Dear LLee~
I'd like to echo Kanga and welcome you here. If you have a look around you find many whose first post is short, reflecting their uncertainty and the strangeness of the step they are taking.
Depression and anxiety are hard things to live with, but with treatment, support and practice life can be pretty good. I'm an example of that. I've accomplishment, interests, abilities and a loving family. It wasn't always that way, having been suicidal and hospitalized, but I'm OK now, not cured but OK nevertheless.
I know you have had your illness for a long time. You might however like to have a look at The Facts menu above on anxiety and depression, there is a lot of information. Also if you look around this Forum to see how others have got on that might be a help to you.
Perhaps you might like to say more about yourself. While Kanga, I and others could talk in very general terms it's better all round if we can be more exact. I'd like to ask for instance if you are currently under treatment, also if you have a family and anyone to support you?
Dealing with how it affects you of course depends on how things manifest. This is a pretty big topic. In my case I've both physical and mental symptoms from my illness and I have meds or strategies for each (some more effective than others).
So I really do hope you feel welcome and confident enough to post again and say more
Croix
