Hello DarkwolfDia
Yes, anxiety and depression can be debilitating. However, with ongoing care it can be managed so you could live a good life. So pleased you've found your way to the Beyond Blue (BB) forums. People who on the forums are not counsellors or therapists. They are friendly, caring, supportive and have experience with mental illness.
All the things you're trying to work through - finishing school, apply for DSP, moving house are really big changes for you. In fact, for anyone. These can cause stress that leads to anxiety. This is on top of your already existing anxiety. So no wonder you're feeling like crawling back into bed.
To try and help you Darkwolf, I'll ask some questions. There is absolutely no pressure for you to respond, just if you want. It gives me something that I can use to help you.
Are you currently seeing a GP or a therapist? It would be good if you were seeing someone to talk through how you are feeling at the moment.
You haven't talked about family. Are you living at home with your parents or siblings? Can you talk with any of them or do can you talk to the person you want to live with?
Talking is really good to help reduce anxiety. They can help you see where you might be jumping to conclusions, or if you're discounting some positives that could happen.
I'm wondering too, have you been given any other helpful tips for reducing your anxiety? Things, like:
- distraction techniques
- grounding, meditation, mindfulness
- regular exercise
- healthy lifestyle (good eating, limited alcoho)
- writing a journal
I do think it's important to talk with someone. There is a range of phone services available and chat lines to, e.g.
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 anytime, any reason
- eHeadspace 1800 650 890
- Suicide call back service 1300 659 467
- BB support service 1300 224 636
- BB chat online 3pm - 12pm
- Lifeline 13 11 14
Also browse through the BB forums, to see how others manage their anxiety.
Please let us know how you get on.
Kind regards
PamelaR
