First Post/New

[Nikki210]

Hi all,

I am happy to have found the online community. As with all of us, I have been struggling with anxiety/depression for quite awhile. I have had it for going on 20 years but the last year has been crippling. I could not even go outside for a few months and was having several panic attacks a day. I do not have a relationship with my family and my roommate had to help me go to the doctor finally to get help. Now I am several months into therapy and doing a lot better. I had to quit my in person job last year because I literally couldn't go without panicking. Now I have several online jobs, same for some of you who feel major anxiety with going to places? My newest personal goal is that I can walk about a mile away from where I live without freaking out. That may seem odd but it was a real struggle to work myself up to that point with my PTSD. What kind of goals are you working on lately?

[libragirl73]

Welcome to the group! Sending prayers and hugs your way! I also suffer as you for 20 years anxiety and depression. I am trying daily when I feel antsy or really down to do a little chore or pray to calm down, among other things like reading or crossword puzzles. I like to watch movies also. I am without a job right now as it was too overwhelming to work as I am starting medication again. The catch 22. I am either too overwhelmed or too quiet...I have my family but they cannot really be anything but an ear. I don't like relying on them. I have a therapist who is working with me on coping skills. I do have friends, a roommate also but again, I have to find my own outlets that validate my feelings. I try to keep as busy as possible. Trouble lately is lack of sleep and an appetite because my anxiety makes it difficult. It sounds like you are doing the right things, making goals for yourself. I wish you much success and peace.

[Nikki210 in reply to libragirl73]

Thanks for your reply and for your prayers. What religion are you? You obviously don't have to answer that if you don't want, I was mainly curious! Yes to chores! If I am overly anxious, sitting still is not an option, so I totally understand that! It's ok to not be working right now. A lot of people in my life have been negative on this aspect of my life and if you feel that way, know you are not alone! You have to focus on you right now and that is more that ok! I find it a hard line (boundaries?) with receiving emotional support from friends and my roommate. They all want to help but don't understand completely and I don't want to be burden to them. Just a balancing act as my therapist says. but yes, finding own outlets to validate our feelings is a good way of putting it I will be praying for your anxiety and sleep and appetite!!

[libragirl73 in reply to Nikki210]

I was raised Roman Catholic. I don't go to church regularly but I do find comfort in prayer especially now that I am struggling.

[Roxylox]

To Libragirl73,

As I said in another post, journalling ever y day if possible

To do a pressing task I've been putting off in housework a couple of times a week

.To do a bit of my short online course every day, learning fulfills me

More important than these: To be more tolerant of my family here at home.

I know my cranky behaviour has been appalling this week.

I can perhaps relate a little with walking a mile from your house. My phobia is grocery shopping locally. I have to try to make myself more confident in those shops.

[RemySue]

I’ve had depression for at least 40 years. Anxiety on and off. I’m currently working on being as kind and understanding to myself as I am to others. I’m the queen of beating myself up🙂

[libragirl73 in reply to RemySue]

Me too RemySue. I have to work really hard at being kinder to myself just like I am with others. My compassion and empathy for others comes easier for me than looking at myself the same way. It is an internal struggle I have had for years when I go through these anxiety and depression phases. Thank you for sharing. 😊