Not sure what it is that I am feeling ...

[Loner567]

Hi All,

I think I'm typing this to try to work out myself, what it is I am feeling whether it's anxiety or depression, or both. For some time now, I have been feeling very low. I would say it probably started 5 years ago when my marriage broke up but how I'm feeling now is much worse than at the time. I have young children, I share them on a week on week off basis, this has been very hard to get used to. Although I have met new people, I haven't been able to properly move on. I have also been in a job I have not enjoyed for this past 5 years, I have just resigned after 11 years. I have three days to go until I get to leave. The job has caused me a huge amount of stress for various reasons, toxic work environment, boredom, over-management and the list goes on. However, it still provided me with some security and now I don't even have that. I thought I would be glad to leave and in many ways, I am but now my future feels even more uncertain than before. I also drink too much. The doctor has prescribed medication, I am starting them tonight. Thanks for reading.

[Emmen]

Dear Loner567,

Welcome to the forums.

You've got a lot going on right now and it's understandable that you will feel overwhelmed, depressed and/or anxious. I see that you've seen a doctor and have been prescribed meds. I hope you're also seeing a counsellor.

You're dealing with a variety of things, with the latest being your resignation. You're fearful for your future security, and understandably so. With every huge change, it's normal to feel uncertain. However, do remember that you left that job because it wasn't working out for you. You've been unhappy for 5 years, and that's a very long time to have stayed in an unhappy situation. Take this as a break and heal yourself.

Drinking will make your depression and anxiety worse so please try to cut down on that. If you are able to, may I suggest replacing them with other activities, such as exercise? It may not have the same numbing feeling as alcohol does, but exercise does do wonders for your body and is better for your body too.

All the best with recovery, Loner567. If you need to share your thoughts or reach out during your journey, this forum is all yours.

Kindly,
M

[manicmonkey]

Hi Loner,

I agree with Emmen 100%.

I was diagnosed with manic depression over 20 years ago, and even after years of treatment, giving up drinking was the best thing I ever did.

You don't have to go to the same extreme, but it will certainly help to cut down as much as you're able.

Exercise is a great help for your brain chemistry too, not just for your body.

All the best.