26 years old mentally exhausted from severe anxiety and depression

Guest_49206286

Hi im 26 I've been struggling with anxiety and depression for years, but last two years have been really hard i have been feeling lost don't really know what to do in life is anyone around my age going through something similar? I'd really appreciate any advice

white knight

Hi, welcome

Sorry I'm 70yo but at 26yo I went through a terrible time with anxiety. It's as if my teenage years and becoming an adult all caught up with me.

Firstly, anxiety is a serious illness that easily can lead to depressive disorders especially if not treated. So here is the order I used for treatment-

1. GP consultation if you havent already and their referrals

2. Relaxation techniques to learn, a must, tried and true methods are worth all your effort. Using muscle tensioning exercises worked best for me prior to sleeping and off to noddy land I'd go.

3. Sleep. If you snore of stop breathing during sleep go to your GP, you might need a sleep study. I have used a CPAP for 20 years and it stopped my moods... mostly.

4. Physical exercise. Enough to tire you out.

5. Hobbies

6. Read the post below.

7. Breathing exercises can be dont anywhere. 4 seconds breathe in, out for 4 seconds, in for 4 seconds etc.

8. Diet.

9. Family and friends, identify any situations or people that cause you stress. Slowly distance yourself. Expectations are one example that can put the pressure on.

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

I hope that helps. Reply here if you like on any topic that you think you need clarity on.

TonyWK

Daydreamer70

Hi Guest,

Im around your age and although I havent struggled with depression, I have experienced anxiety on and off in various forms across my entire life. I feel like over the past 5ish years I have definietly become more aware of the anxiety and recently have been struggling more. It is horrible, and a lot of it comes from similar to what you're expressing, feeling lost. I think it is a very common experience unfortunately at this age. Everything feels very uncertain in your 20s. There is so much change and everyone seems to be on different paths. In our modern world anxiety and depression are certainly more prevalent due to social media making it much easier for us to compare ourselves.

The anxiety I experience often comes when I put too much expectation on myself. expectation for career, friends, relationships, appearance, finances etc. these things are all external and it constantly feels like a chore trying to control all these variables. One thing I've been reading about a lot recently to help with this is self worth. What it is, how it impacts us and why it is so important to have healthy levels of self esteem. It has reminded me to be (as cliche as it sounds) so much kinder to myself regardless of anything external. I am not perfect at this by any means, if anything the past few months have been some of the most mentally challenging. However I find peace in moments where I come back to the reminder that all humans are born worthy and that me feeling lost now does not reflect on me as a person. It relieves so much anxiety and sadness thinking in this way.

I hope this helps i kind of just ranted about my own experience but sometimes it helps me hearing other peoples struggles and knowing I'm not alone. I truely underestimated how strange of a time being in your 20s is and I think we all need to show ourselves more compassion in this phase. Do you feel connected to people in your community? this also helps me HUGELY, is being around people who make me feel good about myself. So important.

All the best and feel free to continue on this thread.

Kind regards,

Daydreamer.