Struggling

[bones101]

First time poster. I've struggled with anxiety for many years now (Im 22).And lately i just feel like im really slipping. I can't relax or concentrate or sleep. My joints ache constantly from the tension and Im at a loss of what to do.Im on medication from the GP but i just feel like i need a break.Im starting to think about just taking a few tablets just so i can relax and sleep for a few days. But its scary.Any advice?

[Kylie_22]

Hi bones101

I'm new to this, just registered, but like you, have come in search of a community of like minded ppl, maybe to find someone who understands?

So I just wanted to say, I feel for you, the feeling of just needing "something" to relax is all too familiar.  Perhaps you could speak with your GP about dosages or even a change, depending on how long you've been on them, and if they have been working.  Time out works a treat - if you can get it.

don't know if this is your thing, but I recently ordered passion flower & lemon balm to make into a tea for a calming effect, and it's actually really helpful, especially to take the edge off to bring on sleep.  Early days, but I think it has some promise.

Sometimes you just need to be "heard".  I struggle sometimes mostly with feeling that what I feel or say just doesn't matter.  So I just wanted to say that I "hear" you, and hear your pain, and hope that you can use this site to perhaps find some answers or information to help you or steer you in a positive direction 🙂

[optimistic]

Dear bones101

There are a zillion options out there. This is only a phase and this too shall pass.

Here are some suggestions to try:

1. Enrol for gym or some team sport like basketball. Sweat it out.

2. Try yoga or meditation or mindfulness or Tai chi

3. Eat healthy nutritious meals

4. Consult a good psychologist and ask for CBT ( Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)

5. Check out volunteering options in a field you love - sports coaching, meals on wheels, aged care or nursing homes, working with animals, etc. When you try to help people out there whose needs are greater than yours, your problems automatically go away.

6. An idle mind is a devil's workshop. Keep yourself busy. Sign up for TAFE or some short term courses - pottery, carpentry, floristry, learn a new language

7. Take a break. Have a  kit-kat :-). Consider travelling to a 3rd world country. Witness the poverty there firsthand, you will learn to count your blessings compared to zillions who have no clean water to drink or money to get their next meal or living without an arm or leg or orphaned having lost their parents to tsunami or AIDS.

8. Problems are relative. Compare yourself with people who are less fortunate than you. Maintain a "Gratitude Journal". Count your blessings.

9. Try not to become too dependent on medications. Try alternate therapies such as natural remedies

10. Never lose hope. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.


Take care. God Bless.

[geoff]

dear Bones and I will include Kylie, and wish you both a very warm welcome to this site, where there are so many different variety of people who respond to those seeking help.

These people are maybe still struggling with their own depression, but still have the courage to reply to other people, and advicing or suggesting different options, and I have to say that they are all caring, loving and devoted people.

Optimistic has offered some new options for you to try, so maybe these are worth considering.

Can I just ask a couple of questions to the both of you which may try and relax and give you some confidence on the site, just the basic ones, like are you employed, in a relationship or have children and whether or not you are seeing any psychologist etc.

Look forward to hearing back from you, as the more we know the better help we can offer. Geoff.

[bones101]

Thanks for the advice so far...

I'll answer a few of your questions.

I have a casual job but I'm mostly at uni fulltime. No relationship, children etc. I still live at home.

I've just started seeing the psych at my uni, but i find it extremely stressful to go still