Grateful places like this exist. I need help for people who have walked in my shoes, not someone looking to make a BMW payment.

[Ricky61]

I have dealt with anxiety and depression since the 60s. Having been raised at a time when Boys Don't Cry and any emotional weakness was handled with a belt. Well, it sucked. I am glad places like this exist to allow people to share ideas to help one another. In the medical system, mental health is the weak link. They want us to take pills that alter your ability to perceive the world. Talk therapy group therapy is virtually impossible to find. My overwhelming feeling of failure in dealing with my anxiety and depression have fled to damaged relations with wife and children. And have cost me my employment several times. I hope someone here is willing to share coping skills and insight that can help me.

[Agora1]

Welcome Ricky61 We have all walked in your shoes. You are absolutely right in that

Mental Health is a weak link in our Health Care System. This support forum is a safe

place for you to come and talk with others who like yourself struggle each and everyday

with relationship and job issues due to anxiety/depression.

This is a nonjudgmental site that support and understand because we all care.

I'm glad you found us. xx

[Ricky61 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for the insight, I looked forward learning more.

[Hidden]

Welcome!!!! Keep in mind that no one has all the answers, we're all on our own paths here. I'm sick of taking psyche meds myself, there's some days I just don't take them, but of course I know if I keep that up I will go through withdrawal so then I take them the next day. We are NOT broken people or losers, we are warriors. Battling depression and dealing with the mental health system is rough. And a lot of people just don't want to try to understand. Have a great night!!!

[Ricky61 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your understanding. I am working through issues with the provider now. If I had substance abuse issues no problem but just A & D, problem. It's nut

[Freedom57]

The only forum I have experienced where men talked openly about their feelings and issues is at an AA meeting

It’s a sad fact that most men don’t get support from men yet women freely get this from women

Untreated Depression & Anxiety can be detrimental to relationships and ones health..

•Exercise helps me the most

•Deep breathing

•Listening to meditations

•Listening to positive affirmations

•Spending time outside

•Therapy, I finally found the right counselor after 30 plus years

•Medication, I never took regularly before but must now because my D & A has gotten worse

Don’t give up! Life can become more manageable!

You’ve taken the first step by asking others for help...

[Agora1 in reply to Freedom57]

You are so right Freedom57 in that unfortunately, men don't get the support they need to

deal with chronic health issues. I use to be in a Fibromyalgia Forum and for the longest

time thought it was a Woman's Disorder. Only to find out that men get Fibro as well but

because of the label society has put on men to be the strong one, they choose to handle

the pain with Alcohol. We need more forums like this where both men and women can feel

comfortable talking about the issues without being looked down upon.

Thank you for your insight to this on going problem. xx

[Dolphin14 in reply to Freedom57]

Great information. I do everything you mention on your list. It all makes a difference

[Ricky61 in reply to Freedom57]

I have never been to an AA Meeting, I don't drink or use drugs and felt that attending would be wrong. I have never been to any meetings or even heard of one for A & D only.

[Hidden]

I feel you...

Although I am much younger...

My gram committed suicide by letting herself drown in a lake.

My aunt let go with a bottle of pills.

Afraid that I’m the black duck of the family now and have been fighting my head since teen years.

The hardest part of depression for me is the constant falling apart and rebuilding.

The feeling that it never ends and the panic that accompanies it.

My wife resents my illness to no end.

My kids know that daddy needs help thinking sometimes.

Have you tried talks of depression on YouTube?

Sometimes we can’t meet the right therapist but we can listen to their words on the internet.

Find someone who resonates with your frequency.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=dBYUn...(Not working as expected?)

This video really made me feel understood yesterday.

Bless you and I hope you have a better day

[primrose81 in reply to Hidden]

Very enlightening video clip, thank you Pittiedad9

[isin13955 in reply to Hidden]

Isn’t it frustrating when your partner doesn’t give you support or show empathy. I think it’s partly because they feel inadequate in that they can’t fix you. This develops into denial that there is anything wrong with you and you’re just seeking attention.

[Ricky61 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your thoughts. I will watch the YouTube clip. If I can get a little something new from time to time an offer the same to others. Maybe I can find some relief and provide that in some small way to another.