New member

[Jazz]

Hey, I am a new person in the forum. I'm not really sure where to start but I have been suffering pretty bad of late with depression and anxiety to the point where I haven't been able to even go to work. It just feels like every thing snow balls into this massive overwhelming feelings and pressure that I cant seen to break free of. I have just had my first session with a therapist and she had mentioned this site, so I thought it would be a good start in my recovery to come and see what this forum is like. I was just wondering what sort of self care does every one do? Its part of my "homework" and I cant even begin to start to think about what it is that I like doing any more. I have signed up to a gym in the hopes that I can improve my mood that way but I am just a bit suck on what else I can do.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. 

[indigo22]

Hi Jazz,

Welcome and thank you for reaching out to us.

I know how hard it is to think clearly when you are feeling so low, it feels like there is a thick fog in your head.

I can also relate the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Since you mentioned "homework", I think journaling can be very helpful in the beginning. Perhaps you could start with a page with "Likes" on one side and "Dislikes" on the other. Just start with a few things that come to mind and add to the list when you think of something to add.

You could also do another page with things you are grateful for. They don't need to be big things, start small and work your way up. Eg. Warm sunny days, communicating with friends, etc. This helps us see that not everything in our lives is depressing, some things are a pleasant experience and reminds us to take more notice of those things.

Can you recall anything from when you were younger that you loved to do, perhaps art or music, perhaps a sport of some kind. Or maybe there was something you had always thought about trying but never got around to it.

You will then have something to show and discuss with your therapist next time you are there.

I hope this is of help to you and I am happy to continue this conversation if you are comfortable doing so.

Take good care of yourself,

indigo

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

That's flattering that your therapist recommended this site.

Ok, had anxiety in younger days and it all peaked around 1987 (I'm 69yo). Thats one of the problems with anxiety is that it can peak and debilitate you if not addressed. It can also lead to depression.

Anxiety is a serious illness and it took me a long 22 years of several approaches before I finally realised I had it no more. The following link will explain thats and the way I went about it.

https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/anxiety/anxiety-how-l-eliminated-it/td-p/183873

https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/depression/depression-and-the-timing-of-motivation/m-p/149725

https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/staying-well/meditation-words-of-wisdom-it-helped-me-for-25-year...

So for the next 10 years or so it might be worth your while to make short, medium and long term plans towards your mental health. 

Next 2 years-  Reconsider your financial, living arrangements (eg a move to the country), employment, career, toxic relationships and all your relaxation routines

The following 3 years- settling, get a pet, new quality friends, hobby, sport

The following 5 years- rewards, new car, holidays, etc, recovery mode, mental health issues prevention.

I'm suggestion action in practical ways which can have a remarkable change to your life. As an example I wasnt aware of the impact some of my family members were placing on me with their nasty way, emotional blackmail, triangulating people and so on. I put a stop to it and that has improved my quality of life.

We also have an extensive library just use the search bar. We are open for posts 24/7/365

What do you think?

If you want to talk further I'm here daily. 

TonyWK

[tahlial]

I know how feel my feelings and emotions and thoughts are All over The place rn thax Tahlia