Panic!

[NervesOButter]

I am 37 years young, from Ohio. I have suffered from major depressive disorder, panic attacks, and agoraphobia for the better part of my life. Just want to live a better life.

[DragonTears]

Hey there,

I hear you! Sometimes it feels so unfair that everyone else seems to have a good normal life and here we are, having to have to fight our own brains just to answer the phone, go do a food shop or interact with other people. But, remember, your depression does not define you. We can achieve a happier existence too, we just need to be more organised about it, not just trust it will happen automatically. It takes time, energy and a whole lot of patience, research, support and sheer stubbornness to achieve it, but then, we are worth it. I also believe it makes us better humans in the process. I truly think having first hand experience of mental health issues, makes us reflect on life more, empathise with others and be less judgemental. I found that I was waiting for "normality" and "happiness" to kinda just happen and the longer it didn't, the more victimised I felt. But I realised that I hadn't even defined what those two things meant for me. What is "a better life" to you? Maybe if you can define it better, you can see ways to achieve it, or get closer to it. Please share your thoughts if you wish Big Hugs!

[Hidden in reply to DragonTears]

Very well said! XXX

[Forestina in reply to DragonTears]

A very insightful post. Thank you.