Hello

Well, not sure where to start or what to say as I've never done this before. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression many years ago and have been through the evolution of meds over those many years. I don't think any have really done much for me, at least I never felt like they did. I am currently on meds and started seeing a therapist again. I hope to learn from others what may have worked for them. 🙃

[Compassion77]

Hi! I just joined too! I am just coming off a 5 day anxiety experience. I have been through the same route as you, but recently just started meditation for the past 2 days. I am a mouth breather, but learning to take those nice, belly breaths is teaching me to focus sooo much on that instead of the ruminating thoughts.

[AnxiousSilver]

Welcome.

[Hidden]

Hello Cleo welcome! I am new here also and am experiencing depression and anxiety as well. I have been working on myself for the past year but within the last month I have been really putting in a lot of work to heal and feel better. I feel like I do so much and it is a lot but I can say I am finally feeling better. What has been helping me so far is the following: I have been using mindfulness a lot, just trying to be in the present moment and not focusing on the past or the future. I have been using headspace app for meditation and deep breathing exercises morning and night. I have also downloaded Happify app which has been helped with CBT skills to help me reframe my thoughts: i have also been spending time with people who being me joy and are positive. I have been going on nature walks 2 to 3 times a week now that the weather is better. I also hear motivational speeches on youtube in the morning on my way to work. I know it sounds like a lot but the more you practice the less it feels like work and more like a healthy lifestyle. Hope this helps

[Agora1]

Hi CleO, meds can help but they are not the "key" in going forward. Therapy is a

way to address your issues and be guided to a different path in succeeding. Even

with these two support systems, nothing will happen unless you make it happen.

We must change our way of thinking as well as actively moving forward in order

to start living a productive life.

Finding other methods/tools to use will help us see the light and feel the

difference. Nothing is an overnight reaction to our anxiety and depression.

It took time to reach that point and it will take time to reverse the effects.

I'm glad you have found this helpful community of caring virtual friends. xx

[Midori]

Hi Cleo, welcome.

Could I ask you to lock your post to the community please? As we discuss sometimes quite sensitive topics here it would help enormously, and it will stop information leaking onto the general Internet, and an unlocked post can attract trolls.

You will probably get more replies too!

Cheers. Midori

[catsrock]

Welcome! Glad you are here. It's a very supportive group.