Stuck between a rock and a hard place

Struggling with anxiety and depression. Don't have anything I like doing other than sitting, reading, and watching tv. Would like to have a life, but can't seem to find it. Have a part time job which should be a no-brainer but adds to anxiety. HELP!

[gerg]

Since you like to read you have an amazing escape. I love to read and I get a lot from it. I changed my world by reading about anxiety and depression. I would mix that with other subjects that interest me. Right now I would like to have more time to read, but I’m not complaining.

[Hidden in reply to gerg]

It does help me escape, but I feel guilty just sitting around. Luckily I have a wonderful husband who takes care of a lot of the housework. I just can't seem to do it. Thanks for your reply.

[IheartDogs]

That's great you like to read. Can you go outside and read? Being outdoors works small miracles for depression... The fresh air, open space, sun light, nature. Please try it and let us know how you feel after 💕

[Hidden in reply to IheartDogs]

Thanks for your reply. The weather is uncomfortable now, but I still need to get out there and allow nature to work it's magic. It's easier to stay indoors.

[Guardianangel1]

What I hear you saying is that although you do have things you enjoy doing it appears to yourself that you still have no life outside of the house, correct?

Things such as vacations trips entertainment concerts, treat yourself and go alone just to get out often. It does the soul good & Presents the opportunity to meet others. Many times, I Go on outings alone. Even if I have to drag myself out of the bed and out of the house. Even though it’s not the same without my so called-boyfriend

[Hidden in reply to Guardianangel1]

Just going to the store is a major undertaking, but I know you're right. I joined a choir and hope I can make friends there. Thanks for your comments!

[Hidden]

I used to feel same to I forced myself to watch things that made me lagh like still game and Mrs browns boys perhaps you could read some funny books?find out on google good reviews?

[Hidden]

I wish I had time to read. What are some books you've been reading lately?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I am reading "Feeling Good" by David Burns and some silly detective stories with the titles starting with McNally (McNally's Puzzle, etc.). Also some light weight British detective novels by Rhys Bowen. I look for light reads as I can't concentrate on anything very complex. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I'm reading Feeling Good as well! How's it working out for you? I noticed I didn't real follow the work like I thought I did in the past. I haven't read it in a while.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I think it's hard and a LOT of work to do. Just convoluted. Not sure I can keep up with it. One of my symptoms is to lose patience when I don't understand something. I just give up, which is what I don't want to do. I keep reading the book and putting it away. Hopefully something will stick.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

It's definitely a lot of hard work. I thought I truly understood CBT in the past, but I guess I didn't. I feel the book is better than other resources I've tried. When I don't understand something, I either give up or my eyes gloss over. I'm trying to read the book just 20 minutes a day so it becomes sort of a practice for me. Taking breaks from it helps as well. I do hope it helps you out.

[Hidden]

Thought about giving up on Burns as it is so dense, but maybe I'll do what you are doing and taking it 20 minutes at a time.

[Jstar84]

Hello, Thanks for your post. I know you don't deserve to feel this way. I admire your strength and daily fight. It's understandable anxiety and depression are difficult. Please know that you are not alone. Sitting, reading and watching tv can help with your depression. Also, you seem productive. I believe you mean you want more meaning in your life. I'm wondering if you know what on your job causes your anxiety?. See if there are ways you can help decrease or eliminate the anxiety for example, a plan for completion of work load, talk to supervisor and your co-workers being team players. Also, make 2 or 3 goals for yourself and a plan on how to achieve these. I am inspired by your resilience and efforts. I believe in you. Best wishes!

[Hidden in reply to Jstar84]

I work in a library, so it's not too difficult. Anything I have to do out of the ordinary freaks me out, even if it is a simple task. It's just the anxiety talking. A couple of co-workers and my supervisor know what's going on, although they don't know the extent of it. Glad that we have a supportive community so I (and others) can share their concerns with thoughtful people like you. Thanks for your post! <3

[techguy]

I was in the same situation as you it was like a living nightmare day after day after day but then someone recommended acupuncture to me after only five sessions I was back to my normal self it was like someone flipped a switch if you can do it do it just make sure the doctor do you go to has experience with people having depression and anxiety

[Hidden in reply to techguy]

WOW! That's so great for you. I never thought about acupuncture, but it's worth following up on. Thank you.

[techguy in reply to Hidden]

When you call around to different acupuncturist ask them first if they’ve treated people with depression and anxiety that is most important if you do go and it works for you please let me know I’m curious if it works for others as it did for me

[techguy in reply to techguy]

If you do go let me know if it works for you don’t forget he’ll probably take multiple sessions before you see any results

[techguy in reply to Hidden]

When calling around for an acupuncture doctor make sure you ask them if they’ve treated people specifically for depression and anxiety it makes a big difference and if you could please let me know if it work for you

[Hidden in reply to techguy]

Started looking for an acupuncturist and found a few close to my house. Will contact them re: anxiety and depression. Hope it works as well for me as for you! Thanks!

[techguy in reply to Hidden]

Good luck I hope it does for you as well

[brettedwardcory]

Hey! I saw you posted this 9 months ago. How are you feeling/doing now?