Anxiety, PTSD, depression

[Shantelle]

I’d like to start talking to someone as I am really struggling with controlling my emotions. I lose control and lash out at people I love. I doubt myself everyday. And have no self esteem 

[Sophie_M]

Hey Shantelle,

Welcome to the Forums. Thank you for sharing here what you have been going through. It sounds like you are experiencing a range of different feelings and emotions right now which must be very overwhelming. We hope you find some comfort in sharing here, and in hearing from the lovely community members, many of whom will be able to relate to what you’re going through right now.  

Is there anything that you find helpful during or after these times? Beyond Blue has a range of strategies for dealing with anxiety here, which can be helpful to use in times of other overwhelming emotions, too. We also have some older threads about helpful strategies for controlling anger as well as dealing with our inner critic.

You can always call our support line to talk this through, too, on 1300 22 4636, or via webchat 24/7: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support 

Thank you for sharing this and giving this community a chance to offer you their understanding and advice.  

Kind regards,  
Sophie M 

[Liz]

Hi Shantelle,

I hope you are feeling ok. I have PTSD as well as anxiety and depression. Some days one seems to affect me more than another… today was very teary 😞Like you, I struggle to control my emotions a lot. In therapy I learned about the ‘window of tolerance’ and how PTSD can contribute to these emotional rollercoasters… like a small event sending you over the edge and causing a really big reaction. Maybe try reading about this if you haven’t already, it helps me stabilize my emotions when I understand what is going on. I’m a mum with two young kids, and every day I am trying to better myself because I don’t want my experiences to negatively impact on their lives… it’s so hard when we are hurting and trying to control ourselves to not hurt the people we love.

I just came across these forums tonight.. I have found that the best thing to do when feeling distressed and dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings is to communicate with others, like forums, therapy, group therapy etc. 

i hope you are doing ok and finding ways to soothe yourself and feel better with what you are going through. Keep talking to people, there are many people out there going through stuff as well who will understand. 

Liz