Oscar's Hospital Update (Depression)

[Oscar]

Dear All,

I cannot thank everyone enough for all their support and PM's of kindess etc.

This is so hard to type as I am doped up to the eyeballs. I have been in a private psych hospital for the past week. At least another 3-4 or so to go. Have private insurance anyway.

I have been allowed home with the wife today. Cannot drive though. Have to be back tonight, but I can get out again tomorrow with Gill for the day. No alcohol though. I have not missed it for the week.

I am on Work Cover and have been diagnosed with Chronic Depression/Chronic anxiety and PTSD from a lot of incidents over the years that I have kept bottled up. Would not even share some of the horrific details with the wife and she was having her own stressful work related issues and I did not want to add to her anxiety.

I had a pretty bad turn there the other week where I ended up at a Psych Unit. The wife was understandably worried. She stayed home with me for the rest of the week for my own safety. I will not say what happended, but you don't need to be a rocket scientist to work it out.

I have now been in a Private Pschiatrict Hospital for the past week. Not having a glass of wine and I don't miss it. Food is pretty average. Staff are good. I did have some preconceived ideas about the types of patients I would meet. They are from all walks of life and some of them are really great people to speak with and share each others' experiences.

Downside is that it's trial and error getting all the medication and it's killing me as sometimes it just make me feel doped up or just plain fuzzy for the entire day. It's very tiring. Have been going to some depression/anxiety group sessions to name a few.

There is not internet access, wireless or otherwise. Just mobile phones allowed and texting. No cameras allowed for obvious reasons.

A positive so far is that Gill and I have been talking more and she now sort of understands why I am like I am.

I have also seen a clinical Psychologist last week who was referred to me and she was fantastic. We clicked straight away and she knows quite well about the ins and outs of law enforcement work and the asociated presssures/trauma.

Look, I just wanted to keep those kind TRF members updated on my progress. It's like learning to walk all over again. I am quite anxious about how Gill is coping without me being home. Must be a male trait..........but we do miss one another dearly.

I may not be able to reply to everyones' comments until tomorrow Sunday Nov 2. My birthday too.

At least I'll be able allowed to come for the day next Tuesday and part of the evening as our Melbourne Cup Day (Horse Racing Carnival) is on Tuesday Nov 4.

Again, thanks to everyone so far. I don't need to name my dear friends You know who you are..............:thumbsup:

Still pretty flat, but with time it will get better. I truely love everyones' kindness and empathy.

Thanks you again.

Kindest Regards to All,
Michael