Lost at Home...

[fionamurphy]

I have struggled with depression and anxiety for years now. Lately, things have been out of control. I recently was hospitalized after weeks of struggling and severe panic attacks. I was only released this week. I have a psychiatrist and I am now seeing a therapist, but I really don't have any support at home. My children live with me and there is constant conflict. It is hard to make it day to day. I seem to spend the day focusing on bedtime, when I know I will get a break from the madness. I have tried numerous times to speak with them and they don't seem to understand or take me seriously. I am lost and don't know how best to proceed with this. Can anyone offer me any advice?? I would certainly appreciate it.

[dukenu]

That sounds like a struggle, I don't have kids but I have an elderly dad I live with and when Im anxious I can't even deal with questions he wants to ask me. Because of our illness, our reserves to deal with stress are limited. I experience my symptoms by wanting to vomit, caughing and feeling dizzy...I treat with progressive muscle relaxation, listening to stress relief music (they have many on youtube) and exercise. I just now came back from a bike ride and I feel my stomach finally starting to ease up on me. I also drank a warm cup of water and sucking on a nausean. Its hasn't cured me, I'm dealing and coping but its better than laying down or just going over my problem over and over in my head---thats another thing to do: force yourself to think about something else...if you can muster it write...really listen to lyrics in a song...talk about something other than illness with a friend anything. Thinking about illness is itself a bad habit that keeps us in the loop of negative thinking. I pray your life gets better, good luck.

[hypercat54]

Hi to be honest I would stop trying to explain to your children as there is no point in flogging a dead horse. Some people just don't get it no matter what you do. Maybe your children are in denial or plain scared and don't know how to react or what to do.

I don't know how old your children are but it's your home and your rules that apply. You can't force them to understand but you can enforce your own rules for a more peaceful life. Can you get out during the day even if just for a walk? If their behaviour is unacceptable to you then you have to change it. If they are adults and they don't like it they can leave. You shouldn't have to be living like this.

Are you getting any professional help? If not it might be a good idea to see your doctor. x