Advice for Progress

[WriterButCantRead]

If anyone has advice or wants to share ways that they improved themselves, it would be appreciated.

Context: I'm in my 30's and I've been in therapy for a couple of years because of the stress of my previous job. Despite getting a job I went to school for, I was eventually able to quit and take some time to myself to recover. It has almost been a year since I quit, and while I feel like I've improved a great deal compared to what I was like a few years ago, it feels like I've been stuck in a pit these past few months unable to make progress.

I unfortunately struggle with bouts of depression and anxiety. I've been able to start exercising almost regularly and have even taken up reading again. But recently it's a coin flip if I can get out of bed. Then the anxieties hit when I even think about opening an Indeed job search.

I've always been an over thinker, and suffer from comparing myself to my friends and family which makes feel like a colossal bum. Time is passing by fast, and it feels like I'm consciously waisting any potential or motivation that I have. Trying anything scares me, including the possible idea of moving away from home to find a job I would actually like. Sometimes I stay up just thinking of the worst case scenarios.

Sorry for the long post, but any advice is appreciated. It may also just be something I needed to get off my chest.

[LazyXrayEyes2255]

Is there support group or employment seeking group that you can join? Or even volunteer maybe and ease your way back into employment. I know alot of the charities I have worked have shown me immense support and good atmosphere in achieving something for while really helped me to position myself for goals of work and life. Join a charity or volunteer something that excites you or inspires you.

[WriterButCantRead in reply to LazyXrayEyes2255]

Thank you, volunteering sounds like a great idea! I don't know if we have that much happening around here, but hopefully a Google search will help give some options.

[MayDay3]

You could always volunteer at a local library with a literacy program. It can be very fulfilling.

I have been depresses since I was 16 when I attempted suicide for the 1st time. I tried a few times since and failed every time. I have been in therapy for a while now, and I take my depression pill on time daily.

Everyone in my family is more educated, better employed and makes more money than me. I feel like a bum too. If you figure out how to stop comparing yourself to others please let me know I would love to be able to do the same.

I have a masters degree and still feel pretty stupid. Specially because my husband either implies it or outright says it daily.

As far as imagining worst case scenarios goes, I try to also imagine best case scenarios. Sometimes it helps sometimes I over think and turn best case scenarios to worst case scenarios.

Meditation, specially with a mantra can help. Or listening to an audiobook in a topic you enjoy can help. At least it helps me sometimes.

If you live near a water body or somewhere near nature taking walks while listening to energizing or uplifting music used to work for me.

I moved a lot in my 20's and 30's. I am in my 40's now and I can't remember why I liked moving so much in the past. I dread moving now.

Hope some of this helps.

[WriterButCantRead in reply to MayDay3]

Thank you so much for sharing. I was lucky enough to have a supportive family, but I spent just about every day at school being told how stupid I was and I how I would never graduate. So I definitely feel your pain on how a negative view can be ingrained onto you.

And I think volunteering would be a good idea, because while I struggle with some social anxieties, I do take a lot of pleasure out of helping people. I've been curious about meditation for a while too because I have several friends who talk about how it helps them.

And congrats on the masters! That's an incredible achievement.

[catsrock]

I don't know if I have any advice for you, but I get it as I'm looking for a job right now too and my depression definitely makes it more of a struggle. I think baby steps are the way to go and celebrating every thing as you go. I also do tapping meditations and find them very helpful. Good luck!

[WriterButCantRead in reply to catsrock]

I've been hearing about how meditation helps a lot of people so I might be willing to give that a try soon.

And more celebrating also sounds like a great idea. Thank you for connecting. Hoping we can both beat the depression and get the job we deserve.