I am new and would like advice on anxiety, and possibly depression.

B_O_ · ‎12-01-2019

I am new to this community and this is my first thread. I would like some help dealing with anxiety and possibly depression.

The rundown is that, I have a lot of daily anxiety, and possibly depression, though I am not sure about it. It feels like every single day I can't stop moving, and I worry about things that happened days, months and years ago. I will lie to avoid conflict and do everything to not get attention. I am heavily addicted to screens due to wanting to escape reality. Everything I do, I second-guess, an example being this post - with every sentence I think "Am I just being edgy? God, I don't really have a problem. I just want attention. Stop writing, nobody will care." Even though every post I have seen on this website is responded to kindly. The other day I could not find a drawing book (I am trying to take up drawing), and I could not. I ended up on the ground in a ball crying. A few minutes later I got up and just acted like nothing happened. I spend every day in my room on my laptop, which is (daily) around 14 hours since It is summer break for school.

What I need is ways to not get rid of anxiety, but to prevent it from making be unable to do things that most people would. I need to be able to focus on things, and not just my sadness. I would also like to know IF I have depression, or if I am just feeling depressed.

Thank you. -B

Anxious_1 · ‎16-01-2019

Hi there,

Sounds like the best thing for you is seeing your Gp and sharing what you are going through and they can help work out a plan on getting you through your struggles with anxiety/depression. I was going through anxiety daily which started about 6/7 months ago, i tried everything natural- counselling, naturopaths, kinesiologist which all were helpful, but in the end they were only short term solutions and got advised from family to see Gp about meds... i did not want to take meds but you get to a point where you think its gotta be better than dealing with this anxiety daily. Im on my 3rd werk atm but will see my gp in 2 weeks about this is the right meds for me or trying something else.

Basically seeing your Gp and talking to someone you trust to go with you will be first step in getting support with this,

hope this helps!

B_O_ · ‎16-01-2019

Anxious 1 -

Thank you for your advice on my issue. I won't be taking medication, though. I, too, am trying different methods to try to tone down my anxiety. I hope that one of my methods (Routine, hobbies, meditation, ect) Will work for me as talking to trusted ones helped you. I appreciate your advice, thank you.

-B

smallwolf · ‎16-01-2019

Hi B.O.,

I understand that you might be scared to tell your parents, but I suspect they might have an inkling something is not quite right and waiting for you to talk to them? Or is it a case that you know they do not believe in mental illnesses?

Ultimately, whether you try to go it alone and do it yourself, or seek help from a professional is your choice. And if you want to do it yourself, you might want to find the threads on the forum for grounding and mindfulness.

One book that I also think is worth reading is called "the happiness trap". It was recommended to me by my psych, and you should be able to find a copy of it at your library. You can also download app called the act companion that comes with the book to help you with mindfulness.

If nothing else, there are two things to remember when it comes to distraction and coping tools...

(1) the first is patience. Give each "tool" a chance to work before dismissing. (I have an app called virtual hope box with a word search puzzle. Doing it once, it did nothing for me. I had to do it 5 times straight after each other, before I noticed any change in me.)

(2) a tool that works for one person might not work for you and vice versa. If one tool does not work, move onto the next one until you find one or some that work for you.

Lastly, if you do a meditation, and your mind wanders, that is also OK. Just bring your focus back on whatever the meditation is asking. These things all take time and practice. You will get there, and remember that you are not alone.

But if at any point you feel that you are not coping then getting help from a professional is OK. You might also find writing your thoughts here helpful. And then at some point, you might find the courage (?) to tell your parents? And I am sure they do care about how you feel?

Peace and comforting thoughts,

Tim

B_O_ · ‎20-01-2019

SmallWolf -

I think a family member has that book lying around. I will take a look at it. I will also download the app that you suggested. As for meditation, I have tried doing a routine of it and it has not worked, with is understandable. I think me telling my parents will take a lot of time but I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

-B

smallwolf · ‎21-01-2019

Hi,

If it helps to write your thought here.

You can also read a lot of that book on google books as well.

And as far as meditation is concerned, two things...

(1) you will get some ideas from the book if you get to read it

(2) if something does not work for you, that is OK. Try something else and find what works for you

(3) the virtual hope box has some guided meditations. All you have to do is listen, and then let your imagination do the work. They only go for about 4min. In the app, you might be going to the beach, into the forest, things like that.

Very last thing... check out the thread titled "three things to be thankful for today". You will get some ideas on positives. Otherwise check out gratitude journal ideas.

Tim

B_O_ · ‎22-01-2019

SmallWolf-

All right, I'll check out the thread.

Thanks,

-B