Just need a break..

[kjs]

Hi, I haven't been on here in a while. I've been getting help for anxiety for 3 years now. I have made some big achievements.. Moved out of home, completed a couple of tafe certificates, bought myself a dog, booked a holiday etc. All very big and challenging things!

So I've been doing quite well but recently I've found myself gettingdown again. Its been almost 2 months of feeling quite low. It sems to happen this time every year when things finish and I need to find some full time work or something. I'm already worked ng two casual jobs but feel behind other people my age. ( I'm 20)

I thought I was better or well on the road to being better but now that I feel like this again, I feel like anxiety and depressed thoughts are all I'll ever know. I feel bad for going to my family, friends and pshyc for support because I feel like they're probably sick of me. All I am wanting is a break from life for a while. not a holiday, but just to escape my mind and thoughts and not have to do or worry about anything or anyone. Just to sleep for weeks or months until things settle down. Its hard to explain. And so how do you explain this to someone who doesn't understand and thinks you're suicidal because you have been in the past.? Its just complicated.. To me anyway. And I don't know how to feel better again...

[Nickname_D109FDCF-CFA4-43]

Hi Kjs,

Firstly, Congratulations on how far you have come! I'm sorry to hear you have been feeling this way.

I feel I have been in your exact situation. I think its important to see little hiccups like this as hurdles along the way in life, your not going backwards.. just approaching some challenges and ruts along the way.

Some things that have helped me through rough times like this are:

- like you said - staying busy with work, hobbies and seeing friends (even if I don't feel like it at all )

- getting out of my house and in particular my room - getting as much fresh air as I can,

- eating well and regularly and exercising daily

having bit of a routine/structure

- reading books (such as Matt Haig's 'Reasons to Stay Alive' - I know it sounds intense but it puts difficult experiences such as this into words, which make it a lot easy to convey such thoughts to others who are not directly experiencing them

- Yoga and meditation

- letting the people around me who support me know that I'm having bit of a difficult phase.

Overall, its important to remember that its hardest to see the clarity of the sky above when at the bottom of a muddy lake.. so trust in the process by knowing that this is only temporary.

For the future… its important to note some things that are maybe triggering these difficult times and making a mental note. Use these warning signs and techniques that work for you to help you stay afloat.

In regards to feeling behind for your age, I have felt this before also. What helps me is thinking of how much I have learnt, experienced and as a result matured due to my mental health journey. Although different to others, our experiences rocket us so far forward in a very valuable way.

Thank you again for sharing Kjs, I hope this and knowing you are not alone in your experiences, helps

Amy 🙂

[Potatochu]

Hey there!

Unfortunately I'm not sure I can offer a whole lot in the way of advice, but instead wanted to hopefully provide you with some solidarity. I'm 21 and have also struggled a lot with anxiety throughout my life, and more recently, depression. I have felt similar feelings to you of being a burden and feeling behind my friends and peers in terms of accomplishment. I'd say from what you've posted, you've accomplished more than I have so far and you're younger, so you've got that going for you!

Essentially, I just wanted you to know you're not alone, and that I hope everything works out for you! 😄