Understanding the why of depression and anxiety

[1960Help]

Hello. This is my first time here. I have suffered from depression and anxiety for many years.

I was involved in a serious car accident a few years ago and was diagnosed with PTSD. I have not worked since. Having the accident triggered many flashbacks of verbal/emotional abuse going back to primary school years to adulthood relationships. I have a very supportive Dr and psychologist. I have never felt good enough and like many with Depression, have shown the smile on my face for many years, but really hurting inside. My anxiety is very high. I find it hard to make decisions and become very agitated if pushed to do so. Is this common? I do not sleep well at all. I do the breathing exercises that my psychologist asks me to do.

I do walking and look after my grandchildren which helps me. What are others doing to help them?

I was diagnosed with Sjogrens also.

Appreciate the sharing.

[Ggrand]

Hello 1960Help,

Welcome to the Beyond Blue Forums.

I am sorry to hear your struggling with depression, anxiety and PTSD...I also have the same Mental Health issues as you with a couple of more added..

Your anxiety is some what like mine..not much sleep. Hard to make decisions, I don't get agitated, as much as I get frustrated and decide not to make a decision..

I meditate before bed..I Yes a guided meditation deep sleep app and do a full body scan before sleep, then I will put on an instrumental, (no singers)..and select one instrument and follow that instrument right through the song...It really stops me thinking negative thoughts because my concerntration is on the music..which eventually does make me sleepy...

I do a volunteer day once a week at an op shop..My anxiety stops me from going out a lot, although now I'm getting a little better..I play internet games, read crosswords music just things to keep my mind busy..

My sons and grand children lives 7 hours drive from me so I don't get to see them much....I'm very happy that you have the opportunity to spend time with your grandchildren..

This is your thread now to talk any time you want to, I'm hoping you'll come back and chat some more.

Kind thoughts, Grandy..

[demonblaster]

1960Help hi and welcome to a warm and caring community ☺

Wow you certainly have a lot on your plate, I'm sorry you have to deal with so much. Sounds like you do what you can and don't give in. Good for you 🌿

I have times of high anxiety with Bipolar and some other MH issues and certainly at times decision making and agitation can happen. I don't know if this is common with anxiety, possibly your psychologist maybe able to answer that more accurately.

I'm glad you have good support with GP and psych. Makes a big difference doesn't it.

I find walking very stimulating and helps a great deal with stress release too. Something I'm learning here from lovely people on various threads is mindfulness being aware of now and our surroundings like when walking taking in details of nature, sound, visual how we feel which all takes practice getting into a habit and also putting this into memory's useful when we need to draw on positives in hard times.

I looked up Sjogrens and read a bit on it. Sounds rough. I'm interested in understanding about that if you feel you like to talk about that or anything hun this is your space to anytime ☺

A couple of lovely members here have recommended a couple of good meditation apps if you're interested could help you with relaxation and sleep.

• Smiling minds
• Insight timer

It was suggested yrs ago for me when I couldnt sleep a hot bath before bed. Did the trick, relaxed my body. Hot as I could take it. I'd think hot shower too would help. It's about relaxing the body and warmth always is comforting.

Hope to see you again sometime ☺

Best to you 🌹