I find myself very overwhelmed with my responsibilities, and with my racing anxious and negative thoughts and fears about the future.
I feel tired all the time. I push to exercise and meditate each day and barely eat and have been sleeping more. I thought I was depressed. My therapist says sounds like I’m burnt out.
My self esteem is low right now. I don’t feel like hanging out with friends or going out except for what I have to do.
I have a lot of tools i can use for self care but when I try them I still feel sad and scared and bad about myself. I am practicing self compassion and I’m trying and I guess that’s all I can do. I feel like I need something like someone to tell me I’m ok but I doubt I would even believe it as I just feel there’s something wrong with me. My therapist says I’m normal. I feel alone. I don’t know what to do to make myself feel better when my mind won’t stop torturing me. I’ll try to think positive.
What else can I do? Does anyone ‘get’ how I feel?
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I understand exactly how you feel and I feel just the same way at this point in time. I am also overwhelmed with unpleasant things to do. They are all things that must be done and done within a specific time frame of a few weeks. I am also very anxious and worried about the future. I look back with so much regret to the time when I had peace of mind and was relaxed and mostly not worried. At the time I did not appreciate it enough; now I realize that peace of mind is priceless.
The only thing I can think of that could be helpful to you and to me is to get through a difficult time one day at a time. Of course that is easier said than done. I am unable to take antidepressants because they cause low sodium, but I can take tranquilizers when I need to. I believe you have written that you also have tranquilizers as needed. Are you able to increase the dose when you are going through a tough period?
Are you able to exercise? I am trying to take some long walks as exercise can help a bit to reduce anxiety. Possibly yoga would be good as well. I have recently found a therapist who is helpful; if you are not in therapy that is something else to consider.
Another thing, which is easier said than done, is to try to think of anything that would give you pleasure or joy, even if it is a small thing, and to really make an effort to do that thing.
I am thinking about you and hoping things will get better for you. xx
Great mindset, IMO. U would think more sleep could help with the burnout, if it were that, but I'm no therapist, & have never experienced burnout. I have had depression, though, & i slept so much. I sleep 1/3 of that now & have 10 times the energy, & the depression was finally treated in 2006, & shortly after i got medication & didn't experience it much anymore since. I hope u figure out a solution. I will pray for u to get answers to what is causing this, solutions to whatever it is, & comfort until those realizations come. I'm not sure how u feel about prayer or religion, but it may be something to look into, because it definitely gives me strength when i need it the most. If u are against this, I'm not trying to evangelize to u, I'm just suggesting what helps me as a possible solution for u. No intention to offend u with that suggestion.
If i were in your situation, i think time passing would be the key, & what i would tell myself would help. So, I'd just have to endure until it got better. That's probably not the ideal way, but like u, i have my exercise & medication amounts set in stone, & u already have a therapist, so those are the main solutions to most problems for a relatively healthy person. That's why i think prayers would help. I meditate, too, but my health anxiety makes it hard, especially with cardiophobia & focusing on breathing causes my panic attacks, so i am very limited in that regard. That being said, meditation wasn't as helpful as prayer for me, & being around others with similar spiritual beliefs in church, whose energy is contagious often times, helped me most. This could be because of my issues with heart/breathing, but i was able to successfully meditate most times for a long while between panic attacks (which already subsided before i started meditation), & it still didn't seem to help me as much in preventing them, but church attendance & prayer has helped tremendously. Best of luck.
I have a close relationship with God and it does bring me some strength and comfort. Thank you I appreciate any prayers and I’m glad you found what works for you. I just finished meditating and that did help as today I woke up very anxious.
Also I do think last night’s sleep helped me feel not as low.
I don’t have any advice I can think of at this moment. I wish I did. But I am praying for you and rooting for you. Lately I really been trying to practice self-compassion.
I’m right here with you feeling overwhelmed about life in general, so I definitely feel your pain. I don’t have any easy answers as it seems our tool-bags are full but sometimes they are not enough. Please remember what an inspiration you to me and everyone here. Wishing you peace and love always. ☮️❤️
Hi CharoletteChow I’m so sorry you are feeling overwhelmed with life too. I really don’t wish anyone to feel how I do. But we can support each other since that’s the case. Exactly, tools are here with us…but…there is something missing?
I’m doing the work I know how to do but maybe my focus needs to be elsewhere. Maybe I need to learn how to treat myself better when I’m troubled. I have asked for help and received some. I have hugged myself even. I don’t know…
Knowing or “hoping” it won’t last forever is a source of some comfort to me. I don’t like to face the feelings and acceptance is hard but so necessary. I’m working on it all and right here with you. Remember the things you are grateful for. It helps me a lot and we need to remember these things more often. Always here for you.
Most definitely, I feel the same way. I've felt it so many times on and off in my life. I don't know if it will ever stop, but I believe that I have to change how I respond to it, and it will pass.
As I get older, I'm like oh here this is again. It's good that you have a therapist, I can't afford to speak to the one I had which I know I really need to. Hope you overcome this and gain wisdom in the process.
I'm concerned you're barely eating. Things go downhill from there. You've been through so much, you need all the support you can get to heal.
If solid food is just a no-go, there are alternatives. You can drink protein drinks or Ensure to get the calories and nutrition you need. There are natural fruit and electrolyte drinks, they'll help too. If you have a little extra energy, make yourself your favorite smoothie.
Drink enough water.
You know this -- if your blood sugar drops from not eating, you're not going to be stable any which way.
Everything you've been through drained your body's reserves. Take care of the basics.
Sleep. Eat. Hydrate. Move.
Your therapist probably didn't just go through a major loss. The heck with "normal", let yourself heal.
I understand how you feel and I know how much it su***.
I think you are grieving, depressed, overwhelmed and burnt out,
All of these need self compassion which I know first hand is not easy. We tend to look at this as failure. There is no failure in any of this.
Look at all you have been through. What would your words be to anyone of us if we were where you are now? I know they would be full of encouragement and loving kindness.
Thank you so much (((((((((((((((🐬))))))))))))))))))) I keep thinking how am I going to get through … one day at a time I guess… and hope it ends… I seriously wonder if I have hit a point that I won’t come back from but will be my new way of living.
I understand how you feel. I worry about future all the time - always have the feeling that something is going to go wrong. Anxiety is never far away.I do go for long walks and do some gardening. That seems to help.
I’m sorry you’re in a tough spot these days, with little energy and lots of negative thoughts. I can totally identify with where you’re at. Love your awareness and dependency on self care and using the tools at your disposal. It’s never easy getting out of the hole, even when we have lots of resources. It still takes work and that’s the tough part. In the meantime, I encourage you to keep on moving, as you’re doing. The feelings will come back sooner or later and the energy will return as well. As previously mentioned, we’re here for you as you’ve been there for so many of us each day. We care for you!
Hi yes I know pretty much how u feel,I'm just getting through very dark time w nothing but anxious thoughts,racing mind,and very sluggish,n blah...I thank God I'm feeling Lil better n more energy,but I'm bipolar these things come n go and don't give warning of my highs n lows...it's hard to try n tell someone what to do when I go through it I'm incapacitated to where I. Bed or house ridden,I avoid going out when manic strikes,..I hope you find some relief...are you on ant meds? Duluxotine has helped me some....
The only thing I know to do on those days is to remind myself that Divine Love walks with me and carries my heavy burden. I am never alone. This brings me comfort as I am led step by step.😇 I hope you find comfort today. 💗
That sounds like me.Thank you for sharing how you feel.I really hope you start to feel better soon.You seem to be trying so hard.And are so clear about your feeling its brave to share them thanks again.
Hi thanks for replying. I m feeling anxious as usual coming of venlafaxine to go on prosac. On a high dose 225 so coming down 75mg every 2 weeks.just done 1st week coming g down 75mg.How is your day going?
Awesome I hope the med changes help you. Keep hope and never ever give up.
My day was rough at first but then you guys made it easier plus a guy came to do work in my home and he went above and beyond my expectations so it put me in a good place and he refused my tip I could almost not figure that one out 😉
Do you meditate? I suggest take like 5 or 10 minutes to do nothing and focus on your breath.
It sounds like you are both depressed and anxious. Even if your therapist says you're normal, if you do not feel normal, then you need to feel better. You know better than anybody how you feel. Maybe your therapist was simply trying to tell you that lots of people experience what you're going through.
I would suggest basic things like meditation and mindfulness. I also recommend that you Study cognitive behavioral therapy, as it has proven to be very effective in dealing with both anxiety and depression. It is a type of therapy that you learn so that you can do it for yourself. Please take care.
I feel this way on a daily basis these days. Battling my anxiety, depression and intrusive thoughts. I have to literally say out loud Stop! You are ok. Your heart is beating and you are breathing. One thing at a time. I also have to constantly remind myself to live in the NOW! And try not to think too far into the future. You are not alone.
I told myself to calm down today and it felt bad ha I think because usually if someone tells ya to calm down it’s not helpful ha! But at least I was aware that my mind was overthinking and freaking out so I guess it actually did help in that way and I’ve been trying to let myself fully feel the feelings instead of stuffing them.
I agree Being mindful in the NOW is important to be in. Thanks, Sloth and I hope you have some relief and beautiful moments.
I truly feel for you and I find myself in the same place. Sometimes I like to remind myself of what is actual and factual at this moment and say it out loud like at this moment I feel sad at this moment I have two legs at this moment my family is healthy at this moment I have my voice just to help my mind stay and validate the present and avoid going too much into the future or past. I’m having a hard time myself and just reminding myself that my body is feeling uncertain and wants reassurance in any regard whether it be nutritional, physical spiritual social ext I try to allow myself some comforts during times of discomfort but I feel u it’s difficult becz then I start to judge myself for not doing more responsible or productive things. Ur not alone one day and one hour at a time.
Saying facts out loud counteracting the lies the brain tells is a really good idea. Thanks! Wow yeah I too have to try for balance of comforting myself at these times and not disregarding my responsibilities but I really usually do too much and don’t let myself just be enough so today I will really try to take it easy, I finished homeschool early today and our last subject is Art which was really great I wasn’t able to do art but I enjoyed my kiddos’ creations.
I hope you have some relief and beautiful moments.
Poor Twinklystar 🌟 upsetting dreams hormones and too much wine can do one in… but you are so twinkly and magical don’t forget… love you ❤️ be good to yourself and treat yourself. I’m so glad the animals helped.
You are not alone. You are normal, just going through it doesn't seem like it.I can give you advice but honestly,I don't use it myself. All I can say is "It sucks" but it will pass! I too hate the feelings that you are having, I'm going through it right now. I find comfort in reading all the responses knowing there are others like us. This to shall pass.
Do you have more stretches of the mental illness or do you have more time healthy? I think I might start keeping a mood journal. See if I notice patterns.
I don’t have any advice except baby steps - you are in my thoughts, and if I can help e mail me, Life is so tought a the moment, but you are doing brilliantly.
Exercise and self care, my friend, and huge virtual hugs from over the pond. xxx.
I decided when I had my crash that I was going to do whatever I had to do I could get better. I clawed my way back. It was painful and it was hard work. But so worth it in the end
I get how you feel. When I feel overwhelmed or exhausted self care is the last thing I do. But I think sometimes not doing anything is the best self care. If I have to force myself to meditate or exercise it's my body's way of telling me I need a break. You have so much going on with homeschooling and sports for your boys and everything else. I admire you for taking it all on. So please don't force yourself to do anything if you're not up to it. Hang out with Coco and watch TV.
you definitely get it. I’m at a point now where my body is forcing me to rest. I’m watching a brain surgeon take a tumor out from a person’s brain. Not relaxing but so interesting
I was watching the weather Channel. They had someone reporting from Oneonta, NY. There is a state university there with a program for meteorologists. He was talking to several of the students. It was actually quite interesting.
I totally understand how you feel. I started struggling with depression and anxiety again during the pandemic which led to me Consulting my doctor and therapists Etc. I tried a roller coaster of antidepressants Etc. The psychiatrist I have now has stabilized my mood but I still struggle everyday. I am 65 and feel that I have to push push push every day just to do the simplest things. I have arthritis and have been put on Cymbalta now to help me deal with the pain. I just try to live one day at a time but I am not the same person I was pre-pandemic and I wonder if I ever will be again. Do not get discouraged. You are really and truly not alone. I'm wishing you the best
It is indeed a journey and part of the challenge is the constant flow of changes around you, and still being able to keep your sense of self. Recently, I found my physical health challenged, during that time I also lost mother and my personal mentor, both extremely important ladies to me, they both passed away in my home, under my care within six months of each other. My identity was severely challenged and my path became unclear.I am now beginning my journey of self discovery, it is difficult , to say the very least,. I am scared quite a bit and I am lonely, but I do not trust easily at all.
However, I do know that I am strong and that I have helped many people, perhaps, it is my time to help myself
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I think about de@th way too often 
Father’s Day
Some times it is too much 
Does anyone else feel this way/do these things? 
