Anxiety and depression

AndreaDee23

Anyone else out there struggling with mental health? It gets the best of me and interferes with what I want to accomplish health wise. Trying to overcome it and get healthier and strong. Glad this app has so much support!

penguinmama87

I don't currently but I have in the past. I've made a lot of progress with reading, prayer and meditation, and one really great therapist (also a couple not great ones.)

Probably the best thing I have learned is to make a plan for crisis mode when not in crisis, and then it's easier to adhere to the plan because I don't have to figure it all out then - the mental load is already done. I try to put as many of the good things on autopilot as possible, and have a few trusted friends who will help me do the things I'm going to be more reluctant to do (like socialize).

Actually, that's probably the second best thing. The best thing is to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Doing something is better than nothing even if it's not the timetable I envisioned or the "best" plan.

Best of luck to you.

elspectre

Yup, spent the last couple of years riding the depression/anxiety roller coaster. Things that have helped:

1) Some form of mindfulness. Meditation works for me, but everyone is different. If you go that route, bear in mind that being mindful is not the same thing as being happy or at peace, but it can help you get there.

2) Some regular exercise helps a lot. I know we all get sick of hearing it, but we are chemical machines and even 30 min/day of easy walking has a noticeable effect. Same thing with sleep.

3) If you can confide in someone, do so. When I'm low, it's remarkably helpful just to be able to tell a friend "I'm having a hard time again, but I've gotten through it before". They've been there too, trust me.

Best wishes, and know that you're not alone.

--David

Trabsiwel5439

Definitely been there. Still comes and goes, just pulling myself out of the hole since about March 2022. Caused me to give up exercising, ate loads more and drank my self silly. I got a little slap in the face and here I am trying to sort it. Best of luck., you are not alone.

renew0127

i do. fighting with it constantly. can be all consuming. i am in therapy. it is definitely a battle. i do meditate and get as much exercise as possible. listen to podcasts and sassy music that tells you what a bada$$ you are. i am beginning to have more good days than bad, but family issues are causing that to topple. you are definitely not alone.

avatiach

Been there! Things that help me: breathing. Yoga (don’t love doing it but feel much calmer after). Art journaling. (Lynda Barry suggests when you are struggling or want to center yourself, to draw tight spirals, slowly, on a page. It actually has helped me.). Writing things down (and maybe then throwing the paper away). Therapy—has given me some tools. Reframing. Craniosacral massage (it is specialized—and safe—and helped tremendously with postpartum depression).
For me, anxiety comes and goes. If it was my companion always, I would probably look for some medication though.

rebeccahonore091

I have a coworker who is a therapist. I remember she told us at one point that it's impossible to be at 100%, 100% of the time. If we can go for 80-85%, it's good enough and realistic.

I have personally found that therapy and medication have been my best tools. I do what I can when I can do it, and that's generally enough.

I've also found journaling to be helpful. It doesn't have to be like a diary entry. If I write down an affirmation and a goal for the day in the morning, and write down 3 things that could have gone differently (not necessarily "better" - just different) and at least 3 things that went well, it helps to put the day into a better perspective. Hopefully this helps in management.

littletahoma

Yes…one thing that helps me get through the tougher days or times is to think of what I’m grateful for. Also, give myself some grace, it’s ok to sometimes clear your calendar, or cancel a plan when I need rest. Knowing my limits and having boundaries has made a big difference in depression. I get anxiety still, it’s really physical in my body, that’s a tough one and I often have to just breath through it, deep breaths and excercise does improve this.

renew0127

@avatiach the idea of the tight spirals has me intrigued. can you tell me more about what that does for your anxiety? thanks!

NolanBB

I had problems with anxiety though I don't anymore. In a short comment, I can't explain exactly how I got rid of my anxiety, but I can offer a tip that may work for you. (Disclaimer: not a medical professional) Perhaps it may be useful to think through what exactly is causing your anxiety, and try to rationalize that thought. Often times in my experience the anxiety-inducing thoughts are irrational, and once I realize that, my anxiety is greatly alleviated.

renew0127

i have been listening to podcasts recently an they all have mentioned:"you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with" i have seriously evaluated that in my life and am making some big changes. I am changing jobs. i am shifting who i talk to more. i am shifting who i follow on social media. the most important person i spend the most time with is me. and i need the most work. I write affirmations every day. i post affirmations on social media every day once i find one that resonates with me. i make it a point to reach out to the people that help me along the way. and im in therapy. no shame in my game. ive learned to LOVE therapy. its me time. my therapist and i could be sisters i feel. shes so easy to talk to. i am reading self development books. ive never liked reading until now. i am amazed at what all this stuff can do for you! ♥♥♥

TxDesertFox

I've had anxiety all my life. Social mostly, but didn't get diagnosed until my late 20s. Tried a couple of different medications before I found one that worked for me. Mind you, I tried all the natural routes and for the most part I was able to somewhat manage it until I got my first newspaper job..my anxiety level was through the roof and impacted my work and daily life enough I finally talked to my doctor about it. I made a career change about three years ago and was able to get off the meds. and have been able to manage my anxiety with just running, or maybe it's because I'm older and lack the energy to care.

OccultOrange

I also struggle with anxiety, and have most of my life. I can absolutely relate!

Medication was by far the biggest help to me in terms of getting my anxiety down to a manageable level. Now that I've got that leveled out, I've been able to better focus on my goals as well as other strategies for working on my anxiety. It's still a work in progress!

Meditation or some form of mindfulness, daily affirmations, and having a creative outlet have also really helped me.

finleycats

Lots of good tips here. I have to be cautious of meds as they have the opposite affect with me. One thing I've learned is I have empath tendencies and take on the emotions around me. So when I don't know why I'm having anxiety, I look around at the people I've been around. Knowing it's not my anxiety helps a lot (going to Walmart can be a real trip). Otherwise, for me getting into nature is HUGE, especially if I go walking. And sleep, OMG getting enough sleep! Aside from those, I also use Crystals, essential oils, and counseling when needed. Good luck! Took me years to get to where I am (the more you do what you need to do, the quicker it would happen) and I still have relapses (currently my one of my jobs plus fur babies not doing well and dying).

SafariGalNYC

I’ve had extreme stress and anxiety in the last 2 years. After working 60 hours per week I would go home and take care of a loved one with stage 4 cancer. I’m still digging myself out of this black hole…

Some things that have helped- good sleep, limited phone and tv around bedtime, exercise, stretching, long baths. Diet wise I feel my best when I limit alcohol and caffeine. Though they are nice in the moment, i feel like crap a few hours later. The more disciplined i am, the better i feel. Dunno why. Maybe it’s a control thing.

When I feel stress at my job or anxiety .. I try to remember my power and that anxiety is something I place on myself. I let it attack me. I visualize blooming like a flower.

Stress is external, anxiety is internal. I think anxiety is learned somehow. I learned it by being afraid to fail.. so now I have to breathe, be kind to myself and be around good and authentic people.

I hope some of that may help you.

avatiach

@avatiach the idea of the tight spirals has me intrigued. can you tell me more about what that does for your anxiety? thanks!

@shann55437 apologies I am just seeing this now.

It is basically a meditative centering exercise. I found this interesting piece written about it:

https://adamwestbrook.substack.com/p/62-spirals

I like that you can do it anywhere!

You can also Google “Lynda Barry” and journaling or curriculum, she has some interesting YouTube videos based on a class she teaches (and a book too!).

renew0127

avatiach wrote: »

@avatiach the idea of the tight spirals has me intrigued. can you tell me more about what that does for your anxiety? thanks!

@shann55437 apologies I am just seeing this now.

It is basically a meditative centering exercise. I found this interesting piece written about it:

https://adamwestbrook.substack.com/p/62-spirals

I like that you can do it anywhere!

You can also Google “Lynda Barry” and journaling or curriculum, she has some interesting YouTube videos based on a class she teaches (and a book too!).

Thank you so much @avatiach !! I will definitely read about that. I am all about knocking my anxiety off its block some!

CrazyMermaid1

As NAMI Connection Support Group says, Mental illnesses are medical illnesses that may have environmental triggers. There’s no shame in having to take medication for them, just like there’s no shame in taking insulin or heart medication.

crystallynnlu

I have bad anxiety

renew0127

CrazyMermaid1 wrote: »

As NAMI Connection Support Group says, Mental illnesses are medical illnesses that may have environmental triggers. There’s no shame in having to take medication for them, just like there’s no shame in taking insulin or heart medication.

thank you for saying that. it's nice knowing there are people out there who don't listen to all the hype that just because i take meds must mean that i am crazy.

renew0127

crystallynnlu wrote: »

I have bad anxiety

i hope you find this is a place that can help you. everyone is very supportive and have great insight with different ideas to help.

CTtugboating

Anxiety, depression, body image issues, addiction... I got it all haha. BUT I've always found that having a plan is best. Failing to plan is planning to fail. So many people just go go go go and get overwhelmed. The key is to always be mindful of your feelings and your triggers and never ever feel like you're alone. It's easier said than done, but if you put the work in anything is possible. A lot of my anxiety and depression comes from my self esteem issues which is of course directly related to my weight. It's taken me a long time to get to where I am and I will forever be a work in progress. You got this!

fishbonz3497

I have to fought this for years. found a good full spectrum cbd helps me tremendously.good luck

TeddyMaddox

Dealing with mental health stuff can feel super isolating, but knowing there's a space to share and connect makes a world of difference.

jess2023mac

"The best thing is to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Doing something is better than nothing even if it's not the timetable I envisioned or the "best" plan."

I love this. So many of us(or at least me ) feel it's gotta be all or nothing. All that 'beautiful people' media rage can really get to a person, or just the media rage itself, how there's a right way and a wrong way to just be in this world. We all need to learn what's right, normal, beautiful, for US. We ARE enough. If people could get past the exterior of others and really get to know the interior light that shines in each and every one of us.
I'm speaking from my own life perspective and from the things I know that has caused me depression/anxiety through my 70 years of life.

I have been on medication for depression and anxiety since my peri-menapause days. I still need to take back my control of the mind a lot of the time. Changing our negative self-image can be very challenging.

For me, part of the answer lies in being with people that make me feel good. And being in nature, can't say enough good about the effects of that. Being with my dogs.

Good luck and best wishes; being depressed and living with anxiety is such a challenging life. But it can be managed by finding the things that work for you.