Hey, I’m new here. : )

[Entity]

Putting a smile in that title feels odd.

Depression and anxiety have been with me for a few years... 5 maybe? I have had both depression and anxiety for longer than I know. I have memories of being at amusement parks and feeling tired, alone, awkward, uncomfortable. At school I would have fits of crying that I could not control. At gatherings with friends I felt like I wasn’t there. These feelings were intense and didn’t have much of a reason. Only recently have I become aware that these feelings aren’t normal (for long periods of time and without reason) and are not okay.

I’ve been receiving real treatment for only about two months now... therapy, group sessions, meds... that kind of stuff. It took about two months to get the help I needed simply because I was afraid and it ofcourse takes time to set-up doctors appointments and such.

I’ve learned a lot in this little amount of time. And I really do mean a lot. However what I’m learning is really, really hard to actually do. But it’s a process... I’ll get there. Eventually.

Oh, and I’m here on this website because I’m moving once again and I’ll need some support for while I begin to get used to the new area.

If ya read this, thanks.

[Iloveart7]

Welcome!

[Agora1]

Entity, that smile in your title makes me feel you are hopeful and ready to take

on the challenge in getting better. Therapy, group sessions and meds are all a

way to start you back on the road to mental health.

All you've learned in such a short amount of time means that you are giving it your

all. Yes it is one thing to understand and learn new methods but another thing in

applying them to your daily life This is where this amazing forum can come into place.

We've all either been in your place at one time or are there now. Together in sharing

our experiences we can support each other and make the journey less fearful.

One day at a time, you've got this my friend and together we will reach our goal.

Stay positive xx

[RAYOFHOPE88]

Welcome 🤗! I've been on a mental rollercoaster ride for years. Some days are good. Some days are bad. You were very brave for seeking treatment 💪. Please keep going forward and taking care of your mental health. You're in the right place for positivity, support, and hugs 🤗.

[Pal5]

Hi... Would love to know what you have learned. Sometimes i feel i should visit a therapist, sometimes it seems a needless idea

[Entity in reply to Pal5]

I’ll try my best. Where do I start... Okay, so, things that stand out to me are that we work on finding the problems, the roots of the problems, changing my mindset, the Trouble Cycle... Lots of learning how to do things. Specific examples of what I’ve learned are... Oh! A big one, how to accept/process emotions. I had no idea that I had a problem with processing emotion, but I’m glad we found that out. The waves of depression aren’t as intense as they used to be because of that. Another big thing I’ve learned is the Trouble Cycle. It’s kind of like a series of steps to take for addictive behaviors - my addictive behavior is with food. It’s usually not the food itself that causes me to binge/overeat it’s the emotional connection I’ve made with it. I’ve learned that a huge chunk of my depression is actually caused by my mothers actions. She doesn’t do it on purpose... but she does do it. The way I was raised, I began to take the blame and responsibilities of whatever happened on myself even when it wasn’t my fault or my responsibility. Even now she puts blame on me, not being hateful towards her... she’s a good person, and until recently I took the blame all to myself. Always. I learned not to allow her mood to change mine. For example, if she’s fighting with my step-dad and she’s mad, then I shouldn’t have to feel upset as well. For some reason that hadn’t occurred to me.

Yikes, that’s a lot... I hope that answered your question. Thanks for asking, I definitely needed to reflect on everything. If you need more just ask, I don’t mind at all.

[Hidden in reply to Entity]

Wow! You are growing up fast. Be so proud of yourself.

[Thistooshallpass90]

Hi! It’s great that you were able to get the help you need, that’s already a huge step. Good luck on the move. I really hope it goes smoothly!

[charlee4]

Hi Entity. Onward and upward! You've got this! You are doing so many positive things. I think you will eventually meet your goals. You sound determined.