So you remember the last time you laughed....

[SammieXo]

Recently every day now I have been trying to remember the last time I had a good real laugh the kind were makes your eyes water. I find it very hardto relax always so tense in work at home even when I am alone..I cant even fake laugh. I have no emotions I feel blunt. I must be so unhappy.. ?

[Angep Star]

Hi Sammie, I'm not being flippant but why don't you do something that does make you feel happy!! I know finding the enthusiasm to do things when you feel the way you do can be more than difficult. You may not remember when you last laughed but can you remember what makes you feel happy? Do you go for a walk ? I myself found that helped when I felt myself sinking into that lonely place, music on and walk. Deep breaths, I remember smiling on my walk when I noticed the warm summer air and the smell of cut grass!! It was the first time in a long time that I smiled and felt happy. You obviously feel very uptight a lot of the time. I myself find it difficult to relax and sit for long. I can always find something to fill my time though. Are you worrying about lots of things?

[Cloe8]

Those are my exact words too! Laugh what's that? I know the feeling so. So well it's all part of this anxiety and panic sh----it excuse my words I keep telling myself it has to get better it's all making me so tired maybe we can think about what we are going thru and try to laugh for each other sounds corny but knowing someone else feels like me it might work😉

[JackMcG]

It sounds to me that you are suffering from something known as 'flat affect', which is sadly a common symptom of anxiety/depression. The brain stops reacting normally to stimuli as a means of self defence. Things that excite the central nervous system such as laughing, crying and even anger are things that the brain subconsciously avoids in order to avoid anxiety, panic or painful emotions.

It's quite normal. I do think if this is the case that it is probably time for you to see a doctor. You certainly shouldn't feel bad about seeking medical help for this. You need it, without it things may get worse. If you fell and wounded your knee, you'd hobble to the doctor I assume, because you'd want to be able to walk normally again.

This isn't so different. There are many therapies, not all of them require medication, if that's something you worry about.

I know this is difficult. You may be worried and deep down feeling sad. Doctors can help and so can sharing with others on this forum. There's fellowship here, and whether you are asking for advice or helping someone by sharing your experience, I have found it to be very helpful.

Whatever you choose to do, I really hope you find some relief soon.

Wishing you the best.

Jack

[Agora1 in reply to JackMcG]

Oh Jack, that is interesting. I had never heard of a "flat affect", but it makes so much sense. It is a self defense mechanism to avoid our emotions. Thank you for sharing that. Living and learning has never been truer than it is on this forum.

Hope you are well.

[Findingme in reply to JackMcG]

See a doctor about her knees, would she though?

This is exactly how I am too. Numb and always feeling stressed. Funny thing is, I fell and hurt my knees quite badly about 2 months ago, yet I have been living with the pain because the idea of seeing a doctor about them makes me anxious.

[JackMcG in reply to Findingme]

I don't know if she would see a doctor if she fell and hurt her knee. It was meant to be helpful, I was attempting to let this person know that there should be no difference between a physical injury and a mental one as far as a doctor is concerned.

Simply because I don't know if a person will go to a doctor or not is not going to stop me from advising someone see a doctor if I think it would help them.

Help on a forum like this can only go so far. Seeing a doctor is good advice generally. It's not a medical opinion. I often say to friends "maybe you should see a doctor about that", it's meant in a friendly way.

I'm very sorry to hear that you are suffering so terribly. I was going to suggest that perhaps you phone your doctor and ask for a home visit, but I won't, as that might upset you also. As this forum is about trying to help each other, I will just stop here as I'm at a loss as to what to write to you.

You do of course have my sympathy

Jack.

[Findingme in reply to JackMcG]

Fair enough, but maybe you could try to understand that I am also trying to help. I was not trying to hurt you or offend you, and whilst wanting to give you the benefit of the doubt, I find it very hard not to read sarcasm in your response to me. I do not think that is very kind and helpful to me. We are all struggling here.

[JackMcG in reply to Findingme]

I agree with you. We are all struggling. I really wasn't being sarcastic, and I'm sorry my reply might seem that way. I just felt that as I was trying to explain myself I might be upsetting you and digging myself into a deeper hole. That's why I abruptly ended my reply.

I am at a genuine loss as to what to say to you. Other than offer my genuine sympathy and empathy. I too have been extremely depressed, I've even been catatonic. Thankfully I've never been anxious about doctors. Probably because my father is a doctor and my mother is a nurse.

I apologise if you feel I was sarcastic.

I genuinely do hope you experience some remission soon.

Jack

[JackMcG]

I'm doing ok at the moment thanks Agora. Hope all is well with you too.

Jx

[Cat33]

I'm so sorry you are feeling like this as laughter as they say really is the best medicine Start with trying to find just one thing a day that makes you feel a little bit happier and write it down It can be a bird singing or the sunshine anything I remember when I felt like you it was winter and I suddenly realised the bulbs were starting to shoot up in the garden and for a brief moment I felt happy to think spring was on its way Tomorrow try and focus on looking for something happy Anxiety is the most horrendous feeling ever I might be wrong but are you tuning in to how your body feels all your waking hours ? If you are then when you get distracted the anxiety and tension goes It's all thoughts and thoughts can be changed to happy ones

You will feel better I promise you will Read as much as you can on anxiety it will make you see what a waste of space it is and how you can and will get rid of it

Once you start to notice nice things you will start to get better and the laughter will return I remember worrying I'd never ever laugh again now I'm always laughing and love life

Have you found all the lovely relaxation videos on YouTube they are wonderful and will help you From tomorrow force yourself to find a simple pleasure force yourself to try and relax and soon you won't need to force yourself you'll do it because it's so lovely and you will look forward to it

My heart goes out to you as I totally understand You take good care of yourself treat yourself kindly Hope I've made sense

All the very very best you can do it x

[SammieXo]

Thank you everyone. Xx