Hi Everyone

[bob58]

Just joined the forum after looking at it for a couple of days. I find it really hard to share and socialise with people.

At the moment I am really anxious about I don't know what. I live alone, have had depression most of my life and have been able to cope the last few years without meds. I just wish I could understand what is causing the anxiety. During the day it's not too bad but of a night it just lets rip, I try to keep my mind occupied and the moment I lose focus it just builds and builds.

Can anyone suggest some strategies to control it or mention things that works for them.

Thanks.

[ecomama]

Hey bob58, I'm really happy you joined the forums and a VERY warm welcome to you!

I hope you find the forums a safe and supportive space to share whatever is going on for you.

I wanted to let you know of a 2 other threads in particular which may keep you company over night. One is for the Night Owls and another is the BB Cafe. Just put either of these titles into the Search bar and away you go!

I've also had anxiety and depression spanning many years. Last year I was formally diagnosed with Complex PTSD and suspected Depressive mood disorder (but I think the last one is just sadness with dealing with major events tbh). Still I have suffered from deep depression and manage both to a level where they don't really affect me (I think lol) anymore without meds.

BUT in saying that if prescribed meds work for a person then I say GO FOR IT!

My List of what works for me is pretty long!
I've had Exposure therapy for the anxiety which was triggered and maintained by 2 specific people, so it was "easier" in a way than not knowing at all. So my heart goes out to you about that.

Managing depression and anxiety is calmed by a few go tos.
An overarching strategy for everyone is noted by research and is Self-Care, believe it or not lol.
We have a Self-care thread also you're welcome to venture in to!

Another few are feeling safe, eating well, lots of "movement" (I detest the word exercise lol), sleeping well and humour.
Not so easily done! But all are very good for me.

I'll pop back in to see how you're going and I hope to see you in the Cafe or other threads also.
Everyone will be very happy to meet you!

Love EM

[bob58]

Thank you for the reply EM, I will check both threads you suggested. I do watch a lot of comedy on the web and it does lessen the symptoms. I find I can sleep only if there is something playing, music or video so I am not alone with my thoughts.

[ecomama]

Hey bob, you're definitely not alone with THAT strategy! LOL!

All my children and I do this when we can't sleep. One son found a 12 hour rainforest noise clip on YouTube to KEEP him asleep when he's anxious. Works wonders.

Me? I love the Lawn Mowing channels lol!
I'm a crazy gardener so this is AWESOME.

Looking forward to seeing you in the other threads too!
Please introduce yourself over there, everyone's waiting!

Love EM

[geoff]

Hello Bob, great effort to join, sometimes once this happens you seem to be able to get more out of what's been said on the forums, whereas if you're just a reader we want people to join, then somehow you feel as though you're part of the site.

I'm not pushing you to consider taking meds, but the pros certainly outweigh the cons and the doctor will start you off on a low dosage.

What I used to do was have the radio going, it was turned in playing the music I liked, then my mind would be distracted, even if I was crying.

I tried playing the records I loved to listen to, but then I had to hop up and play another one, although one record may be enough to put you to sleep, but then you wake up to no noise, that's why I changed to the radio.

Take care.

Geoff.

[bob58]

Thanks for the reply geoff. I have to see the doctor in a few days and talk to him. The anxiety wasn't too bad yesterday as I managed to get out of the house for the day and a fair part of the evening.

Bob