new here

[Tralala1234]

I’ve been struggling with depression since my teens (late 40s now) but it has become much worse after challenging life events in recent years. I am struggling to find contentment with my life, struggling with loneliness and hopelessness and thought I’d check out this community.

[kg55]

Welcome! I just joined yesterday and I promise if you stay involved, you can find some connections. We do not need to know each other to be there for each other because at the end of the day we all have something in common: the human experience. Oh boy isn't it interesting🫠

[Smooth_Jazz_Lvr]

Hi I’m new to this group. I’ve been struggling with Major Depression and now anxiety for several years. At first I was in denial. I didn’t know anything about depression or anxiety. Turns out I experienced a massive depression episode which totally shut me down mentally. Since then I continued to experience episodes every few months and years. I’ve lost jobs, relationships and a sense of security. Now I’m lonely and have days of low self-esteem.

I hope you and I could find support.

[gajh]

Hello and Welcome. This is a great place to connect with people who understand. I am glad you have joined us.

[Smooth_Jazz_Lvr]

Thank you

[Javahead]

Me too. I knew early on that I would have this struggle most of my life. I'm 63 and have learned a lot about living with anxiety and depression and have learned some skills to cope. But there are times when nothing seems to work but time. Cognitive Therapy has been the most helpful. Meds have helped too, but I only stay on them for a short period of time. Trying to keep busy helps but I know sometimes you can't even move. Please keep up the fight and see what might work best for you.🙏

[Tralala1234 in reply to Javahead]

Thank you. I try to stay busy but I am recently divorced and empty-nested and the things I do to fill my time don't seem as meaningful anymore. It is challenging.

[Javahead in reply to Tralala1234]

That's the hard part. I'm trying to build a new social life and sometimes I back out of plans because I also have social anxiety. I get it. Meet up groups have helped a little but I'm finding people don't really want to take the effort to make new friends.

[Tralala1234 in reply to Javahead]

I e tried to get myself to go to meet up groups but haven’t been brave enough so far. Impressed that you’ve taken that step. Social anxiety and depression don’t mix well!

[mcarrut1]

I have had anxiety and depression most of my life and it stems from the trauma I suffered as a child. I am also studying to be a social worker and have been in therapy for years. I know that when you have had trauma in the past and then had some recent trauma it can really seem worse. You are not alone. There are many people out there who experienced trauma at some point in their lives and some who have experienced it often. If you have a good therapist and keep up your spirits things will work out. I wish you well.

[mrmoto]

Welcome to our community! I hope you are able to find safety and comfort associating with the fine people who contribute and who care about you. Mental issues are difficult to say the least. The journey to healing can be long and difficult. But it is not impossible. The feelings you are experiencing are well-known and understood by almost every contributor. Consequently, there is little that you can reveal that will shock or surprise anyone. You are among friends. Try to remember to be gentle and kind with yourself. I have found this to be a good first step in learning how to care for myself and to heal. May heaven smile upon your efforts.

[Tralala1234 in reply to mrmoto]

Thank you! I struggle most with being kind to myself because I don’t truly believe I deserve it. Working on self compassion but it’s a journey.

[godsangel124]

Hi! I am Stephanie - also struggled with anxiety/depression since a teen but did not realize it until adulthood. When I first saw the diagnosis my family physician made, I was in denial. I had PPMD after my first baby, and have struggled with hormonal PMDD my whole life. Now 39 and feeling worse due to potential perimenopause? I agree with the person above who stated getting therapy for past trauma. I went through PTSD from a couple things, one being my Highschool sweetheart who I was with/married to for 12yrs, cheating on me and divorcing him. I also grew up with controlling ADD/anxiety/depression, Asbergers/OCD parents which didn't help my sensitivity. I have seen a lot of lack if empathy in life, minus 2-3 close friends. If you have one close friend, I feel like that helps tremendously and just know that not everyone will help in your situation, even if they mean well. ❤️

[Tubthumper79]

Hi. Like you, I have been struggling with depression since my teens. I am now in my mid-40’s. I am unfit for work and I barely leave my house. I’m incredibly lonely and isolated. Just wanted to let you know that I relate to aspects of your situation. It’s nice to meet you and maybe we can keep in touch?

[Tralala1234 in reply to Tubthumper79]

Thank you for sharing your situation. Happy to keep in touch.

[Teaching]

Welcome to the community. I've experienced love here.

[Jackelope]

I am listening if you would like to talk.

[Pitbullgirl]

Welcome. We are all here for you 🙂

[OldestSibling]

I just want to share with everyone that I have been also suffering from depression and anxiety since my teens. I am now 62. Sometimes meds helped a lot but then stopped working and then on to another.

Since I have become treatment resistant, which is quite common, I am in partial hospitalization treatment with a referral from my psychiatrist. So far it’s been helpful; they give you lots s of coping skills and it’s in a small group setting. I see a psychiatrist every day. She recommended TMS. I plan to start that soon. My insurance covers all of this and I am willing to try anything if I want to feel better. I also want to get better for my family!

Don’t ever give up, be open to try other things. You may have to change psychiatrists if you feel you’re not getting treatment that’s working. .