Hidden problem became a debilitating problem

[PineappleCherry]

The pandemic interrupted my routine and I lost my coping mechanisms. As a result, my anxiety and depression became a major problem two years into the pandemic. My isolation precipitated my decline. I need to get out and socialize, but my current condition makes it far harder for me than before and I was never good at socializing. I feel like a tortured soul.

[Agora1]

Hi PineappleCherry and Welcome

The anxious mind functions better on a routine basis. Unfortunately when Covid

hit, many people both anxious and not, fell down mentally. Wearing a mask, being

fearful in associating closely with others. Working from home became the norm

which put many people in the fear of ever working out of their home again.

Humans are social beings and this whole catastrophic event threw everyone for

a loop. Some made it back once again while others continued to live under this

shadow of caution causing all kinds of new issues including depression and anxiety

and possibly even Agoraphobia.

I'm so glad you are here on this caring supportive group of virtual friends.

Your isolation may have precipitated your decline but you needn't stay there.

One step at a time climbing up this difficult task but you will get there.

Take it from someone like myself who became housebound for 5 years. I found

my way out with persistence and small steps.

I found myself again. I was always there, it just became hidden for a while. xx

[PineappleCherry in reply to Agora1]

Thanks for your reply. I have read two times and will read again and again. I am still work from home and have some new stressors including my health. I have to do something otherwise I will go nuts.

[Agora1 in reply to PineappleCherry]

I hear you, as do the many others on this site. You're not alone.

This community will allow you to see how others in your situation

are handling the stress of health issues, situational issues as well as

dealing with emotional ones. I'm glad you are here with us. xx

[PineappleCherry in reply to Agora1]

I realize other people have similar problems, but not everyone is able to execute the therapists suggestions. Every day has been tough. People don’t understand how tough it is to deal with anxiety and depression. So zapped of energy.

[Agora1 in reply to PineappleCherry]

I've been fortunate to never have dealt with depression but with severe

anxiety/agoraphobia, my bodily and mental energy were zapped as well.

It's a rough journey for sure. As for the therapists suggestions, they are

really only there to listen and guide us to a different path. I didn't always

agree with my therapist but I did listen and I was able to vent my problems

to her. I not only lost friends during this struggle but even family members

didn't understand.

As time kept passing me by, I knew I had to get out of this rut or end up

staying in this never ending cycle for the rest of my life (which I didn't want)

YouTube became my "go to". Researching different mental health sites making

sure I stayed away from Google. I didn't need any more foreboding worries in

my thought pattern.

Changing the way I thought was my start. I was pretty well versed in thinking

negative thoughts along with what ifs. Changing over to a more positive

approach was difficult because negativity became a habit. It was a matter of

chipping away at old habits until new ones took over. xx

[PineappleCherry in reply to Agora1]

Thanks for your reply. Where did you go on You Tube.

[Agora1 in reply to PineappleCherry]

Let me make a small list to get you started.

Will be back shortly

[PineappleCherry in reply to Agora1]

Thank You

[Agora1 in reply to PineappleCherry]

Hi again, I get so lost in time whenever I go into YouTube

I can't help but listen to the videos and feel the instant calm and peace.

This didn't come overnight. It took many years in retraining myself. I am

now to the point of not needing pain medication for a toothache, headache

and even small surgeries. My Meditation and Breathing take me to a place

where I can forego the pain and get relief.

I'm giving you just 2 of thousands of videos on line. I have always felt that

learning about Life and Gratitude come before anything else.

"How to Manifest Anything You Want in Life" by Dolores Cannon

This next video is by The Anxiety Guy *who was one of our own on this HU site.

He went on to use his recovery in helping others more widely on YouTube.

"Guided Meditation for Anxiety Surrender Session/Letting Go"

I hope you get something out of these two. This is just the beginning

of your wellness journey xx

[PineappleCherry in reply to Agora1]

Thank you. You are really into this website.

[Agora1 in reply to PineappleCherry]

I am and love every minute xx

[PineappleCherry in reply to Agora1]

Those two videos are great.

[Agora1 in reply to PineappleCherry]

Good I'm glad you liked them.

Whenever you are ready to move on..just type in what you are

looking for on YouTube. I always listen to several 1-3-5 or 10 min

meditations. I never go over 20 minutes. Before bed I listen to a

20 min meditation as well as do my breathing and I'm always out like

a light before that 20 min is over. I get a good night's REM sleep

and upon awakening, I'm ready for the morning meditation.

When you go into YouTube, you type in anything in particular that

you are looking for. Meditation for Anxiety/Depression/Ruminating thoughts/

and on and on. If you need help, know that someone is always here 24/7.

As I always say, "The light is always on" xx

[moggie8 in reply to PineappleCherry]

Yes I suffer daily anxiety 24/7 and it hard I'm in the anxiety state sensitization and the thoughts and feelings every min of the day

[moggie8 in reply to PineappleCherry]

Yes I know I suffer anxiety severe 24/7 and all the symptoms thoughts I never get a break it's so hard I know

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

Agora1 has said everything best. 🙂🙏

Also, I had issues with the covid stuff and lockdown too, kinda--I liked it too much and now I'm agoraphobic. I'm treating it or, trying to but, may I suggest, please get out as much as you can? Start slow if needed. I'll be around if needed.

Hugs

[fauxartist]

Wow, can I empathize with you, I'm glad your sharing about it, and lots of us here can relate to what your saying...you're not alone. And actually, there is a huge following of others just like you, and me, who have long term effects from the Pandemic and Covid. It's almost a PTSD thing for some, others have increased anxiety and depression, the world has changed, and that in itself is unnerving. Others like myself have Long Covid and permanent damage that has forever changed my way of life, like millions of others....that is a game changer as well.

I hope you can find some solace in knowing you can reach out here, and maybe there are other online groups who have formed to help each other dealing with the damaged psyche's and health issues from the pandemic. I don't think we have even touched the tip of the ice burg on this yet. But we can always have hope if we can share and care.

[PineappleCherry in reply to fauxartist]

I never got Covid and not worried about Covid now, but still have high levels of anxiety. Anxiety and Depression is relentless for me. One problem I have is a medical issue that is real. CBT can not minimize an issue that is real.

I coped with many issues in the past, but having depression and anxiety makes even little things tough. Mental illness is hard to describe. One person said it feels yucky.

[jackiesj]

YES YES YES! it helped to step outside for a couple minutes...then daily if possible,,,,it took months to feel that safety. i already am saying...will it hit like that this year too? so i will enjoy now. I had covid someone brought in....a plumber...102 temp sweating sick noticed too late...he needed the money but....he forgot about ME. life will always have the maybes.....

[Bostonian]

Try going for a long walk or run, burning off your anxiety. You may bump into folks during your activity, who may build your confidence in socializing again.

[Wyeme]

I’ve had crippling anxiety since March 2020. I thought Covid would be the end of the world and was terrified for my family and myself. I’ve had it 3 times with symptoms nowhere near as bad as a cold, just sneezing and watery eyes so I really should have come to terms with it. All of my family had it with some a bit worse than others but nothing worse than mild flu. I thought that life would eventually return to normal and I have no reason to suffer anxiety now but I’ve got worse and worse. I’ve tried everything to get myself together naturally, not drinking alcohol very much, no caffeine, healthy diet, exercise. We go out quite a lot and have travelled frequently this year. I have a wonderful family and lovely friends. Ive had some group therapy CBT and they were a lovely set of people but I don’t really have any problems that they addressed. I have had a couple of times in the past where I have been like this before, during the menopause 20 years but they got better after a few months and I was having problems with my youngest son (who is now married to a lovely wife and has gorgeous children). It does help to share our feelings with like minded people as it makes us feel less alone. I also think that we are being bombarded all the time with news that has nothing to do with us and there is nothing we can do about it. A lot of people now have huge TV’s in there homes and the pictures of devastation from around the world we can do nothing about. I wish that the government would intervene to be honest. Our ancestors never had this kind of thing to contend even in the Second World War.

In the meantime just try to find joy in the little things. People in general are lovely and do try to get out and see friends.x