Help!

[readinginthedark]

Hey everyone, I am new here. I recently got diagnosed with social anxiety and depression, but I have been going through this for years. I only went for help when things got really bad. Things were supposed to get better, but I am still hopeless. Does anyone have any advice?

[bbanxiety]

Keep holding on and don't give up.

I really mean that, don't give up and start to take steps to take charge of your life.

The first thing I'd recommend to do is to seek advice from your GP on CBT therapy as well as antidepressants.

What I personally did next was a mix of things. I looked at if I needed some time away from work to give myself a break, which I did for a month.

With this time off I took a look at my life and looked at what I enjoyed about my life and what I wanted to change. Simply locating what it is in your life that isn't positive is a big weight off of your shoulders. Examples being friends, social media, drugs, alcohol, relationships, diet, weight, sleep, job, education, the list goes on and on.

I started to make little changes that eased my anxiety a little bit at a time as well as my depression. One big step I then took was to start exposing myself to my fears. If you look at my post history you'll see what I mean. As an example, I went from a happy go lucky person who suddenly became racked with debilitating anxiety around doing everyday simple things, so I took small steps and little by little I started to get use to the fear, it's called breaking a negative feedback loop and to start building positive ones.

I'd also recommend looking up Dr Claire Weekes on YouTube, that will explain probably the best way of dealing with anxiety and depression.

Lastly, try to be present in the moment, I'd sounds strange but it's the best way to live. Depression is usually tied to past memories and anxiety is placed in imagining bad things in the future.

Take a deep breath and breathe out some of the stress, you'll be okay.

[readinginthedark in reply to bbanxiety]

Thank you so much for the advice! It feels great to receive support

[bbanxiety in reply to readinginthedark]

You're welcome!

Remember, you're not alone and things will get better.

[APOR2017]

Readinginthedark, I am sorry you are going through this. It is certainly a day by day journey. Would you consider reaching out for professional help again? I am here if you want help finding resources or just need to chat.

[readinginthedark in reply to APOR2017]

Thank you for the support, really appreciate it I am thinking of reaching out again, very soon.