Needing insight

[DarrenP]

Hiyas,

I am 21, girlfriend is 19. About a month ago my girlfriend (of almost 2 years) started Uni and then hell began. We were in quiet a normal happy loving relationship, had it's ups and downs as all decent ones should.. however, noticed she started stressing out quiet severely from the uni work, breaking down into tears, suddenly feeling lost and anxious, not sleeping/eating and what to do with her life. Her family and I were supporting her and tried talking but it never sank in, her doctor just assumed it was her creating the stress on herself and she was prescribed anti-depressants (why do doctors always do this sh*t) which eventually caused her to completely go off the charts within a few days so she was taken off them.. About 2 weeks ago she was actually diagnosed with an overactive thyroid and is now on medication..

I am just wondering how I can be there to support her and help her if she is very distant, almost like she wants nothing to do with me, I can barely even contact her, says she doesn't want me to see her like this and is tryna be independent about it and not rely on anyone else. I really love this girl and am thankful for finding such a website like this as I have been researching this disease to get a better understanding and stick by her thick and thin.

How long does the medication take to balance things out again, years, months? Will she even remember me after this ordeal as her boyfriend or just think of me as a reminder of time she wasn't well? I understand we are both young, but if everything was going just fine there is no need for it to end over an illness.

Appreciate any advice!

Darren

[DarrenP]

Thank you so much for replying. I am trying my best to be here for her, without smothering or pressuring, ie. a txt every few days or so. (phone calls don't go down too well 50% of the time at the moment!)

Just gotta keep reminding myself it's not her, its the thyroid. Sadly amazing how something so small can have so much control.. Hopefully someone who's been through hyperthyroidism stumbles across this thread too :).

[Barb135]

I think Sally said it well.  My thyroid is under active as well, and I know there are big differences between hyperthyroidism (over active) and hypothyroidism (under active).  

We have some members here who have been through the hyperthyroidism and I'm sure one/some of them will be able to give you advice regarding the med, tests to be done, etc.  

Hang in there and just try to be there for her -- I know, easier said than done.

Best of luck

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

it can take a few months to stabilise.  Be there, but don't pressure her.  Focus on being a good friend to her for now without pushing on the relationshipo side.  She is probably feeling quite overwhelmed.

best wishes

[deanna62]

I have an underactive Thyroid. I have been on medicine for 5 years now. It takes about one month for the med's to help out. For about a year they might have to readjust the dosage until they get the Thyroid at the normal range.   Usually she will need to have her thyroid checked about every 6 months. Med's will be adjusted to her Thyroid level.

Once it is regular she should be fine. She should definately start feeling better within the month. Hang in there. You are a great support.

Deanna