Hello folks

[Goldenrod]

Hi, I'm new here! I signed up last night but forgot to post in this part (assuming I'm meant to do it here first?). I'm an early 40s male who is currently having what I think is a mid-life crisis, and am waiting for my first doctor's appointment after calling the hotline 😣

I'm currently dealing with issues of anxiety and depression relating to self-worth and social isolation over the majority of my life. I've made a post in the Anxiety section, but it's basically a feeling of having deluded myself into thinking I'm someone I'm not. I've been disassociating regularly sincd I was a child, and at first I thought they were harmless daydreams but now realise that they may have been more serious separations from reality (though I've always been lucid, just kinda distracted).

This past few months, however, I've started becoming more obsessive and irrational, and realised the problem before doing anything drastic. But I'm still worried about the future, and I'm still dealing with distracting thoughts and anxiety symptoms. I'm also optimistic though, as I probably never would have changed my lifestyle without this episode.

I trust you guys, I've read some of your comments and value your feedback 🤩 Hope you are all keeping safe and healthy

[smallwolf]

Hi and welcome to beyond blue.

firstly it sounds like you are doing the right things. This is a good place to hang out between sessions - at least for me - to be with people that can understand what you are going through. Not sure about your story except you mention social isolation over the majority of my life. For many years, and perhaps too many, I worked from home for a company. There was no work/home boundaries. You are ALONE. Did not know about self-care. And that for me created loneliness.Which leads ot anxiety, depression and worse.

Now I have not yet looked at the other post you mentioned. Will try to do that in a while.

This is the start of a new journey for you. If you decide to access professional help you will find and develop tools that work for you and the distracting thoughts you have. I have been going to a psychologist for quite some time now and still learning. There are also threads on the forums here about grounding and mindfulness you could search for.

There is probably more I could share but leave that for later. Your optimistic outlook I am sure will make this journey easier. I look forward to hearing more from you. Would you rather I post here or in the other thread... when I get there.

Tim

[Goldenrod]

Thank you ❤, and my other thread is in the Anxiety forum titled "Disassociated Life". Like I said, no huge plans until I start any treatment. I'm just experimenting with some long-since forgotten life skills, and trying not to think too far ahead yet. I keep telling myself, "I don't NEED to do any more than I have so far", and it seems to be helping a lot.

I hope anyone else with this kind of issue is finding ways to manage it constructively. I wish you all here the best for today 😁

[smallwolf]

I will try to find your other thread.

[josh1245]

hey goldenrod firstly I would like to welcome you to this wonderful online community and would also would like to applaud you for your incredible strength and bravery and asking in help and telling your story. I'm really sorry that you are going through a hard time at the moment but everyone in the beyondblue community is here to support you every step of the way.

I would like to hear from the future

best regards.

[Goldenrod]

Thankyou! As I said in the other thread, it's almost as if I'm back to normal now (touch wood). I'm not really sure what happened to me this past few weeks, but I feel like I'm on the better side of it now. Not taking anything for granted though, still need to self-care but am making some changes in my life that will help.

Just have to say though, this support has been a GREAT help and I'd like to continue helping you people in the future. Gotta pay my dues 😃