I’ve never felt like this before

[Grw1]

Hello my name is Greg. I’ve always been a very happy and social person but lately I can’t handle much. I’ve reached out to friends and family but that wasn’t much help. Last night I got informed the my dog had bit someone and that was the icing on the cake. So here I am hoping I can find a little help

[Raecole81]

First thing first, seek medical attention if you have even an inkling of self-harm (even if you don't - talk to your doctor!). Talking to people, even like-minded people, is no replacement for professional help.

That said, one day at a time. Emotions get the better of me A LOT and I'm on meds. I learned to breathe. Remove the trigger, if I can, and reach out to a couple friends that can calm me.

[Grw1 in reply to Raecole81]

Thank you. One day at a time. Im looking for a professional to talk to as well. This is all new to me.

[gogogirl in reply to Grw1]

Are you in the USA? There is also NAMI or National Alliance for Mental Illness.

[tstanley77]

Hi Greg, Yeah, my experience has been also that family and friends don't get it. That can hurt a lot. But I think the key is to try to establish new friendships even if that is just in the form of a therapist at first. Also, be hopeful, because there can be a brighter side to anxiety and depression and that is that it can start us on the road to a deeper level of self-awareness which can lead us to a deeper experience of life and even spiritual growth.

[Grw1 in reply to tstanley77]

Wow that’s a very positive way to look at this all! How nice it will be to get on that road.

[tstanley77 in reply to Grw1]

It all started for me years ago when I began to see a therapist. That led to reading different books that also helped me. Eventually, I found faith in God and that helps me a lot in dealing with the problems that I face. One book that helped me a lot years ago is a book called Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. It talks a lot about keeping sight of the big picture of life and gives many little tips on how to do it. It's an easy read too. Very short chapters.

[Grw1 in reply to tstanley77]

I had a friend tell me about that book a few years ago. I’ve been out of the church for a long time. I’m going to try and pull it together in the morning and sit down for a sermon.

[tstanley77 in reply to Grw1]

Church is always a good place to start in building that new foundation of coping with anxiety and depression.

[Grw1 in reply to tstanley77]

It sure is a little scary to go walk into after so long. But here I go!

[tstanley77 in reply to Grw1]

"Feel the Fear and Do it anyway" That was another book I read years ago. Don't remember much about that one though. My Mom used to always tell me when I was going through tough times with my anxiety: "You gotta force yourself to do it." I think sometimes we have to push ourselves. I'll say a prayer for you to do it.

[Grw1 in reply to tstanley77]

Thank you! I can use all I can get right now!

[tstanley77 in reply to Grw1]

You're welcome.

[gogogirl in reply to tstanley77]

Remember this is not a religious site nor one to advise people to "go to church." There are people from many different backgrounds and countries on this site.

[tstanley77 in reply to gogogirl]

I told him that I found faith in God and that helped me. He is the one who said that he had been out of church for awhile and was thinking of going back. I encouraged him because it is a well known fact that millions of people are helped through faith in a life beyond this one. The last I checked, that was still ok.

[gogogirl in reply to tstanley77]

Perhaps you could PM him- remember still this is not a religiously influenced site. You could be flagged.

[Willow85]

Hello Greg. I am in your position at the moment, except I have only reached out to one person who seems to care very little. Might be my perspective and the state I’m in, but that’s how t seems. This is not the first time I’ve experienced these emotions or had these thoughts and I have been to a profession previously and what has helped me most is an outlet. Not medication or a therapist specifically, but an outlet that works for me and allows me to truly release some of the anxiety, stress, tension, intense emotions or thoughts. It’s great to have a support system, but it’s truly about your outlook. I draw when things get tough and I’m able to reflect on those moments visually. Whatever you decide, continue looking for something or try different things that work for you. Find a healthy release that brings you peace.

[Grw1 in reply to Willow85]

Hi Willow. I’ve been trying to find a healthy outlet and can’t seem to be able to focus on anything long enough to find a cense of peace with my thoughts.

[Willow85 in reply to Grw1]

Keep trying. Workout, meditate, go for a walk, carry a pocket notebook or carry postits to jot down thoughts, eat, whatever works

[Grw1 in reply to Willow85]

I will for sure. Something has to change. Life is to short and to speacial to spend to long feeling this way.

[Willow85 in reply to Grw1]

It certainly is. I hope you start feeling better.

[IChoose]

If I'm with safe people, I just say it as I feel it, I'm overwhelmed, I'm toast! Which, by the way, I say all the time lately. Glad I'm not the only one. Probably you're going through something, or a lot of somethings, right now. This too shall pass.

[gogogirl]

Would you like to talk about what is going on, and have you talked to your doctor?

[peanutbuttercup]

How are you doing, Grw1? This is all new to me as well. Just wanted to know how it was going for you.

[Grw1 in reply to peanutbuttercup]

Things are getting better for me. Every day Im just trying to be better and move forward in a positive direction. Having people here has been really good and helpful to me.

[Jmerrick22]

Hey! I totally know how you feel. Take one day at a time, when you feel overwhelmed spend time with friends or family it really will help. Occupy your mind as much as possible.

[Grw1]

I’m working on the one day at a time thing. That’s always been something for me