I have dealt with depression/anxiety since I was 12 and now I’m 27. I used to believe that one day it would just disappear and I would be fine. My parents don’t believe in it and I just feel so alone. I feel like there’s no one around to talk to who understands what it feels like.
I think the worst feeling is people trying to minimize how we feel. It affects our lives in every aspect. I meditate. I have a schedule. I do self care. I just keep wondering if it will ever get better.
how scary cos im in a similar situation. its hard but over time, will be easier to manage. maybe having a list of things u would like to do, how to get there etc could help you. talking to others who understand and pushing each other
Hi Yellowleaves. We are here and we understand all too well. You are no longer alone
with these feelings. Meditation is a good start. Finding what works best in reducing your symptoms. Just as with medication, it's a trial and error thing. We each respond differently so it doesn't just happen overnight. Depression and anxiety have been with you for a while now and you have more or less developed a habit in living like this.
Have you ever been on medication for your depression? Therapy can be very beneficial in helping you find the steps to take in going forward. Don't get discourage by others who minimize what you are feeling. Unless you have struggle with these issues, it is hard to understand and no amount of convincing them will turn their beliefs around.
I'd like to welcome you to this amazing support site where you can share your thoughts on your experiences in living with mental health issues. As we share our lives, we start to feel more comfortable in knowing that we are not alone and that together we can find our way
back to a normal life. I'm glad you are here. 
xx
Same here. I have been anxious my entire life (like looking back, even my family says I was disproportionately "nervous" about "little things" but they still don't reallly get it. Now I'm 25 and still trying to learn how to cope. It is hard dealing with how people minimalize, but I'm learning I have no control over that.
I am just very, very recently getting into a good self-care routine. Schedules and meditation, Im still trying to get into.
I developed a schedule too. I’ve been watching Abraham Hicks on YouTube. I meditate in the morning, exercise etc and it was helping. Then I got into a car accident and my anxiety is at an all time high. What’s your routine!
Routines and schedules don't seem super helpful. So, I'm not really locked into one too much anymore. Just trying to find my way back to one. Sorry about your accident though!
I am glad you are here, because we want to believe we are not alone. It sure feels like it. Or it did until I started reading posts here.
I can’t say this will change minds, but I have outright told people that I wish I had a physical disease instead because then at least they would respect my pain. It might make people think twice. The rough part is that we are minimized when we are at our most vulnerable. I hope this group can help you.
I totally agree! Sometimes it makes the pain even worse bc were told to get over it. Thank you
Definitely not alone; dealing with depression for past 17 years, and I check all the boxes. After deciding on not taking antidepressants (drowsiness), will be trying acupuncture/herbal medicine to see if the symptoms will go away for good.
Wow! Please let me know if anything works for you. I’ve been vegan for a few months now which I was told could help. I don’t really like medications bc of the side effect. They honestly make me more anxious depressed.
What has worked for me to improve my depresion is to work on my self esteem and self-aceeptance. When I feel pretty, capable, friendly, and loved... I feel invencible. I have been feeling better lately... But I have been working on accepting myself, my personallity, and my own opinions. I try to think: "We are all unique, we all have something to offer to the world, there is not a single person in this wide world that is like me. I am unique and I am worth it." I used to worry too much because I do not like the same stuff than my friends, but now I think "It is okay if I do not like the same things than everyone else, my opinion is just as valid." I feel so much better and my depresion has been reduced... However I still have generalized anxiety and that makes me to be scared of EVERYTHING... Literally... So I have to work on that... I am afraid of people and the world... However, if I want to accomplish my dreams and be truly happy, I have to overcome all of that.
That’s sounds so helpful. I just recently started doing that and you’re so right I just felt better about myself. I started writing ten “I am s” everyday and what I am grateful for.
Afraid of everything 
So afraid of getting Covid 
Always afraid of the worst happening 
Old, alone, sick and afraid
I am afraid of the telephone.
