Glastonbury Mental Health

[carlosj]

26 minutes ago, FloorFiller said:

Question for those of you on medication but who also like to dabble with other, erm, medication at the festival...

Started taking antidepressant/anti anxiety meds last year after years of putting it off, so this will be my first festival on them. Any tips? Should I take it easier than previous years? Continue taking them as usual? How’s it gonna affect my post-festival self?

Obviously the smart thing to do would be to avoid anything that’s gonna mess with the meds full stop, but that aspect is a big part of Glastonbury for me so isn’t really an option. 

How robust do you feel? Don't tell me, but I just mean, do you currently feel you can cope, or do you have blips when indulging now?

I've been on citalopram, and booze and tiredness have had their negative affect on me, I think it's been a time when I've got into a bad place and been a bit overwhelmed. It can't always be avoided but if you feel like you have a good handle on things, maybe you shouldn't have a problem? If you had triggers in previous years, you have a chance of preparing for them and lessening the impact.

Ironically, crowds are not a good thing for me. So I have to work out how to deal with that. Things like that.

And, brilliant news you're looking at meds and help, I hope they work out.

Warm handshakes.

[deadpheasant]

28 minutes ago, FloorFiller said:

Question for those of you on medication but who also like to dabble with other, erm, medication at the festival...

Started taking antidepressant/anti anxiety meds last year after years of putting it off, so this will be my first festival on them. Any tips? Should I take it easier than previous years? Continue taking them as usual? How’s it gonna affect my post-festival self?

Obviously the smart thing to do would be to avoid anything that’s gonna mess with the meds full stop, but that aspect is a big part of Glastonbury for me so isn’t really an option. 

If you're thinking about going off the meds for a period of time it might be worth consulting with your GP first.
Some people find other techniques like meditation and breathing/mindfulness exercises can work just as or almost as well.
Also if you have had bad trips/experiences with drugs that will trigger your mental health, you'll need to take it into your own hands and assess the risk of doing it again.
I guess I wouldn't recommend anything in particular as it's down to the individual. If you feel the meds are working really well for you, just be careful & tell your friends if you can to make them aware.

[StLewi]

48 minutes ago, FloorFiller said:

Question for those of you on medication but who also like to dabble with other, erm, medication at the festival...

Started taking antidepressant/anti anxiety meds last year after years of putting it off, so this will be my first festival on them. Any tips? Should I take it easier than previous years? Continue taking them as usual? How’s it gonna affect my post-festival self?

Obviously the smart thing to do would be to avoid anything that’s gonna mess with the meds full stop, but that aspect is a big part of Glastonbury for me so isn’t really an option. 

Judging by your profile pic, I'm assuming you're talking about extracurricular substances. I'm in exactly the same boat, so keen to see people's responses. 

I'm on Mirtazapine and, after some light research, discovered it's not a typical SSRI and shouldn't have any big adverse effects, such as serotonin syndrome. There are, however, many reports of certain substances having less of an effect whilst on antidepressants. I think if you asked a doctor, they'd tell you to steer clear of anything like that, but everyone's different. I guess try a little and see how you get on.

I find alcohol seriously affects my mood and anxiety levels for days after a big session, so I try not to drink too much. Whether I stick to that at Glastonbury is another matter!

[BambooShanks]

46 minutes ago, FloorFiller said:

Question for those of you on medication but who also like to dabble with other, erm, medication at the festival...

It depends on what medication you're on and what 'medication' you like to take.   I'll try and cover the main drugs / medication though.

For instance, if you're on a SSRI (Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline) it diminishes the  serotongenic effects of mdma (due to the mechanics of how both drugs work) but you'll still get the effect on your norepinephrine and dopamine systems.  So you'll end up with a bit more energy and a stiff jaw but not as loved up as you normally would.

Unfortunately you still get a comedown though.

As for psychedelics (LSD, 2cb), they will still work but not as strong, however as with all psychedelics if you're not feeling mentally well, it's not a great idea to go through a trip

It appears that SSRI's enhance cocaine's toxicity so a bit of caution there, especially when combined with alcohol.

If you're on MAOI's then I would avoid the class A's (Especially MDMA) completely as the risk of serotonin syndrome is very high.

 

If you or anyone would like to know any more, just give me a PM and I'll do my best to answer any questions.

 

 

[The Other Steve]

On 11/27/2018 at 4:06 PM, shuttlep said:

I have always thought 

 

if you suffer from anxiety 

 

 

ticket day must be an absolute killer

It's ok actually...stressful and emotional roller coaster but not something that makes the depression kick in.  More a buzz of obscene proportions.

[c8lin]

2 hours ago, FloorFiller said:

Question for those of you on medication but who also like to dabble with other, erm, medication at the festival...

Started taking antidepressant/anti anxiety meds last year after years of putting it off, so this will be my first festival on them. Any tips? Should I take it easier than previous years? Continue taking them as usual? How’s it gonna affect my post-festival self?

Hi!

MDMA still had an effect when I was on SSRIs (Citalopram and then Sertraline) however it was not nearly as good as when I wasn't on medication. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I found I still wanted to dance a lot, and felt energised, but never really had any euphoric sensations as such. I would never 'come up' or feel completely lost in the music. My tolerance increased without being openly spangled, which you need to be mindful of because the come down is just as bad the next day. So just be careful. 

Cocaine when on SSRIs always made me panic, but maybe that could be more to do with the anxiety the SSRIs were prescribed for...

Either way, take it easy. Some people will think you're stupid or reckless for taking drugs that can make depression/anxiety worse but you just have to judge it for yourself and let someone you're with know your plans etc.

[priest17]

I'm not on medication but have depression, I'm gonna have to start doing counselling again soon so dunno how I'll work that around Glastonbury. I've got my ticket but haven't put any thought into it or planned anything yet, feels like a lot of days away.

[Zoo Music Girl]

Just wanted to say what a great thread, thanks all for posting.

I've not been diagnosed with anything but am definitely no stranger to feelings of anxiety or depression, definitely exacerbated by alcohol and have had some pretty low moments at the festival (which, as others have said, you feel bad about having, which only makes it worse).

I'm looking forward to this festival but I think in some ways I'm putting less pressure on it to be perfect than I normally do. Just me and the bloke, more laidback about the line-up, less of an overwhelming feeling of needing to be "on it" all the time with my mates, which I definitely had in my first few festivals, with some very low moments going alongside that. I'm looking at this year as being a bit of an escape from reality. The last couple of years have been tough so I think I just need a little time out.

Glastonbury is such a wonderful place but not without its own stresses. I got myself in a right state about the potential queues on the way in for 2017, all for nothing. Really going to try to let that shit wash over me this time.

Some great tips on here and some very kind people

[grumpyhack]

Festival Medical Services are superb.  Use them if you need to or if you find someone in trouble it may be worth taking them there.

[Quark]

6 minutes ago, grumpyhack said:

Festival Medical Services are superb.  Use them if you need to or if you find someone in trouble it may be worth taking them there.

Didn't realise youd missed on tix dude, you trying in resale?

[guypjfreak]

Great thread. 

I take mine as usual but obviously when you've had a few drinks and other stuff you do tend to forget.. The one thing to remember is try get sleep.. 

As has been said the medical staff are top of the range and I've sat down with the samaritains lots of times just for a chat 

I had been and still am having cbt and the one thing that stuck in my head was to remember that your not the only one suffering.... If you were to look around in the crowd there's at least 10 people that are feeling exactly the same way as you. 

 

That helped once.... well more than once.....when I was sitting having a drink at the jp stage... Came over with a panic attack and even tho I was with friends I was alone but I kept looking around at all the smiling people and thought you know I'm smiling and and I look fine.. Yet out there there are some people who are probably feeling as bad as me. 

After a while as with all panic / anxiety attacks it faded I came round and got on with having a good time... 

Remember that it may help. 

G

[Quark]

11 minutes ago, guypjfreak said:

If you were to look around in the crowd there's at least 10 people that are feeling exactly the same way as you.

That's a mantra for pretty much every situation. Everyone goes through life convinced that everyone you see has it all under control, and it's just you struggling to hold it together. Truth is everyone's circling the drain at some point. We're all fucking clueless and making it up as we go along

Always nice to see this thread resurfacing. I'm in a good place these days, but fully expect something over the fest to smash me in the feels and force me to keep my sunglasses on and keep quiet for a bit. Last time it was You Got The Love by Hacienda Classical and, way more surprisingly, Roar by Katie Perry! Was surrounded by teenage girls going nuts and I'm standing in the field with my bloody lip wobbling

[guypjfreak]

31 minutes ago, Quark said:

That's a mantra for pretty much every situation. Everyone goes through life convinced that everyone you see has it all under control, and it's just you struggling to hold it together. Truth is everyone's circling the drain at some point. We're all fucking clueless and making it up as we go along

Always nice to see this thread resurfacing. I'm in a good place these days, but fully expect something over the fest to smash me in the feels and force me to keep my sunglasses on and keep quiet for a bit. Last time it was You Got The Love by Hacienda Classical and, way more surprisingly, Roar by Katie Perry! Was surrounded by teenage girls going nuts and I'm standing in the field with my bloody lip wobbling

Yea I had a moment when U2 played but instead of wobbly lip I went mad doing what my kids call the dad dance.. 

Basically it's me shouting the song whilst.... I don't know why but I do..... Shouting fuck off to the sky or stage or speakers all the time wobbling first down the hill then storming but up AND CONTINUE.. 

The fuck off bit is a respect and a I love this song.... Hey we're all different lol

[Jay89]

15 hours ago, Zoo Music Girl said:

I've not been diagnosed with anything but am definitely no stranger to feelings of anxiety or depression, definitely exacerbated by alcohol and have had some pretty low moments at the festival

Im totally opposite. I’ve not been diagnosed either, but festivals bring out the best of me. 

I don’t recall last time I didn’t feel anxious or stressed. I hate meeting new people, always cancel plans with friends if I know they’ll be folks I don’t know. I’m missing out on gigs, cause I would never go alone. My job taking out the rest of my sanity away from me. My hands, arms, legs are covered in eczema despite tons of medication, cause of constant stress.

This all changes when I’m let out in the fields at festivals. That’s my only escape from reality, it’s 3 days in a year when my mind is completely clear and no one would wipe a smile from my face (apart from when I get a little bit overwhelmed and have a little cry at how beautiful everything is). 

Hope everyone have a wonderful time despite daily worries. 

[Zoo Music Girl]

34 minutes ago, Jay89 said:

Im totally opposite. I’ve not been diagnosed either, but festivals bring out the best of me. 

I don’t recall last time I didn’t feel anxious or stressed. I hate meeting new people, always cancel plans with friends if I know they’ll be folks I don’t know. I’m missing out on gigs, cause I would never go alone. My job taking out the rest of my sanity away from me. My hands, arms, legs are covered in eczema despite tons of medication, cause of constant stress.

This all changes when I’m let out in the fields at festivals. That’s my only escape from reality, it’s 3 days in a year when my mind is completely clear and no one would wipe a smile from my face (apart from when I get a little bit overwhelmed and have a little cry at how beautiful everything is). 

Hope everyone have a wonderful time despite daily worries. 

I actually don't think I was very clear in my post - festivals bring out the best in me too, and on the whole I am probably happier there than anywhere else. Just meant really that I can still have low moments there and they are usually triggered by tiredness/overindulgence - as they are in day-to-day life.

I hope you have a fantastic time at the festival and get some of the peace that it sounds like you need. Sounds like it might be worth looking for a new job, if it is causing you so much stress, but I know that is very much easier said than done.

[StLewi]

38 minutes ago, Jay89 said:

Im totally opposite. I’ve not been diagnosed either, but festivals bring out the best of me. 

I don’t recall last time I didn’t feel anxious or stressed. I hate meeting new people, always cancel plans with friends if I know they’ll be folks I don’t know. I’m missing out on gigs, cause I would never go alone. My job taking out the rest of my sanity away from me. My hands, arms, legs are covered in eczema despite tons of medication, cause of constant stress.

This all changes when I’m let out in the fields at festivals. That’s my only escape from reality, it’s 3 days in a year when my mind is completely clear and no one would wipe a smile from my face (apart from when I get a little bit overwhelmed and have a little cry at how beautiful everything is). 

Hope everyone have a wonderful time despite daily worries. 

I would strongly recommend speaking to a medical professional about the way you're thinking. I struggled on for years until things came to a head earlier this year; I wasn't sleeping, I was constantly anxious about all sorts of stupid things, I didn't enjoy anything I did and my low mood/depression started having a negative effect on my relationship. So I bit the bullet and decided to do something about it, once and for all.

Self-referral is the easiest - and probably quickest - way to get the ball rolling. You pop in your postcode and will be given the options available to you in your local area: https://beta.nhs.uk/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/search

When I self-referred, I had a telephone assessment within a week and was put on a group stress and worry workshop within a fortnight. I know that a group session sounds daunting, but it's really useful. Mine was 4 sessions spread over 4 weeks (one session a week) in a classroom setting, which taught you the basic premise of CBT and provided methods how to deal with anxiety/depression and change negative thought patterns. Because it's a group session, it's not tailored to your specific situation but the CBT techniques are universal. The success rate of these 4 group sessions are really high, with the majority of people not needing additional support afterwards. 

Once the course is over, you're invited to provide feedback and go through another telephone assessment to see how you are. And, if you feel you need additional support, they will arrange one-on-one CBT, which may have a slightly longer waiting list.

I would urge anyone who's been struggling with anxiety or depression and hasn't spoken to anyone to do so. The techniques learned in CBT, alongside the antidepressants I've been prescribed, has pulled me out of a massive slump. If you had a persistent cough for months/years, you would see a doctor. Mental health should be no different. 

Anxiety, social anxiety and depression feed into each. For whatever reason, you begin thinking in a negative way, and that becomes a habit. The negativity turns into anxiety, which stops you doing things due to an innate fear. The constant worry/anxiety/lack of socialising causes your mood to drop, which eventually turns into depression. CBT nips the negative thinking in the bud and allows you better deal with it, eventually changing the way you think. 

Sorry for the long reply - give me a shout if you'd like to know anything else about what the NHS offer or my personal situation.

 

Edited April 16, 2019 by StLewi

[Zoo Music Girl]

1 minute ago, StLewi said:

I would strongly recommend speaking to a medical professional about the way you're thinking. I struggled on for years until things came to a head earlier this year; I wasn't sleeping, I was constantly anxious about all sorts of stupid things, I didn't enjoy anything I did and my low mood/depression started having a negative effect on my relationship. So I bit the bullet and decided to do something about it, once and for all.

Self-referral is the easiest - and probably quickest - way to get the ball rolling. You pop in your postcode and will be given the options available to you in your local area: https://beta.nhs.uk/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/search

When I self-referred, I had a telephone assessment within a week and was put on a group stress and worry workshop within a fortnight. I know that a group session sounds daunting, but it's really useful. Mine was 4 sessions spread over 4 weeks (one session a week) in a classroom setting, which taught you the basic premise of CBT and provided methods how to deal with anxiety/depression and change negative thought patterns. Because it's a group session, it's not tailored to your specific situation but the CBT techniques are universal. The success rate of these 4 group sessions are really high, with the majority of people not needing additional support afterwards. 

Once the course is over, you're invited to provide feedback and go through another telephone assessment to see how you are. And, if you feel you need additional support, they will arrange one-on-one CBT, which may have a slightly longer waiting list.

I would urge anyone who's been struggling with anxiety or depression and hasn't spoken to anyone to do so. The techniques learned in CBT, alongside the antidepressants I've been prescribed, has pulled me out of a massive slump. If you had a persistent cough for months/years, you would see a doctor. Mental health should be no different. 

Sorry for the long reply - give me a shout if you'd like to know anything else about what the NHS offer or my personal situation.

 

You're absolutely right, of course. I know I should probably speak to somebody myself, but because my issues tend to be very up and down (acute at times and then nothing for ages) I always convince myself I don't need to. It's a very daunting thing to do, even though I'd be the first to tell my loved ones to do it. 

[Livvy13]

I genuinely think this is the best and most important thread on here.

[Quark]

34 minutes ago, Livvy13 said:

I genuinely think this is the best and most important thread on here.

I dunno Livvy, the Food Thread might have something to say about that

[Jay89]

53 minutes ago, Zoo Music Girl said:

I actually don't think I was very clear in my post - festivals bring out the best in me too, and on the whole I am probably happier there than anywhere else. Just meant really that I can still have low moments there and they are usually triggered by tiredness/overindulgence - as they are in day-to-day life.

I hope you have a fantastic time at the festival and get some of the peace that it sounds like you need. Sounds like it might be worth looking for a new job, if it is causing you so much stress, but I know that is very much easier said than done.

Oh sorry, I misinterpreted it. I’m with ya now! 

Yeah, I keep hearing about changing job from my GP all the time, but I’ve worked so hard for where I am now, and deep down I do love it. Only recently started getting help from ‘seniors’, so the only way is up, right?

@StLewi I’m out of upvotes, but thank you for this post. I often think of seeing professional, but I got in that horrible rut for some time now, that it makes me think ‘that’s who I am’ as opposed to seeking advice and help. Also possibility of going on medications scares the living hell outta me. 

Is there any way to skip group exercises in favour of one to one? The only environment when I seem to find my voice is work, I think having to speak up in a group of strangers about the way you feel would only make my anxiety levels shoot to extreme.

Edited April 16, 2019 by Jay89

[grumpyhack]

12 hours ago, Quark said:

Didn't realise youd missed on tix dude, you trying in resale?

Gonna have a go but not optimistic.  The problem is that I'll need a CV field ticket too for my caravan and the chances of getting both are slim.

[Livvy13]

22 minutes ago, Quark said:

I dunno Livvy, the Food Thread might have something to say about that

Good point ? although haven't actually looked at one yet so will check it out now. 

[StLewi]

26 minutes ago, Jay89 said:

Oh sorry, I misinterpreted it. I’m with ya now! 

Yeah, I keep hearing about changing job from my GP all the time, but I’ve worked so hard for where I am now, and deep down I do love it. Only recently started getting help from ‘seniors’, so the only way is up, right?

@StLewi I’m out of upvotes, but thank you for this post. I often think of seeing professional, but I got in that horrible rut for some time now, that it makes me think ‘that’s who I am’ as opposed to seeking advice and help. Also possibility of going on medications scares the living hell outta me. 

Is there any way to skip group exercises in favour of one to one? The only environment when I seem to find my voice is work, I think having to speak up in a group of strangers about the way you feel would only make my anxiety levels shoot to extreme.

Don’t worry, the group sessions aren’t like your typical Alcoholics Anonymous-type settings you see in films. You don’t sit round in a circle discussing your issues, and you certainly don’t stand up and say “my name’s Jay and I suffer from anxiety”. It’s a very relaxed classroom setting where, for the majority of the time, you just sit and listen. They do invite people to share how they put the previous week’s techniques into action, but they will never ask individuals to do this.

You may feel like you wouldn’t want to share your experiences with a group of strangers, I certainly didn’t, but when you hear others talking about their own plights, you realise you’re not alone and it becomes a lot easier to open up a little more.

Having said that, you may be able to jump straight into one-on-one sessions. You’ll just need to see what your area offers.

Do you work within the marketing industry, by any chance? If so, there’s a charity called NABS that offers support for those suffering with anxiety and depression… they paid for 7 sessions of private CBT for me! If not, it’s definitely worth speaking with your manager or HR as they may well have things like this in place.

And I know exactly how you feel about medication. I didn’t want to take it and had serious reservations, but I’m glad I did. Why struggle on? These drugs have been designed to help. You don’t need to be on them forever, just until you’ve learned how to deal with negative thoughts and anxiety. Once you’ve figured it out through talking therapies, you should hopefully never need to go back to the antidepressants.

Edited April 16, 2019 by StLewi

[BambooShanks]

5 minutes ago, Jay89 said:

I got in that horrible rut for some time now, that it makes me think ‘that’s who I am’ as opposed to seeking advice and help. Also possibility of going on medications scares the living hell outta me.

For the longest time I felt the same way and just accepted that there will be days/weeks where I'll go through the shit and that medication would change me for the worse somehow.  That it would change or take away the part of me that makes Me who I am.

What I didn't realise is that depression had already changed me, it had already taken pieces of me away and had done the things that I feared medication would do.

It was only after a couple of months of being on Sertraline that I had realised what the depression had take away from me.

That's not to say medication works for everyone.  I am very fortunate in that (this time around) I found a medication that works and doesn't cause many side effects. I would never say that my depression is no longer an issue for me but it has certainly reduced the depths that I would plunge to during a blip,  it also has reduced the highs somewhat but its a trade off I'm willing to take at the moment.

If anything, I'm getting to the point where I can realistically entertain the idea of coming off from them.  I've tapered my dose down by half over the last 12 months and can miss a dose without it messing me up.

How I am going to be a Glastonbury is still up in the air.  It's Mrs Inuit's first G and already I'm get anxiety over whether she enjoys herself and (at the moment) don't feel comfortable in leaving her to go off and do my own thing but I'm sure (well, fairly) that it will all be ok and this is just wasted energy worrying about a thing that will probably be fine.

What I do know is, that I will be with the people I love, surrounded by another 150,000 people all in one place to have a great time watching some fantastic acts, drinking in the summer sun.  How can I be anxious when I have that to look forward to?

 

 

I'm sure I'll find a way though

[Quark]

I know there's previously been talk of either a WhatsApp group or just an exchange of numbers for anyone who just wants to have access to someone who at least kind of "gets it" for a cuppa or something. I'll be on a festival brick phone without WhatsApp, but happy to chuck my number in the ring if that's happening again. There's a 50/50 chance I'll be at the Tea Tent at any given point anyway