New to the forum scene

[Jeremy14]

Hi everyone,

Ive been dealing with PTSD, Anxiety/Panic attacks and Depression for just over 3 years now. Ive tried all different types of medications that have not helped at all and some have even made me feel worse.
Some days are better than others but recently there are more bad days then good.
I used to enjoy going for walks and bike rides but my crippling anxiety put a stop to that pretty quickly. Ive hardly seen any of my friends in the last 3years. I left work in 2017, and was subsequently retired from that job due to ill health in May last year. I have been unable to work for the past 3 and a bit years. At the moment i cant see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Reading some of the posts really help and make me realise im not the only one going through all this.
Any tips and tricks for getting through the hard days are welcomed.

Many thanks in advance

[Lillipilli80]

Hi Jeremy14,

You are right, you are not alone on this journey. The forums are great to help us know that others also experience anxiety and other mental health issues as well as the hard knocks of life.

However that is not to take away from what you are going through personally. It sounds like you have been through a tough time and it's natural that you will feel a lack of light at the end of the tunnel sometimes but you say now there are more worse than better days. When you think about the days that are better, what happens on those days?

If you can focus on what makes a better day for you and try to do little things just 'for you' it might help to refocus on what you can do to improve your bad days. Although you are not doing the bike rides and walks you did previously are you able to spend time outdoors? Personally I find some fresh air and time in nature helps to shift my perspective and lighten anxiety. I also use the quote 'this too shall pass' when it feels like there are more bad days than good.

I'm sorry to hear that you tried medication and it didn't help which can be disheartening. You have that experience behind you now and can move forward knowing that you are in control of your journey to recovery without the help of medication.

Jeremy14, it's great that you are reaching out for some support, that shows bravery and resilience and I hope we can continue to support you on the forums if you would like to share again.

[sisu100]

Hi Jeremy,
Thank you for taking such a brave step in sharing your story with us. I’m so sorry for all you've been through in the past few years- it sounds like you’ve been experiencing many health difficulties which has really impacted your ability to work, connect with your friends and enjoy your hobbies. I imagine that this must feel overwhelming and disheartening, and I really empathise with how difficult these experiences must be for you. I’m so glad to hear that reading other posts has been helping you. I want you to know that you are not alone and like Lillipilli80 has mentioned, our community is here to support you with what you are going through.
Something that I have started doing is keeping a positivity journal. This journal is just devoted to positive thoughts or events that I experience in a day, and I’ve found it helpful for getting through some of those tougher days.
Again, thank you for reaching out and I hope that you find some comfort and useful tips that our community can offer.

[Tay100]

Hi Jeremy14,

We appreciate you posting here, welcome to the forums.

It's good that you have found some insight reading through posts here. You are right; you aren't the only going through this and you aren't alone. If you'd like ideas on how to manage your mental health in a positive way on the daily I recommend checking out these threads: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well and https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/long-term-support-over-the-journey. You can also chat in this thread; we are here to listen.

Sending kindness,

Tay100

[mocha delight]

Welcome Jeremy14 to the forums and if you ever need to chat I’m here for you ok