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[Michael8072]

Hey all. I've been suffering from anxiety and depression for years now. It finally got to a point that I couldn't handle keeping it in any more and I started seeing a therapist and reading some self help books. I feel so alone as I don't have a best friend to lean on and its tough talking to parents or family when there going through things as well. I'm very thankful for these groups that I can at least vent and share and feel that I'm not alone. I know it's gonna be a long uphill climb to get better and I'm trying my best to dig myself out. The last 2 days have been rough and not being able to sleep is the worst part cause it just carries over into the next day. It makes it hard to get up and out to do anything. That's just a bit of what's going on. Thanks for listening.

[Hidden]

Hi Michael. Your story rings true for many here. I have been here only a short time, but I have found compassionate, caring people here.

I am happy to listen. I know how lonely dealing with this stuff can make you feel. Believe me, you are not alone.💖

[Michael8072 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. It makes me feel better to know I'm not alone and to have a support group to share with. Hopefully help each other when we're feeling down and don't lose hope.

[Hidden in reply to Michael8072]

You are welcome. Depression likes to self isolate. Talking to others keeps that at bay and helping others helps to heal ourselves.😊

[Michael8072 in reply to Hidden]

Depression certainly does like to do that. Work keeps me occupied but my days off completely destroy me. I know now I have the power to change that and I will. I'm just realizing its gonna take time and I can't get flustered or frustrated when it doesn't happen right away.

[Hidden in reply to Michael8072]

That's not uncommon. You might want to try and plan something you really enjoy for those days off.

[Marshall64]

Welcome to the forum Michael. For some reason, sharing to strangers is easier for me. I don't want to overwhelm my family as they have their own issues.

Sleep is an issue for many people suffering from depression and anxiety. As for me, I want to sleep especially to escape anxiety but the anxiety makes it hard to sleep (nervous energy).

A lack of sleep makes one more depressed and creates brain fog.

Are you taking any medications for depression or anxiety?

[Michael8072 in reply to Marshall64]

Hi Marshall thank you. It's hard for me to open up and share but I just don't want to keep it inside anymore. So many years. I gotta let my thoughts and feeling out and focus on healing and getring better. Life just couldn't continue this way. I've just begun therapy and trying not to take any meds. So I'm not on anything as of yet.

[Marshall64 in reply to Michael8072]

Therapy is a great start. remember that it is a process so you may need to be patient.

There are some natural remedies for sleep like Valerian root, melatonin, or Tylenol PM. Relaxation techniques, mediating and breathing exercises may help calm you down so you can sleep. There are apps for smartphone that have white noise, ocean sounds, etc. I use the app when I travel. I use a fan at home. Making a room cold also helps.

[Michael8072 in reply to Marshall64]

Yes thank you. I have to tell myself often to be patient. I know the cure isn't a day away even though I wish it was. Have to take it one day at a time. Setbacks included.

Thank you for the suggestions. Meditation is good I'm just working on my focus part. My focus tends to wander. I like listening to the sounds of the ocean. The waves crashing along the beach is my peaceful place.

What do you like to listen to?

[Marshall64 in reply to Michael8072]

I like rain with thunderstorms and ocean waves. The app that I have even includes washing machines and vacuum cleaners.

I have tried meditation so many times but it is hard for me to keep out the internal chatter.

[Michael8072 in reply to Marshall64]

I'm courious about the washing machine and vacuum cleaner. I wonder if those being noisy will interrupt the thoughts going on in my head.

Thunder and rain is good. I like that as well.

Meditation is a tough one.

[Marshall64 in reply to Michael8072]

I have heard of people using vacuum cleaners and washing machines to put their babies asleep. It is like white noise.