New to The Forum

[shhrstarr]

Hi everyone,

Im Char, Im 27 and I have anxiety and depression. I have struggled with it for years but it has become heavier over the last few years. I've let it beat me down and I just thought meds were the answer. I didn't really understand until now that the meds are only one part of the solution. I guess I didn't want to realize that it's not going be stabilized so easily. I used substances to try and numb me out and avoid dealing with reality. But I realize now that it's only hurting me more and making it that much worse. I've never really focused on myself, I always had to take care of my mom (she was an alcoholic) and then I just focused all my attention on my husband when I got married. I've never had much self confidence and that hasn't really helped. I don't even know where to start on the path to recovery. I was thinking about making an online journal so I can get my thoughts out. Any suggestions?

Sorry if I rambled on.

[fixmybrokenmind]

Hey Char welcome to the forum. You are two steps ahead knowing that substance abuse causes more setbacks than anything and also realizing you need to give yourself personal attention.

If you are struggling from anxiety and depression you need to focus on you, not your husband. Of course I mean that relatively speaking... but make sure it goes both ways and he can take care of you when you are in a tough spot.

An online journal or journal in general is a great place to start and may benefit you hugely. You also have exercise, diet, meditation, sobriety to start with.

There are a few supplements that may help but they won't work if your lifestyle is still out of line.

Do you suffer from either depression or anxiety primarily over the other or does it feel like an equal disturbance?

[shhrstarr]

Thank you for the welcome! He definitely is a great support for me, I just tend to put myself last with everyone.

Right now I'm on three meds plus magnesium and fish oil. I just started taking those two supplements again.

I actually started reading your site last night and I really appreciate you putting your story out there.

I think it's a combination of both but my anxiety really works overtime.

[fixmybrokenmind]

Thanks I'm glad you like it :).

Also glad to hear your husband is good, how open are you with him about your struggles? Have you ever considered speaking with a therapist?

[shhrstarr]

Very open, we tell each other everything. He helps me focus my mind when I'm running myself ragged with worry. I have! I'm on the waiting list for one, it can take up to a year here.

Im trying to look up things I can do at home while I wait. Tools and strategies to use.

[gypsylee]

Very open, we tell each other everything. He helps me focus my mind when I'm running myself ragged with worry. I have! I'm on the waiting list for one, it can take up to a year here.

Im trying to look up things I can do at home while I wait. Tools and strategies to use.

Hi and welcome :)

If you want a recommendation try The DARE Response by Barry McDonagh. He's pretty much a modern day Claire Weekes. I got the audiobook which is read by him so you get the Irish (?) accent and all.

Cheers,
Gypsy x

[shhrstarr]

Thank you so much! I will definitely look into that!

[gypsylee]

Thank you so much! I will definitely look into that!

No worries :)

I've had this my whole life and I'm 43. I wish I'd known about Claire Weekes decades ago because she de-mystifies anxiety a lot and treats it almost like a physical illness. As I say, Barry McDonagh (and others) are along the same lines.

[peteski37]

Hi, Char and welcome I can connect with your comment as I to have abused many substances to escape reality and still do. The only difference now is I'm nearly off them all and a lot wiser but that wisdom like many of us cost a lot of our time and health. Thanks again for your comment it's good to know there are people I can turn too