I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has posted, knowing that other people feel how I do has helped me enormously, I have been to see my doctor and as embarrassing as me breaking down in front of her was, it feels like I have had a huge weight lifted off my shoulder. I have been referred to a mental health specialist and will have to check in with my GP again next week as she was concerned. Although some good has come out of this, having to explain to my mum what had been going on was NOT the highlight of my day. I felt as if she was more embarrassed of me then I was at myself at that point. When I mentioned 'mental health specialist' she reacted by saying 'don't be so stupid' and I could see how ashamed she felt. As I wiped away the tears I began to think telling her was definitely a mistake and that I will keep my family in the dark for now. I guess some people will just never understand