Ongoing Depression

[raschroeder19]

I've suffered with ongoing depression and anxiety for most of my life. I've searched my heart to see if there's anything I'm doing to cause it. I'm currently taking medicine that I'm suspicious may be causing it to be as bad as it is. Looking for alternatives to pharmaceuticals as I have had some severe reactions to some that involve my heart. Holding on for dear life to my faith what little I have left. Tired and weary yet I get up everyday hoping it will be the day of breakthrough.

[Hidden]

Try weed perhaps...it’s hard to dial in pharmaceuticals. Some days you need a little more.

No “waiting” for it to get in system.

No horrific withdrawals or side effects.

It doesn’t make me anxious at all but I’m aware that it can multiply some jitters in others

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer]

Ah, that dramatic breakthrough. We all would love that. But recovery sneaks up on you, gradually taking over your life like depression once did

[lovetodance2018]

Thank you for reaching out and sharing. I have struggled with depression and anxiety since my second daughter was born and that was 23 years ago. I have been on anti-depressants on and off for years. I found it helps some with the chemical imbalance, but therapy and working on myself and self-awareness is what has really helped me. Along with really focusing and trusting God.

Here are a some things that have really helped me feel better and avoid spiraling.

1) Reminding myself that Depression and Anxiety are diseases. They are not something I am causing, so giving myself grace, not being hard on myself when I am struggling, giving myself breaks, and telling myself this is something I am going through and I will feel better.

2) Knowing my triggers, I know now that when I start to feel a bit anxious, that is a sign that I could spiral and I can avoid falling, when I do self-talk. I am not feeling well at this moment, I know it is related to depression, I need to rest and not focus on anything stressful. I usually go to pray, listen to praise music at that moment, and take a break.

3) I kept a journal as to when I was spiraling. I figure out it was around my menstrual. It is very common for our hormones to affect depression. I take B6 which seems to help. I researched Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD which is depression affected by my time of the month.

4) I also do deep breathing. The 557 breathing technique is take 5 deep breaths in while thinking good thoughts about yourself like I matter, I am special, I am strong and then hold the breaths for the count of 7 focusing on those words about yourself, then let out the breath slowly for 5 seconds letting go of any anxious, self-defeating, unhealthy thoughts. I do this one to three times a sitting.

5) The other technique is a gratitude journal is writing down something good every morning and night something that went well in the day, or something I appreciate about myself. Taking our focus off of the anxiety and depression and focusing on positive uplifting things really helps. What you think is what you believe. So thinking uplifting things you believe those things but the reverse is true - thinking negative self-defeating things, you will believe those.

I will be praying for you. Feel free to pm me if you'd like to chat. Hugs and God Bless

[Begonia50]

I hear you, same here. I dont know where you live, yet in Oshkosh wi there is a place called Remedies. I am thinking of trying it. A friend of mine has had great results with it.

[KrierandRosie]

I suffer with depression, also. The side effects are not worth it from all the drugs. I am taking an anti depressant which barely helps. The only helper is exercise. But it helps for short periods of time. It is a lifetime struggle. When bad things happen, it gets worse. You have to live with it, unfortunately. Where do you live and how old are you?

[lovetodance2018]

How are things going? I have been praying for you. Hugs