depression after anxiety?

[AWTTY]

Hi all- anybody here find that their depression came *after* years of anxiety? I think (unhappily) I might be finding myself there...

(PS - I am new!)

[fauxartist]

welcome AWITTY....and glad your sharing....I find it very healing and informative to read others posts and comments...you may find a lot of info....kind people here.

[Tillyray]

Hi. AWTTY.

I've had anxiety in various degrees probably all of my life, I just never recognised it as such. I coped in situations, yet at times I could feel nervous or on edge inside. But I blagged it with forced confidence so it wasn't obvious to anyone. This could be exhausting but was a normal operating basis for me.I just knew It was something I had to hide and that I had to 'fit in' as 'normally' as possible..

In recent years, an illness and its symptoms which I had always managed, gradually got worse and I suffered a period of increased disability. I was in constant pain barely able to walk. I also had some family worries. Whether or not these events were connected to an increase in my anxiety I don't know, but it began to affect me more, and so did ocd which had been a minor thing that I also hadn't recognised before...

Then a sudden period of depression engulfed me. It lasted a year. I didn't realise what it was at the time, I just felt I was going through the motions of living. I felt under pressure and guilty. I found no pleasure in anything at all and it meant I missed out on my grandchild's first year, even though I was present a lot of the time I cant remember it.. Life overwhelmed me..

At times I still feel overwhelmed, but I am out of the constant blackness. I do have an increased feeling of anxiety and I suffer bouts of depression, but I can recognise the signs of depression and instead of pushing myself and putting myself in all situations at all times, I take 'mental health days' to recover. I am kinder to myself and I dont put myself into situations that cause me panic or distress. Recognising myself and my mental health has made a huge difference. I have coping strategies-mindfulness, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and sometimes I need days in bed cuddling my cats watching dvd's🙂- Its my life and this is who I am! I'm getting through it my way!..Recognising, then accepting is start to it being easier.

I hope you find the coping strategies that work for you. Remember your GP can help. Best wishes xxx

[AWTTY in reply to Tillyray]

Tillyray- I agree completely about the need for cats Thanks for sharing- hope you continue to improve too! There is something comforting in having people who understand- yes?

[Lizanimal]

Welcome! I developed depression several years after my diagnosis of anxiety with panic (the diagnosis was probably 5-10 years too late-I've been anxious since birth basically) after a traumatic situation and just exhaustion from having to cope with constant panic attacks. For me, I knew that my mom and friends couldn't understand me or really help me in a meaningful way. I was overwhelmed with anxiety, overwhelmed with keeping it together and trying not to panic in public, having physical symptoms that confused me and having a sudden change in my family life. I think it's normal because being diagnosed with any chronic condition is overwhelming.