Living positively with anxiety and depression

[Londonboy]

I am suffering with anxiety and depression that has really got me down at times - even suicidal! I would love to hear some Good News stories from others about thow they have managed their condition to live a positive life !! THANK YOU !!

[sbella02]

Hey Londonboy,

Thank you for posting here, welcome to the forums. I don't have a diagnosis necessarily, but I consistently struggle with panic attacks, low moods, unwanted thoughts etc. 

For me, socialisation can be such an important part of restoring my zest for life, happiness, and comfort. I love and value the friendships that I have, and spending time with them is so important for me. I attended a party of a close friend last night, and being able to dance, eat, and drink with my friends made me so happy. Today hasn't been overly great, but it's nice to have the good memories of spending time with my friends. 

Keen to hear everyone else's stories!

SB

[ecomama]

HEY LONDON BOY! I laughed when I saw so many capital letters in your intro lol. 

Welcome to the forums. 

I was diagnosed many years ago with depression, but I seldom suffer with this any more. 
I've been diagnosed with Complex PTSD & more recently ADHD, so that's an alphabet soup and a half lol. 
I don't take meds and that's good news for me. 

MORE GOOD NEWS is I survived, my kids have all survived. 
I think it's great news that I work full time in profession I love, it's not without its challenges though. 
My children are all in gainful employment and studying, which is amazing lol. 

We all have projects we're working on together and have high hopes for great futures. 

How I manage my "conditions":
I've done a lot of my own research to work out what works best for me personally to improve and MAINTAIN any gains in my mental health. 
I have a wonderful Counsellor who has supported me long term. 
I work on boundaries so I have more space for better mental health. 
I've discovered activities that spark joy for me, with the demands of being sole parent to many children. Meaning I don't have much time for these but I'd prefer spending time with my kids while they're still at home anyway, so Win / Win lol. 
I am ALWAYS learning, here on the forums or on YouTube or via Ted Talks (always at work lol). 
I journal. Making sure to note the elements of my day I'm grateful for. 

I look forward to events we plan as a family or I plan with my BF or I plan with myself! 

That's probably it for me in a nutshell. 

What works for you LondonBoy? 
EM

[geoff]

Hello Londonboy, you have asked a very deep question, one that many have been through themselves, but everyone is different in how we were able to come through this.

Although these two conditions generally happen together, normally one dominates the other but can certainly change the next day and so on, so the counselling you are having may differ from one week to the next and depends on how you present yourself when in a session.

This could surprise your counsellor because they may have the session planned and how it's going to procede, but suddenly you mention something else, however they are qualified and prepared for the unknown.

Once a positive outcome begins then you are encouraged to make full benefit from this,but it only happens in small steps, because if it happened by huge steps then it may be too much for you to handle.

Geoff.

Life Member.

[jaz28]

Hi Londonboy,

I am so sorry you are experiencing anxiety and depression, it is hard! I have struggled with anxiety since I was 9 years old (around 12 years), so I am a veteran so to speak! 

However, now I hardly ever experience anxiety. I may get it day-to-day or during stressful life events, but due to the skills I learnt in therapy/CBT at a young age, I manage it well and never have days where it takes over my life anymore. It is always there, but I know when to recognise anxious thoughts and separate them from logical ones. I ignore the anxiety, and it definitely becomes less frequent as time goes on. I hardly experience it on a day-to-day basis anymore!

Therapy/CBT is a MUST in my opinion to help recover from anxiety/depression, it is so important to speak to a mental health professional and gain those useful skills in managing anxious/depressed thoughts. I would highly recommend seeing a psychologist if you can, you can get some sessions covered by Medicare if you go through your GP.

I hope this helps and things start to improve for you soon,

Jaz xx

[Londonboy]

Thanks everyone fpor the encouragement and ideas !! I guess it is learning to manage the anxiety and depression down to manageable levels !! I am a busy teacher and I find my job constantly produces stress and anxiety. Its just hard to keep on top of things day to day and keep positive !! Any other ideas or experiences most welcome as i just need to feel there is hope of good times to come in the future !! THANK YOU !!

[sbella02]

Londonboy, learning to manage your anxiety and depression is an impressive and challenging feat, well done. Especially as a teacher, I'd imagine your role would come with a lot of unique stress and pressure. You've got this!

What kinds of self-care activities do you enjoy? Do you have any hobbies, passions, or interests that you love to engage in? 

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you're struggling, we're here to support you.

SB 🙂