I'm not the same person i was and i dont know where to go from here

[V33]

Hi everyone.

I'm struggling a little. For thr past 6 years I've had GAD and some form of depression. My whole life I've wanted to be a teacher. I currently work in the childcare industry and it was my absolute passion and love. I love children i wanted nothing more than to teach for the rest of my life.

Im at this place in my life where the good i used to love aren't making me happy. I don't feel the same passion for childcare or teaching. And some days i really feel like i can't do it anymore or even go to work because i don't enjoy it like i used to. My passions and interests have dramatically changed and it's really stressing me out. I don't know where to go from here. Ive spent a long time trying to get back to the person i was before anxiety when in fact ive just realized that i need to accept the new me, the different me. Because anxiety has changed me and i can only go forward not backwards. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!!

[jess334]

Hi V33,

Thanks for posting.

I agree that anxiety and depression can change you into a completely different person. It's great that you are working towards accepting the new you - it doesn't need to be a bad thing.

You say in your post that your passions have changed. Does that mean you have found a new passion?

If not, maybe you just don't have the energy to be passionate about anything right now. That doesn't mean that your passion for teaching and children wont return.

I was a dancer for a long time and I loved it. But after I had a long period of depression & anxiety I couldn't work up any interest in dance at all. It took two years before I felt like returning to dance.

I hope you find what you are looking for.

Kind thoughts

Jess

[V33]

Thanks for your reply Jess!

I haven't looked into anything other than teaching but i do know that at this moment i cannot continue with it. Hopefully it does return one day in the future.

I'm in a place of uncertainty now. Because I'm unsure what to do work/happiness wise. It's quite upsetting but the only thing i can do at this time is to keep moving forward and embracing the new changes and the new me.

positive vibes to you!

[baet123]

Hey V33,

What your experiencing is absolutely normal and as Jess mentioned above, our own person struggles and challenges does change us and changes our interests, hobbies and passions. I experienced something similar to you. This isn't necessarily a bad thing though and we often discover new passions and interests as a result of our personal struggles.

If your not enjoying your job anymore, it might be worth finding something else in the meantime until you are able to reassess where your at. Bills don't pay themselves though right? However, nothing is worth sacrificing your mental health and emotional well-being for and your overall quality of life.

You are at a crossroad but I am sure the choice you make will be the right one. Do what makes you happy and what feels right because your happiness matters and you deserve to be happy. Take your time making your decision and there is no time frame to make a decision. Your positive mindset is extremely inspirational. I can tell that you have been through so much. You are extremely resilient, thoughtful, strong, kind and intelligent amongst many other traits. These are amazing traits you possess.

It is important to embrace change as change constantly occurs throughout our lives. The sooner we learn to accept changes in our life, the happier we will be. There is nothing wrong with change and embracing change can be scary. Better days are ahead and the best is still yet to come.

Nick.

[V33]

Thanks for your reply Nick! What lovely things to say!

Bills indeed do not pay themselves. I am in the process of looking for something else to do. It's a little difficult figuring out what though as i feel like i need a break from everything to re-evaluate my future.

I hope you are in a positive position in life!

[baet123]

Hey V33,

Hope your enjoying the lovely weather at the moment.

Wouldn't it be lovely to win the lotto so that you never have to worry about paying bills ever again LOL! But then again, money doesn't buy happiness and this is very true but it does contribute to ones happiness 🙂

It is important to be actively looking for something else to do for a number of reasons. It will keep your brain preoccupied and focused on things other than your constant thoughts of anxiety and the like.

If you are able to take a short break, whether that be a few weeks or a few months or however long you feel is necessary barring you are "ok" financially, then this is something you should consider but much easier said than done.

I try to stay positive and cherish every day as every day we are alive and enjoy somewhat decent health is a good day to be honest. We are lucky in Australia as we have it so so so good compared to billions of other people around the world. That outlook on life in my opinion is one we should all adopt as perspective is a wonderful tool!

Have a great week.

Nick.

[beader]

Like you V33 I feel so lost. I left work 14 yrs ago when i had a breakdown and started to have anxiety and still have it. I got involved in sewing for quite a number of years earning money but now I've lost all interest in it. I'm still waiting for inspiration to do something else - 4 years now. Cant get interested in anything. I feel so incredibly lost