Depression & mental health

[Bula97]

Hi everyone

So from years on I've been experiencing depression and anxiety it's been going for a long time had treatments done but still wasn't enough I'm still struggling everyday in life and I feel lost alone coming past on here seeing post of other people and there experiences in there life's I just wanted to share mine I've gotta get new strategies in place and just really help my mental health to be better again and I know we can do all that too. 

[smallwolf]

hello and welcome.

Firstly, I am sorry that it has taken this long for anyone to get back to you. Reaching out shows courage and that you want to keep trying new strategies to feel better.

What strategies have you previously used? And how successful were they?

It is a little cliche ... focus on one day at a time and celebrating small wins and progress. Keep exploring new therapies and self-care tools that can support you. I can tell you some things that have worked for me, but I also do not want to suggest ideas that you tried and did not like.

[yggdrasil]

Hi Bula97,

Thanks so much for posting on here! I hope you get some useful responses. 

I agree with what smallwolf has said. Focusing on small things and little wins can be a great strategy. Some other things that helped me recover were regular exercise, improving my diet (in particular minimizing caffeine), and engaging with spirituality.

Please feel free to expand on what's going on in your life right now if that would be helpful. All the best over the holiday season.

yggdrasil

[Bula97]

Hey there, it's fine I just wanted to have somewhere to share and to see what others experience in there life and just feel comfortable knowing I won't get judged you know because I do know what's that like but just knowing that other people have mental illness and tramua in everyday life it's hard. 

I have strategies but I feel they don't work for me like trying to put my mind to things mediate or listen to calmful music either write or express my feelings. 

But that's why I jumped on here to see and know how people cope and to know we aren't alone. 

[smallwolf]

hello and welcome.

There are a number of different strategies that can help, but finding what works for you personally is so important. A book called "The Happiness Trap" has a number of techniques, so that may be worth checking out. For me, a lot of these did not work out, but a small few did. It takes time. There are also lots of apps out there for mental health support and coping strategies. If you'd like any suggestions, just let me know...

We all have our own challenges, and it's totally understandable to have times when things feel extra difficult. Please don't hesitate to lean on your support systems, or an online community like this one. Sending positive thoughts your way! Listening if you want to chat some more ... 

[yggdrasil]

Hey Bula97,

Sorry to hear the strategies aren't working. I had the same problem for a very long time. I felt I'd tried everything and was becoming quite desperate. I think its a common experience. While there are some very solid general principles regarding mental health, the exact way these are expressed vary a lot with each individual (as smallwolf says below). It can take many years of trial and error to work this out.

For me, meditation and mindfulness never really worked with CDs, music or apps. However, eventually I found a spiritual community that practiced a type of meditation involving slowly reading passages of text with a group; this style really worked for me. The spiritual community also promotes community, and a sense of gratitute and awe, which are some of the emotional states research has connected with improved mental health.

Similarly, I find mindfulness really difficult. During the pandemic I decided to start skate-boarding again, as I believe this provides a kind of mindfulness. Sports like skating that are action packed and carry small, controlled risks really force you out of your head. You have to pay attention and be mindful to avoid falling off the skateboard! Have you ever tried a sport like skating? Perhaps rollerblading, martial arts, acro-yoga etc? These things also provide a sense of awe. 

I hope some of the above ideas are new to you and helpful! Best of luck over the coming weeks 🙂

yggdrasil

[Bula97]

I hope I can achieve so much more in life then to keep on facing depression and anxiety I’ve finally took a big step too but I feel like In a grieving process.