Having depression AND anxiety

Hi, I’m Megan, and I have both depression and anxiety. It can be really difficult, because my depression tells me basically to just do nothing because I’m useless, and at the same time my anxiety tells me to do everything to cover up my insecurities and differences. Just wondering if anyone else can relate.

[JAYnLA]

I can totally relate. I'm primarily anxious, but dealing with it for a long time has kicked up some depression. With counseling and now some medication that seems to be helping I feel like I'm making some progress. I'm glad you're here.

[AntiSocialSocialClub]

I can relate too. Every day is tough. A good thing to remember is that those are just thoughts, not facts. You are not useless, everyone is special and brings something unique for the world to benefit from. I hope you feel better soon.

[Loki1018]

I totally understand there at times when I’m in a mixed state as well which is such a joy jk but I’m also diagnosed with bipolar 1. What your going through is called mixed state so just know your not a lone.

[Casewest20 in reply to Loki1018]

Mixed state...Hmmm. I would love to learn more about this. I’m kind of in the same boat in many ways. I mostly suffer from Major depression disorder, but anxiety has always been an issue to some degree, and lately I have noticed that anxiety has gotten worse. I will go through times when I feel like my heart is pounding out of my chest – like I can hear it in my ears. I feel like I’m shaking all over but when I look at my hands there’s barely a tremor. I think the worst part is feeling that no matter how deeply I breathe I can’t get enough air. It gets to the point where I feel like I’m hyperventilating sometimes. I’ve never had such severe anxiety attacks and all of the many years I’ve had depression. @scifilunatic, I go through something similar... I am unable (but in my mind, the depression tells me I am able, just too lazy) to do even the simplest household chores. I am so guilt ridden. Because of that and other factors, I really get to the point where I feel paralyzed. Because of the anxiety I can’t sit still sometimes. I’ll find myself placing around the house aimlessly just because I feel like I have to move but at same time have no motivation (like it actually feels like I totally cannot) do anything constructive. You’re not alone.

[Loki1018 in reply to Casewest20]

I went through a time period of deep depression for over month. Didn’t do a damn think just got up to go to work where often I would loose my temper and then have anxiety set in because I didn’t want to be there. Not to mention as I would get out of bed for work in the morning I would a good 15 min episode of gagging and wrenching from my anxiety. At times at work I would come to tears 😭 and even hide in utility closets because I didn’t want anyone to see me like that. Now you can google mixed states of depression and anxiety if your not specific you’ll get manic and depression which I also too get.

I always find reading and educating your self about your health condition is great so you have a grasp and knowledge on what’s going on and not be in the dark.

Hope this helps.

[Casewest20 in reply to Loki1018]

Oh my gosh, that sounds absolutely horrible. Thank you so much for sharing that. I mean all of it must have been just about unbearable, but the retching and gagging immediately upon awakening..like, EVERY FREAKING MORNING for a MONTH STRAIGHT?!? WOW... I just want to give you a giant hug right now. I realize this is hardly the point, but if I had to name One thing that I absolutely hate is feeling sick to my stomach/nausea. I’d almost rather have any other physical symptom than that. I think you are a very very strong person and I admire you. Thank you again so much❤️...And yes, it DOES help😉😌

[Loki1018 in reply to Casewest20]

Yes I agree to in the feeling sick to my stomach and nausea I rather have my migraines minus the nausea symptom as well and no I went through over a year of the gagging and wrenching the depression was what was over a month long. When my anxiety gets real bad not only does it feel as though I’m working very hard just to breathe which my therapist tells me that, that’s considered a panic attack but I know not to panic when I’m struggling to breathe cause it’ll make it worse but the gagging and wrenching comes a long too. And thank you for the cyber hug 🤗

[Louisewain93 in reply to Casewest20]

You are not alone. I feel awful all of the time with continued panic attacks as well as the anxiety and depression

[serenity_peace]

Hi Megan, I suffer from the same mental illnesses and everyday is a challenge for me to keep pushing because I am always feeling like giving up. Pray as much as you can, talk to family/friends, therapy, etc. make sure any medication you are taking is helping and not hurting you.

[Louisewain93 in reply to serenity_peace]

I too every day feel like giving up but I have a sixteen y lax two older children and two Grandkids who all love me a lot so I just cant

[bluestars725]

I can relate. I have generalized anxiety disorder and depression, and I feel that way often. Sometimes when I'm going through a depressive episode, I want to stay in bed, but my anxiety always makes me feel like I need to get up, and I end up feeling even worse. You're not alone.

[fallen_leaf]

Yes my depression makes me want to sleep all the time and my anxiety won’t let me sleep. I feel tired and useless all the time but must be busy also. Never feeling like I complete enough.

[Casewest20 in reply to fallen_leaf]

Oh wow that really is an awesome description! Great way of wording it. I’m sure we all can relate to our brains telling us how bad and useless we are because we don’t follow through with household chores etc.... but sometimes when I find myself unable to be still, it feels worse because it’s like, OK obviously I have the energy to do this stuff, otherwise I wouldn’t be up running back-and-forth in the kitchen and from one side of the house to the other😂😂!! I mean I understand that’s not how our brains and these diseases work. And I’m not making light of anything, really. Just wanted to let you know that I totally get what you’re saying and I love the way you worded it!