Hello

[mamaofboys2]

Hi, this is my first post here. I’ve been battling anxiety and depression for 20 years, but the past few years have been increasingly difficult to manage. My biggest frustration right now is that I don’t feel like I can really talk to anyone. I have social anxiety so I don’t have a lot of people I would call friends and no one who I feel comfortable enough with to burden them with my problems. I worry too much about being judged even though I know that’s an irrational fear. I don’t even really tell my family what’s going on because I’ve always been the responsible one who has it all together. My husband is the only person who I can actually talk to, but he doesn’t understand and insists on telling me that other people have worse problems than me and tries to give me advice on how to handle situations (advice which is nearly impossible for me to actually do because of my anxiety which he doesn’t understand). I know he doesn’t understand what I go through and that he means well in his own way, but it’s not the kind of support I need and it just makes me feel worse. I just feel so alone and yet I never actually am alone because all of my time is spent at work or at home with my kids and I have to constantly put on this brave face like everything is ok when it’s not.

[greenmountains]

Hello Mamaofboys,

I feel your stress and pain and although I do not know exactly how you are feeling, I can sense the heartache in your post. Struggling with anything that is not a physical ailment that others can see is beyond challenging, because to those who do not know the challenges of the impact anxiety and depression possess, there is no way for them to truly support nor understand. My paramour is similar in that he frequently tells me to just let it go and that it will be fine. Undoubtedly it will be and I am able to rationalize this, however, it does not change the fact that is is beyond challenging and not an easy switch my brain can make. I'm not here to provide advice nor recommendations (unless you would like some), yet I am here to listen. Please know that nothing you experience or share is a burden, I understand that it feels this way, yet it is not that case. You are an amazing human being with flaws, not unlike everyone else in this world. And honestly, flaws may be a stretch as well, these traits make you who you are and albeit frustrating and painful at times, they are pieces of you that would be proven fruitful to explore. Learn about these areas of yourself, why do you believe they are here? Do they serve as a purpose in any way for you? And how does it feel when you do not feel anxious nor depressed? Has that occurred before? These are all questions you may ask yourself to delve deeper into what makes you you. Please know that you are not alone.

[Pearl67 in reply to greenmountains]

Wow!❤️

[Esther228]

I am so sorry to hear of your struggles with anxiety and depression. I’ve been through both, so I know how it feels to have to deal with those emotions. Do you know what triggers these emotions? For me, it was not being in control of the situation that I was in and not having a choice to remove myself from it. It took a while for me to get through it, but I finally did and felt so much better. Have you been to see a counselor or a doctor? They are great resources.

One way that I deal with my problems is by reading the Bible. It may sound weird to anyone who doesn’t read it or doesn’t go to church, but it has been such a good place of encouragement to me. It is amazing how the Bible talks about all the same issues that we deal with today. Anxiety and depression are two of the issues that are talked about. The following Scriptures have been a real comfort and reminder to me to of where I can find hope and peace: “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, But a good word does him good.” Proverbs 12:25 or “Do not be anxious or worried about anything but in everything (every circumstance and situation) by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to let your (specific) requests known to God.” Philippians 4:6

I hope this gives you some encouragement and know that you are not alone in your struggles.

[Hidden]

You won't be alone here. There are many kind people on this board.

God bless,

Greta