Depression/Anxiety

[Bella97CA]

Hello! I am going through a dark time right now. I am new to this website. I am struggling with anxiety and depression and this whole lockdown thing has made it worse. Any thoughts/ideas that could potentially help me get through this time? What have you guys been doing to stay strong during this pandemic?

[saracar]

I had a good post but it didn’t go through. I was saying support, quotes, and pictures on here. Remembering that only doing a little can be good enough. Gratitude. And serenity to give to others while always remembering that most things are not in my control. Sorry it was better worded before!

[Kkakdugi]

Welcome! I feel the same way! When I am feeling anxious , I like to write my thoughts down and then I would give myself advice . Like if I am giving advice to someone who is going through what I am going through. Kinda weird I know. I also tries to not look at the news as much. Also, focus on what I have and be grateful because things could have been worst.

[Bella97CA in reply to Kkakdugi]

Writing is such a great tool!! Thank you for the advice

[Tbowler in reply to Kkakdugi]

I agree with kkakdugi, I have a journal bedside with a pen, so in case I wake up in the middle of the night with thoughts that are keeping me awake, I jot them down. I haven’t read them since writing them down but I feel such a sense of relief by doing that I don’t wake up with pent up anger or thoughts that are for no reason.

[Thistooshall]

Sorry you are going through this. I had been doing great for a long time and since this pandemic I’ve spiraled into deep anxiety and depression. What I am doing that is helping me is I increased the dose of my antidepressant (Lexapro) and I am now taking an extra dose of my anxiety medication (ativan) during the day right after breakfast. I force myself to walk an hour a day and stretch. I downloaded Go Scrabble and play with random people. This helps my brain focus. It’s been day 3 without crying spells for me and I’m hoping this dark cloud will lift soon because it really sucks! Hope this helps you!

[Bella97CA in reply to Thistooshall]

Thank you so much for the advice! I’m sorry your struggling as well.

[EuroJoy]

Hi Bella97CA,

You have raised an issue that is affecting many people these days! Thankfully restrictions are slowly being lifted in many parts of the country and world which gives us hope. Having said that anxiety and depression are common enemies these days! I find having a gratitude journal very helpful. I also find focusing on the things that are ‘certain’ in my life very helpful and I tend to say that out loud. For example, I say “I am certain that I have my family who love me.” This grounds me to the present and certain, and helps me to keep my mind away from the uncertain. Also, I tend to focus on positive things and try to meaningfully connect with people. You know I have been trying to write notes and texts to people who I had been meaning to write for a long time - that helps me to keep my mind away from my anxieties and think of others. I came across a (url=bit.ly/2WBrGPe) great page (/url) that has several articles on weathering the Covid-19 storm and there is a helpful article there on coping with stress and anxiety during this pandemic. Hope you feel calmer!