Telling my psychiatrist I had started this

The hardest part was that I felt I should be pleased and I was not, and the gap between those two things was itself distressing.

Something practical: I made a written list of what my early warning signs are, while I was well, and gave a copy to one person.

No advice, just company. Here if it helps.

My GP asked me to come back in two weeks rather than leaving it, and that follow-up was the thing that actually made a difference.

What I found was that being honest here was a rehearsal for being honest at my appointment, and the rehearsal genuinely helped.

The thing I would flag is anhedonia specifically. Low mood gets asked about; not enjoying anything is a different report and worth naming.

What worked for me was keeping the small structures going even when they felt pointless. Getting dressed, going outside, writing two lines.

Somebody here said that a hard week does not need a cause to be legitimate, and I have carried that around for two years.

My experience is that this is discussed far too little and I am grateful this circle exists rather than it being folded into a general one.

I found it useful to separate what I could raise with a prescriber from what belonged in therapy, because I had been taking everything to the wrong door.

Nothing here is medical advice and on this subject that matters. If you are struggling, please talk to somebody qualified, and our support resources page lists the kinds of service worth finding.

The bit in the middle is the bit I needed to read.