How to survive and ultimatly thrive with Anxiety

[alex1]

I'm currently struggling with anxiety and depression at the moment. I spend my days constantly worrying, I've always been an over-thinker - even from a young age - however, ever since I've been diagnosed I've noticed all my thoughts are reality to me. I am unable to stop thinking irrationally. I currently don't have the skills or confidence to be able to manage or stop all these negative thoughts. My anxiety and depression have made me very insecure. I have a job, and am constantly fearing getting the sack. My managers are terrible, they never tell the staff members when they have made a mistake, often gossiping to one another about the mistakes we've made; not giving us any chance to rectify the situation. They often bitch about insignificant things, that make no difference to the overall customer experience. Maybe I'm exaggerating; I'm sure I am to a certain extent, however, all of this heightens my anxiety, causing my imagination to fill in the gaps. I also harbor some resentment from my high school days when I was bullied. The rejection and all the memories of being told "you're not good enough, Alex" has left an indelible mark on me, only now have I started to pick myself up and look to the future. I'm doing all that I can to succeed and get through this tough time, however, it's impossible without the support of my family. I've hardly had any support from them so I've sought out alternative means of support - lifeline, beyond blue and a psychologist - to get me through the tough times. However, I know that's not enough hence why I'm asking this question. Suffering from a mental illness at such a young age (im 19) hasn't all been bad, I've noticed that I've gotten stronger and wiser. My ability to relate to people has also improved immensely. Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

[Paul]

Hey Alex, welcome to Beyond Blue forums.

I can relate to a lot of what you have written. Stupid managers who don't appreciate their staff and don't know how to lead.

Bullies at school who tell us that we're not good enough (or in my case that I'm a poof and a whimp).

For sensitive people like us it steals our emotional energy and leaves us feeling worthless and used up. The good thing is sensitive people rock! We are more empathetic, better to chat with, better to have relationships with I could go on!

It sounds like you've got some help which is good,  but you've mentioned you know that's not enough. What has you feeling like it's not enough? There's some great resources on here to find professionals if you need a change in therapist or GP, but it sounds like you're looking for some tools to help you cope with the worry and bullshit that's going on at work and around you.

I've found "mindfulness meditation" to be helpful for me. youtube has some that I use - some of them are crap, some of them are great some include "ACT" which helps me as well. The guided meditations help me to relax and become and observer of my thoughts and feelings. This means that instead of letting the emotions overwhelm me, I name them, let them sit there without judging them or reacting with my self talk, then after a while let them fall into an imaginary pouch. It's taken some practice, but it's really helpful to withstand a storm of emotions and thoughts that overwhelm me.

Perhaps another visit to your psychologist and GP and ask them both if there are some further strategies that can be used and explain what you've written above about more help.

There's the Beyond Blue help line if you need to talk to someone urgently.

Take care Alex, you're worth it. You write eloquently and intelligently and you seem like a decent and sensitive guy. Whoever told you that you aren't worth it clearly didn't take the time to know you - their loss!

Let us know how things are going soon.

Paul