New Here- Optimisic To Finally Have Help

[Needhelp44]

I just found this. I have had major general anxiety disorder and depression for most of my 61 years. I also have been battling substance abuse with prescription drugs for 25 years. I am by myself, again out of a job and looking, have very few friends, and family far away. I am the only one in my family who has all these problems. I am reaching out for advice, help, and friendships as my life up to the point I feel has been a failure. I am at a turning point. I welcome your help!

[JaimeLynn]

I've been dealing with my issues all my life as well. No one in my family understands. I don't really have any friends. I, too, found this in hopes to find someone who understands. You are definitely not alone in this. And you're not a failure. The fact that you keep trying to live each day despite this, proves you're not. I'm here if you ever want to talk.

[Needhelp44 in reply to JaimeLynn]

Thank you very much,

[JaimeLynn in reply to Needhelp44]

If you want, you can have my email: [e-mail] ... I check it often, if you ever want to talk. About anything. It helps knowing that there's others who feel the same.

[BonnieSue]

Amazing! I'm 60 and also have GAD, depression plus, but I have close family and am down to 1 friend. I have plenty of acquaintances, but not real friends. And most people don't know I have the mental illnesses. I don't see any reason to tell them. I don't have to work and my sympathy is with you trying to find a job right now, lol it's not easy!! My memory is shot due to the benzos for 29 years. How did you manage your GAD?

[Needhelp44]

Hi, I still have it. I also have major social anxiety. I have spent or used most of my retirement from loosing so many jobs. I also did benzo's for 25. -30 years. My memory is shot as well. I have decided to try and find a different job and industry that is not so stressful and not make much money but hopefully maintain my sobriety. I am feeling kinda of hopeless- not really sure who to listen to - the aa pp, family, therapists- kind of list. Thanks for talking to me.

[gogogirl]

YOU are not a failure. I have been through some of these same issues. Sorry that you are out of a job. What is your field? We do not get a report card in life as my counselor says.

[Needhelp44 in reply to gogogirl]

Hi, thank you, I was in sales, but I want to do something different because I am an introvert and it is all extroverts. I kind of disagree very much with your counselor. I am constantly thinking at 61 years old have I lived a good life and if I died today how would I feel. I also ask myself the question when I die what do I want my legacy to be? The answer to the first question for me is not good. Thoughts?

[gogogirl in reply to Needhelp44]

Hey, based on one situation ( which I ruminate about) I also tend to ruminate and feel guilt. Ask yourself this: ( and believe me I KNOW it is hard) Am I doing any good by downing myself, and is everybody perfect? Perhaps you can help others who have been through something similar. I know that when we are older we tend to look backwards. I will bet you can find something good about yourself. Anyway, it's good to vent, and I am here and can relate. You can write to gogogirl on this site and even keep something private.

[Kadey-bug in reply to gogogirl]

Sit down and write your obituary. I know this sounds morbid, but it will let you see where you are and what you want to be. I did this in a money management class and it really opened my eyes as to where I was and where I want to be. Helped me so muc. God bless!!

[Needhelp44 in reply to Kadey-bug]

Good idea for today- thank you

[Hidden]

I can understand your troubles. I think you need to stop abusing the prescription drugs because this is only making the situation worse. Seek out some advice about doing this and you can deal with other things. Good luck to you.

[krpedm]

I'm new to the site too. I'm at the end of a 40 year career as a lawyer in extremely stressful circumstances and have finally decided "No more!". I have tried to identify the stressors and attack them but I'm not sure that was the right approach. It seemed like everywhere I turned there were more stressors. I guess what I am saying is that I needed to be calmer about it and take a meditative or spiritual approach. Tha