Long term anxiety and depression how do you deal?

Michelle34 · ‎15-08-2018

For those of you that suffer this long term how do you manage? I have had panic attacks and bouts of depression since I was eight. Over the month or so anxiety, but most of all depression is seeping into my life. I've been crying for no reason, trying not to burst into tears at work and trying to keep my Mum hat on when I feel so tired and despondent all the time. It's like I am dragging myself through mud. I'm forgetting things and my body just aches. When I just feel like I'm finally through a period of severe anxiety or depression ( I was having severe anxiety attacks every few hours 18months ago) it seems to raise it's ugly head again. I've enrolled in a course to further my career but it's just making me feel anxious and I want to back out because I'm afraid it will turn into full blown panic. I feel such a huge expectation from people, why aren't I working more? why do I flake out so much.... I don't know how to find my balance. I really want the periods of when I feel normal to last. I want to achieve things that shouldn't be that hard. I feel like I've missed out on so much because I can't keep it together for any period of time and it's really really fricken frustrating.

Lost4eva · ‎16-08-2018

Dear Michelle34,

Thank you for posting in this forum. I feel for you and what you are experiencing.

From my perspective, I found I had to be kind to myself. There are some days when I just don't feel able to be the mum who can also work and be a career woman. Other days when I am able to do everything.

Sometimes these periods of down time last for a long time and other times a day or so - it sort of depends on things that are happening around me and how that is influencing my mood.

I have found that I need to have some time to myself and I didn't always do that in the past. Just taking an hour to go for a walk around the park, 30 minutes on Smiling Mind, a five minute relaxing shower, fives minutes to rub hand cream in … just little things, but things that I enjoy and when I do them, I am mindful of them - I focus on them - and it calms me down enough to tackle the tasks in the day.

In the end, we cannot be everything to everyone, although society puts that pressure on us. Be kind to yourself and give yourself some time. It has really helped me a lot and this has reduced my down days quite a bit.

You are not alone in this battle. Please write back and let us know how you are getting on.

Eternal_Happiness · ‎17-08-2018

Michelle34 said:For those of you that suffer this long term how do you manage? I have had panic attacks and bouts of depression since I was eight. Over the month or so anxiety, but most of all depression is seeping into my life. I've been crying for no reason, trying not to burst into tears at work and trying to keep my Mum hat on when I feel so tired and despondent all the time. It's like I am dragging myself through mud. I'm forgetting things and my body just aches. When I just feel like I'm finally through a period of severe anxiety or depression ( I was having severe anxiety attacks every few hours 18months ago) it seems to raise it's ugly head again. I've enrolled in a course to further my career but it's just making me feel anxious and I want to back out because I'm afraid it will turn into full blown panic. I feel such a huge expectation from people, why aren't I working more? why do I flake out so much.... I don't know how to find my balance. I really want the periods of when I feel normal to last. I want to achieve things that shouldn't be that hard. I feel like I've missed out on so much because I can't keep it together for any period of time and it's really really fricken frustrating.

Dear Michelle34,

How is your sleep by the way? Do you wakeup in the middle of the night and sometimes can't go back to sleep? Have you gotten yourself checked for Sleep Apnea/Upper airway resistance syndrome? Have you also seen an orthodontist that deals with Teeth? If you teeth are misaligned a term known as malocclusion or your jaw is receding or you are a mouth breather, which is often result of a deviated septum, then that maybe the cause of anxiety attacks.

Eternal_Happiness · ‎17-08-2018

Also don't let others bully you into doing more. The person who says that is a sign of a sick person. Do it within your means.

baet123 · ‎17-08-2018

Hey Michelle34,

Thank you for posting and sharing your thoughts with us.

From late 2011-late 2017 I suffered severe depression, health anxiety and severe social anxiety amongst other conditions. What really helped me was finding like minded people to talk and chat too and socialist that way. If you feel uncomfortable around others and don't enjoy socialising face-to-face, there are plenty of other methods where you can maintain your social skills and enjoy the company of others.

I felt that I didn't improve until I started attending group sessions with people who actually understood what I went through. In my opinion, many of us benefit from assistance and interaction with others who can actually relate to our experiences so that might be something you can look into.

For years, music and games were my saviour. This can be an option you can look into. Just immerse yourself in anything you find enjoyable and people will love you for who you are.

I think you are very brave and strong and commend you for posting here and providing us with your thoughts and feelings. Just know and I truly believe this that it does get better. I used to think that that saying was pretty cliché but now that I am improving staying positive is important and ensure you receive appropriate help from the appropriate health professionals.

I do believe eating well, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep will help to an extent also. Just surround yourself with as much positivity and it will get better!

Baet123

Jacaranda72 · ‎24-08-2018

Hi Michelle

I just wanted to say I share your experience and frustration. I have periods of being ok ish and then weeks when everything collapses. I feel I’m a boring wife and mother and only do social things when I’m backed into a corner. I can’t do medical, dental or even haircut appointments alone. I get panic attacks as soon as I’m in shops or enclosed spaces. Everything feels too loud, too hot, too bright. I couldn’t even sit through my child’s teacher/parent session. What a freak. I let my husband down regularly as he is a competent, successful worker and parent. I feel like a failure.

I try to tell myself I’m good enough for my kids. My being here is better than not being here. I walk every day. I don’t drink and I don’t nap during the day.

Sorry that I’ve just spoken all about myself. I felt a connection with your post and wanted to say I’m hearing you. I hope you find some things that help you feel well and that you can ride out the low times.

All the best for a good day.