Well where should I start....

Fir35t0rm · ‎18-07-2016

Hi everyone, my name is Harry.

I'm 24, live in regional WA and recently I've found out that I have depression and anxiety over 3 months ago and I don't know how long I've been like this.

I'd probably say it was from a bad break up of a relationship about 4 years ago that at the time I was in a mentally exhausting apprenticeship, living alone and I didn't had anyone close to talk to about. Living in a small town did made things a lot harder for myself and for the next 6 months, I've fallen to some bad crowds, hit the alcohol bad, I've almost wrapped myself around a tree while speeding on a dirt road.

I thought it was a very low key moment of my life and even though up to now I've managed to cut out toxic friendships, changing jobs and did some lifestyle changes. There are times where I feel physically sick, stressed out where I'm unable to do anything productive or overthink about situations when I'm out in social areas.

At the moment dealing with depression and anxiety now that I've accepted it, I trying out herbal supplements that helps me get through the day, trying to get in touch with people, regardless what I think they would say and keep my mind on projects, either on a hobby or volunteering. The hardest challenge is the anxiety where I tend to overthink about myself and friends...it still has a win once and awhile. 😞

Currently I enjoy my computer games, mainly RPG's and anything with a great story. Also I like my cars and do photography and making video content for a couple of gaming events in Perth. I enjoy my music from the 70's rock, 90's metal and some new indie artists, lately I've been listening to soundtracks from numerous video games where some scores still can bring me to tears! XD

Anyway that's me for starters where I'm still trying to keep myself okay day by day.

Thanks to anyone who'd read this and hope to hear from you soon.

white knight · ‎18-07-2016

Hi fir, welcome

You seem to be doing mist of what many if us recommend.

You haven't mentioned relaxation. Try muscle tensioning exercises when you first hit bed at night.

Read up on threads here that might hell. Post more questions as they come to your thoughts. Feel free.

Great to see you here.

Tony WK

geoff · ‎19-07-2016

hi Harry, thanks for posting your comment, that's a big step to take, and secondly for accepting that you are struggling with depression/anxiety and once you hit the bottom there is only way and that's up, whether this happens quickly or whether it takes a little while, but to change yourself life, job, removing toxic people and perhaps cutting down on your alcohol intake are all good moves, but all of this takes strength and courage which is great for you to do.
Try not to compare yourself to how other people behave or what they achieve, but isn't easy to do, but when this happens it's a sure way to make you feel as though you are under them, well your not because everybody has different circumstances to what goes on in their life.
Believe me to see someone break down in tears when they are listening to music being played is rather an emotional site for me, because I can certainly relate to this, it means that this person needs someone close to them to come up and give them a hug, cuddle or what ever you want to call it.
Someone suffering from depression and anxiety need to take one day at a time, because what can happen is that they plan someone for 2 months time but as the time gets closer they then start to panic and as soon as the day is here they go into in a ball and don't want to go.
Hope to hear from you again Harry. Geoff.

blondguy · ‎20-07-2016

Hi Fir35t0rm

You are strong for posting and welcome to you!

You are also pro-active where your health is concerned and well done to you. Removing overly critical/negative people from your day to day life can be a huge bonus to your health. You love 70's rock and photography too!

You are an intelligent and kind person Fir, I have had acute anxiety/depression since 1983 when I was 23.

Overthinking can be a pain, it takes a while to re-train our brain to slow this down. I am not an expert but have managed to overcome the spiral of overthinking big time.

There are many super kind people on the forums that can be here for you Fir. You are more than welcome to post back about anything you wish 🙂

My kindest thoughts

Paul

Fir35t0rm · ‎21-07-2016

Hi Guys

Thanks for hearing me out, it was very grateful to you all.

The biggest challenge I'm having now is changing the way I think about myself and others. For a long time on projects and creative work, I tend to criticise myself and always making sure that I’ll always do better. I’m not
sure if this was a preferred path as there were some moments that I’ve worked too hard and I just close myself up on everything and/or lose motivation.

The majority of my friends live 3+ hours away and even though social media and online services made interaction a lot more accessible, I still find myself isolated and therefore alone on a moody day. Over the
years, I’ve done a lot of long distance driving to and from Perth but this does seem more tiring now since my current job involves lots of driving to other regional towns.

I hoping this isolation obstacle will be gone soon as I have been trying to move closer to Perth where I’m near to my interests but it is a matter of getting a job.

Hopefully some good news will happen soon. Fingers crossed!

blondguy · ‎22-07-2016

Hi Firestorm, I admire your attitude and moving closer to Perth will help with the dreaded isolation.

I wont wish you luck as I dont think you will need it. You have a lot going for you 🙂

Let us know how you go

My Best

Paul