Hello everyone!

[MaryR94]

I'm new to this, so I'm not really sure what to write. I was diagnosed with depression and severe anxiety at a very young age, and I still struggle daily, but mostly with anxiety. It's tough being a somewhat young person (I'm 23) and being afraid of everything all the time. I wish there was a way that I could live normally and be happy. Does anyone else ever feel that way?

[blackcat64013]

Hi and welcome MaryR94,

Just be yourself on the site. We share thoughts, problems, tips for coping and locating useful resources. You can be involved in as little or as much as you feel comfortable. Just be kind to every one you meet

[MaryR94 in reply to blackcat64013]

Thank you! That's my motto, anyway, so this should be good. 😊

[RyRywifey Ambassador]

Hi Mary, welcome to the community 😊We all know too well how debilitating anxiety and depression can be. Me personally, I suffered a nervous breakdown 2 years ago and afterwards I experienced fear I had no idea existed. I was literally afraid of EVERYTHING. It was like my brain turned on me and decided to torture me. Joining this community 2 years ago has helped me tremendously and I believe it can do the same for you. We are all here to chat when you need to just post and we will all respond as we see it. And try not to be discouraged if at times responses don't happen right away, everyone is spread out all over the world from the U.K., to USA to Africa and more so different time zones for everyone. But you made the right decision joining the community 💕

[MaryR94 in reply to RyRywifey]

Thank you so so much! I'm so happy to be here.

[RyRywifey Ambassador in reply to MaryR94]

You're more than welcome hun, I'm glad you're here too! You're probably already experiencing how helpful it is and is going to be 🌸

[MaryR94 in reply to RyRywifey]

I absolutely am! Such a positive place!

[lhortiz]

Thanks for your comment on my page. I'm sorry to hear of your struggle. There's a lot reasons why you may be struggling at such a young age. Overly critical parents, over protective parents, traumatic experiences, etc. etc. I know a lot of my struggles came from my upbringing. We develop belief systems through those upbringings and the key is to challenge the belief systems. I am very good at what I do as an esthetician so I could probably look at it from less of an ego centric position and start looking at it from the standpoint of what those seeking my services really want. I found the website, "anxietycentre.com" out of Canada and it has the most comprehensive information on the cause, effects and treatment of anxiety. I deal with symptoms daily but have to passively accept the uncomfortable feelings while I deal with the underlying causes in order to win the battle and recover. The counselors on the site have all recovered and live anxiety free and to me, that says something.

[MaryR94 in reply to lhortiz]

Thank you so much. That makes a lot of sense. My mom passed away suddenly 4 years ago, and it's coming up on the anniversary, so I'm kind of blaming the heightened anxiety on that.

[lhortiz in reply to MaryR94]

That makes sense Mary. I'm sorry to hear about your loss. You must have been close to her.

[MaryR94 in reply to lhortiz]

Thank you so much. I was. I really appreciate the support. ❤️

[gogogirl in reply to MaryR94]

I think that our moods in general as people tell us something like something or someone is missing. I am sorry about your mom. My parents passed away decades ago , and I miss them very much. Remember, your mom is always with you, and she is guiding you now . Please do not be so hard on yourself.

[MaryR94 in reply to gogogirl]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Thank you so much, I definitely like to think that. Lately, I've had a existential fear of death and my best friend made a point to say that she didn't think my mom would let anything happen to me, and that really helped. Thanks so much.

[gogogirl in reply to MaryR94]

What a nice friend having someone who accepts you as you are.

[MaryR94 in reply to gogogirl]

She's the best! I'm very lucky.

[gogogirl in reply to MaryR94]

I have known my best friend for over 57 years!

[MaryR94 in reply to gogogirl]

That's amazing! I hope I get to that point with my best friend! She lives 3000 miles away from me so it's hard.

[gogogirl in reply to MaryR94]

I live just short of two hundred miles from mine.

BTW- did you get to see the eclipse? I did with glasses, and it was amazing- actually no words to describe it.

[MaryR94 in reply to gogogirl]

I did! I live in a place where totality happened. It was incredible!

[gogogirl in reply to MaryR94]

Wow, that is incredible- we won't see totality for another seven years. I am a senior, but I am planning on being around!

[MaryR94 in reply to gogogirl]

That's amazing! I'm sure you'll love it. It's so beautiful!

[Hidden]

I do. Not everyday but it happens often. I barely have anyone to talk or turn to for any type of advice or support.

[MaryR94 in reply to Hidden]

Feel free to message me if you ever need someone to talk to!

[gogogirl in reply to Hidden]

Now, you have people here for support. Feel free to message me.

[Struggling777]

Welcome Mary, I'm sorry to hear about your mum . Her sudden passing must've been a shock and hard for you. Anniversaries aren't easy so be kind to yourself and remember she'll be guiding you (that's what I believe).

Anxiety and depression are difficult but you will get great support from this site. Like you I first had anx/dep young (16) and I gave up on lots of things. I was desperate for my mum to understand but it was her worst nightmare! I wish I'd been more of a fighter like my older siblings but I'm too sensitive! I was 61 when mum (Mary) passed after a very long and happy life and I miss her loads. She was so strong and capable and a great manager and unfortunately I'm not a bit like her.

I hope you have lots of good memories of your mum to help you through. Big hugs 🌻

[MaryR94 in reply to Struggling777]

Thank you so much! Your words mean so much. I really appreciate it. I'm also sorry to hear about your mom.