Need some hope

[kaguya]

Hello

I have been going through depression and anxiety problems for about 4 years. I have been having therapy for some time. I just feel very hopeless time to time. Is it really possible to overcome depression and anxiety? Some people say they never go away and it really upsets me.

[Hidden]

I think it's more of a case of learning to accept it then learning how to work along side it. It can be a long term battle but that doesn't mean you will be defeated. Anxiety can be controlled using behavioural and thinking techniques.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello kaguya, Welcome to this very supportive community.

I empathise with you, I think many folks feel as you do from time to time. There are many reasons why an individual develops anxiety and depression whether that is due to a genetic pre-disposition family history, a traumatic event, a physiological cause to think of a few. Medication aims to boost low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, which is the natural 'feel good' chemical. Psychological therapies help us to identify and address issues with our cognitions and how they affect our behaviours. So we can gain control over negative thought patterns and learn to head them off at the pass so to speak, rather than be controlled by them.

As loveheart has said, learning to accept that you have anxiety and depression, can help you cope. It is part of the Grief cycle model (Kubler-Ross, 1969), which though originally applied to dying and bereavement, is often used to explain loss in other ways such as when our health fails, and we have a sense of loss of the person we once thought we were, but eventually we can come through to a place of acceptance. Acceptance doesn't mean you give in or you are defeated by it, but that much like a diabetic needs to take insulin and must watch their diet, but leads a normal life; so with mental health issues, we can lead a normal life, but need support from time to time to take care of ourselves whether that's medication, therapy or a forum like this.

Stay in touch, keep posting. Hopefully others folks here will come alongside and support you too.

Take care.

[Aura123]

I believe you can learn to control it rather than it controlling you but it's a huge battle and It may come back when you're faced with another crisis in your life unless you can change your mindset and the way you deal with problems when they arise. A year ago I'd been off sick from work for 8 months with anxiety after caring for and losing both of my parents within 2 years of each other. I was having severe anxiety attacks to the point where my whole body would sweat profusely. I'm talking sweat dripping down my face,, my clothing soaked and wherever I was everybody would stare at me because I was wet through even in winter. Along with rapid breathing and chest pains. I felt like a total failure because I couldn't control it and people's reactions to it made me feel like a total oddball and I then became socially isolated too due to embarrassment. A year later I've been back in work for 9 months and I'm starting university next week so yes you can learn to live a normal life as I have. For me I had to learn to be kinder to myself- negative self talk was destroying me. Instead of putting yourself down, praise yourself for all of your achievements. Stop overthinking everything- it's hard I know when you're in the habit but when thoughts come into your head, acknowledge them and let them go- meditation helps with this too. Take time out to relax, even if it's just 10 minutes here and there. Connect with nature, it heals and calms- go to your local park and totally focus on the trees - watch the leaves blowing in the wind, touch it and feel the energy. Kick your shoes off and feel the grass between your toes- totally submerge yourself in nature, trust me it works! For me I've found eating healthy really helps with my mood and energy levels too. Push yourself to do things that make you nervous- feel the fear and do it anyway- then be proud of yourself for doing it. I don't believe medication helps long term although it can temporarily ease the symptoms. I see mental illness as soul sickness- you need to delve into yourself to find the root cause before you can conquer the war that rages within you! I wish you all the luck in the world in succeeding and being happy.

[kaguya in reply to Aura123]

Dear Aura

Thank you very much for your reply. I will keep your advice in mind

Best wishes