New to this

[swilso2294]

Hi everyone! I'm 24 and from the US and had been struggling with severe depression and anxiety for 4 years before I finally decided to seek help in 2016. After a long and difficult 2 year struggle of tweaking medications, finding healthy outlets to manage my condition, and coming to terms that I didn't have to be embarrassed or ashamed of who I am, I am finally stable and happy (well happier than I've been in a long time). I still have bad days every now and then but I'm finally at the point where I can react and respond to them in a healthier way than drinking it away. I'm on here to help anyone I can because I know how terrifying it is to try to tackle this on your own. I also would love to see what works for you as well and maybe adjust my own ways accordingly. Feel free to message me if you just want to talk!

[Dandelion_45]

Hi I was just wondering what are some of your coping strategies if you have any

[swilso2294 in reply to Dandelion_45]

So if I feel an episode coming on I try to sit in a low lit room in a comfortable chair. I put a cold wash rag on my neck and biofreeze or icy hot on my chest. Then I suck on an ice cube and in about 10 minutes i start to relax. What really has helped me is that one day a week I have a "Me Day" where I just go to lunch, get a drink, or go to the beach just by myself. It helps me refocus and enjoy myself without having to worry about what someone else might want to do. I don't plan the day I just do what I want to do at that moment.

[Dandelion_45 in reply to swilso2294]

Thank you I’ll definitely try that

[swilso2294 in reply to Dandelion_45]

No worries are you on any meds?

[Dandelion_45 in reply to swilso2294]

No I don’t have the money to go to a doctor right now and I honestly don’t know when I will I’ve been wanting to get help for a long time but I can’t because of financial reasons I’ve been dealing with this by myself for sometime now so it’s nice to know how other people deal with these emotions

[swilso2294 in reply to Dandelion_45]

There are a lot of state programs that help with this sort of thing. I was in the same boat and my state helped pretty much pay for everything and my meds are only $3.50 for both. All I know is from experience the longer you wait to get help the worse it gets.

[Dandelion_45 in reply to swilso2294]

Yeah I tried to get help from the state but apparently I make too much money which I guess to them I do but I have a lot of bills and financial responsibilities in my household to a point where I feel trapped because if I take a lesser paying job so I can get help from the state I might not be able to pay my bills so it’s very scary and stressful emotionally at this point i know I need it but I don’t wanna be homeless or have my car taken away

[swilso2294 in reply to Dandelion_45]

Completely understand try reaching out to organizations like the mighty they might have the resources you need.

[Dandelion_45 in reply to swilso2294]

Thank you it’s nice knowing I’m not alone

[swilso2294 in reply to Dandelion_45]

You're not! Feel free to message me whenever you need someone to talk to

[Dandelion_45 in reply to swilso2294]

Thank you that means so much I feel like people around me just don’t understand

[swilso2294 in reply to Dandelion_45]

Same it's awesome to talk to people that are going through the same thing. It makes me feel like I'm not alone