dental health

[Jaquta]

I was just wondering about my teeth.  I've read previous posts here and have had a previous question answered.  I perceive you as being sensitive to us and our needs.
Just generally issues with my teeth seem to dump me into a severe suicidal crisis.  I understand the emotional content needs to be discussed with a psychotherapist, etc.
My current concerns are about eroded teeth near the gum line due to brushing too hard, too often, etc and binge eating (often sugary stuff, etc) to compensate for the anxiety (relating to my teeth, etc).
Is that eroded part likely to get worse?  Are there things I can do to better protect my teeth?  My fear is that one day I will need dentures.  I would absolutely hate for this to happen.  The worst part would be losing my teeth.
My goal is to better manage my anxiety and therefore diet.  It's complex.  My teeth and health are suffering.
Do you have any dental tips or advice that may help me?  Any would be greatly appreciated.

[Sue10191]

Good morning Jaquta.  I was thinking about you last evening and this morning.  I feel I can relate to you in some small way.  I had a severe depression after giving birth to my daughter over 20 yrs ago. Much of what you are feelilng I too have experienced, that feeling of helplessness and hopelessness combined with sleeplessness and wild episodes of anxiety.  Anxiety so horrible that tremors literally surged through my body.  My condition deteriorated to the point where I had decided to end my life. I couldn't decide how to accomplish this. I just knew I needed to end this feeling.  I had heard people speak of insanity and now I was experiencing it for myself.  I had called a Dr who asked if I had a fever and if I didn't, then there was nothing he could do for me.  Any health care professional who heard my sypmtoms should have immediately known what was going on and given me a referral to someone who could offer advice.  So I know how frustrating it is when you want help but can't obtain it.  Obviously, I never followed through with the idea that both myself and my family(and the world)would be better off if I ended my existence.  Fortunately, during my depression, my inability to focus and follow through with anything probably saved my life.  I continued to seek treatment, finally was put on hormone replacement and anti-depressants.  Started to get some quality sleep and continued with psychotherapy.  The healing process took a long time.  I have had episodes of an anxiety disorder all my life, but it has been manageable.  You have been through so much Jaquta, the fairly recent death of a family member and a serious health issue.  Yet, you have not let depression and illness get the best of you.  You are still moving forward, seeking a solution.  I noted your statement that you went for a swim and a bike ride.  I know it may seem like an insignificant thing.......but while you continue to seek proper therapy, do you think you would be able to commit to a swim or bike ride each day or even three or four days per week at a scheduled time?  I really do feel like I am making inadequate suggestions, but didn't you want to take small steps toward recovery? These could be the tiniest. May I ask if you keep a daily journal?  If it seems overwhelming to write down all your thoughts and experiences at the end of each day, then may I suggest just jotting down "good day, bad day or better or worse or okay"and briefly why it was good or bad.  When was the last time you called "lifelink"?  Even if their help has limitations, continue to take advantage of it.......even just to distract you during the worst feelings.  I don't know you so I am trying to come up with an arsenal of small ideas which may help to cope during this difficult time.  Do you like or have a pet? a significant other? close friend or family member? clergy person?  I would like to close this letter with one more question that echos Dr Tsang.  Have you tried to speak to any of the Drs at the other forum sites?  Sending good thoughts your way!

I had to chuckle a bit when you spoke of your father's dental hygiene habits, or lack of.  My 80 yr old father in law says, why should he clean his teeth, that's what he pays the dental hygienist to do! Gross indeed!!
Sue

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Thanks.

I'm glad you spoke to your GP and let him know the seriousness of your situation.  I wish I could do more.  Have you spoken to any doctors here on the forum currently in regards to your situation?  

[Jaquta]

I would say very lucky.  I have found Jerome, Dr Tsang, to be very giving.  I have also found him to be very generous with his time, expertize and concern.
I find his holistic approach helpful and I feel accepted for who I am (warts and all).

There have been no easy answers.  I feel my situation has become more urgent (but with the same lack of solutions).  I spoke to my GP yesterday and again voiced my concerns.  I told him that at this point I am ready to set a date to end my life.  I am tired of the lack of involvement and responsibility from my local mental health services and I am tired of feeling as through I am holding on for dear life 24/7.
My GP said he would speak to the director/ psychiatrist again.  
My sleep has been disturbed and I am iron deficient which my GP said would make me feel more vulnerable.
I also had some dental work done towards the end of last year which is sore and which is causing me extreme emotional distress.  =(

I am still trying to find solutions.  I feel I am in a precarious situation and I hope the service will provide access to appropriate support soon.

Thank you for your kind words and concern.  I'm sure Dr Tsang will also appreciate the recognition for his time, effort, compassion and commitment.

[Sue10191]

How lucky is the cyber community to have such a professional as Dr Tsang.  Someone who will lend a cool, intellectual and rational ear to what ails us all.  I am greatly moved.  Hope you are finding answers to your problems Jaquta.  

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Its ok.  We also learn and grow from failures more so than from success as success tends to make us feel more confident and prevents us from keeping an open mind and continuing desire to improve.  

Just take it day by day.  What is most important is probably your attitude and perception on things.  Things happen all the time but its our perception of what happens that influences how we feel about it.  Try to keep an open mind and don't get down on yourself.  Best of luck!

[Jaquta]

I don't know either.  I think it could be two.  ??
When I tried posting yesterday it said the forum had reached it's daily limit.  You may have noticed a decrease in the number of posts you were responding too.  ??

My GP asked me about making a formal complaint.  Gee, I'm just so tired of everything.
My GP thinks I am depressed and is concerned about my lack of sleep.

I think for me, maybe taking the tablets the doctor gave me to help me get some quality sleep (and therefore not feel as vulnerable).  Get some exercise.  Do some work.

I think a big one for me is to motivate myself to want to take steps to make things better for myself.  I think I became so run down by the lack of support from my health provider and the constant suicidal thoughts and urges.  It's been draining and I just want to give in and not have to fight so hard for my health and my life.
If I just focus on one thing at a time as you suggested then maybe it is possible to regain some momentum.

I have tried to access an advocate who can help with the complaints process.
I always hoped the mhs would change its dysfunctional ways.  I don't think anyone should have to go through what I have.

So that is my current plan.  Take some steps to reduce my stress and improve my health.  Make a formal complaint against the hospital.  (Which will be stressful but will hopefully elicit some changes.)
Maybe view this time as an opportunity to work on skills so that when adequate psychotherapy is available I don't regret potential losses during this time.

I can just see help becoming available when I've just about eaten myself to death.  Needed a triple bypass, had limbs amputated, lost all my teeth, ...  =(

Maybe I am able to make permanent lifestyle changes.  Maybe if I allow myself to make mistakes and learn from them and to be more flexible.  Maybe I can do this.