitis]

Prowl,

I've been there, as have many of us, on being unable to face the day and being unable to stop crying.

Seriously, there are anti-anxiety meds that work really, really fast that can get you back to functional and give you a bit of breathing room. They aren't long-term solutions, and as they can produce a bit of dependency after a while, but anti-depressants can kick in by then (and those are not dependency producing).

Even if it not going to a psychiatrist, call your regular doctor or go into a clinic and tell them you are having trouble getting through the day given your news. Ask them to get you a 30 day supply of anti-anxiety meds (they'll likely go with Atavan). It has few side effects, acts very fast, and for most people really does the trick to getting to a manageable level of yuck.

Anti-depressants and other psychiatric meds are best through a psychiatrist, as they are a bit trickier (figuring out which ones work for you, dosage, etc.). But, you'll probably want to explore that route for the duration.

In the mean time, lock up any guns and give a trusted friend or family member the key. Get an appointment with a therapist to start working on your emotions. Your work may have some kind of private short-term help for people struggling with emotional issues or drugs/alcohol. This is becoming more standard, and they truly are private if you are worried about employer finding out. They are usually free for a limited number of visits (ours is 6 free).

Keep that suicide hotline number handy if your thoughts start turning in that direction.

Don't rely on toughing this one out. Even the toughest of us need some help at times like these.

Hang in there. We're all pulling for you.