Anxiety

[TC86]

Hello there

i have had anxiety for years but for some reason it has gotten a lot worse within the last 12 months with occasional depression also. I have a wonderful son and wife but my severe anxiety seems to be affecting our relationship to a point where I’m worried I’m going to lose my family.

I have tried medication but packed on the kgs and felt worse. Have also tried two different types of psycoligist but feel it wasn’t working.

just after some advice as I am running out of options and would love some feedback

[PamelaR]

Hello TC

Welcome!! Pleased you've made your way to the Beyond Blue (BB) forums. The people who respond to posts are friendly, caring, supportive and have experience with mental illness. Though we're not counsellors or therapists.

Anxiety and depression require ongoing management. I've found that when feeling on top of the world, I tend to reduce those things that actually keep me okay, e.g. - exercise, healthy eating, limited (no) alcohol, reducing stressful situations, distraction, mindfulness, grounding, meditation. It is ongoing management.

Have you visited your gp recently? I would tell your gp about the 'weight gain' and if there is any alternatives. Also, I have found it is vital that I have a psychologist that really helps me to move on and to change my thoughts and beliefs.

You don't have to do this alone. It's okay to reach out to others, like you've done here. Good on you.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Sue62]

Hi TC I have suffered with severe depression and anxiety for too many years to count. Over the years I have found one psychiatrist that I trust and can actually talk to. I gave up on counselors as their 'help' always seemed to involve paperwork and surveys and nothing much substantial. I have been on medication for years, at first I didn't want it and was on and off of them constantly. It wasn't until I got it in my head the I 'needed' them to operate like a semi 'normal' person that I started to feel the positive affects. They are not the be all and end all, but they do help. Yes, I stacked on the weight and I hate that, nothing helps to shift it, diet, exercise...nothing.. but, I can be fat and happy or skinnier with no life, no family, no friends. I chose to eat as healthily as I can, walk and take the darn drugs....lol You're not alone, keep on here and keep talking to others who actually understand your very situation, who have taken the meds, done all the stupid stuff... we can all support each other through.