Anxiety and Depression

[gracer]

It's so tricky sometimes how our mind would seem to play with us. Whenever I'm at the height of my depression, I just don't feel like doing anything at all. My energy seems to be so drained and I just want to stare at nothing all day long. When I'm feeling a bit energetic and more alive, my anxiety then begins to take over and I couldn't even sleep at times because of overwhelming thoughts that won't just leave me alone. I feel like I'm such a broken person.


Do you also experience these things at times? How are you dealing with them?

 

[peace_and_purrs]

I have both. I refer to them as 'the evil twins.' When one is in active, the other is causing me problems.


I take Strattera to deal with both. Therapy and physical exercise have helped as well.


Do you take something to sleep? I can't sleep without my taking Vistaril. Sleep is really helpful in getting the twins to calm down for a bit.

 

[alice0]

Yeah, mine is like that too. Sometimes I'm so depressed that I can't function. And other times I'm bouncing around but my mind starts racing and I get paranoid as all hell.

 

[sidney]

I have experienced being depressed several times in my life, and I really think that being lethargic as it happens is just normal. Especially after crying, you tend to feel weak and drained. However, when I am already feeling energetic, I don't really experience being anxious again as long as there is no situation that triggers my anxiety. So I guess it depends on how severe your anxiety is.

 

[fuzyon]

In situations like these I like to be as calm as possible, even though it may not be possible everytime I try to give myself space (I know, it sounds weird) and be as forgiving as possible. There have been weeks when I haven't done anything to be a better person or to improve my life, but I tend to focus on the future rather than the past. You'll heal with time and experiences, don't worry about it.

 

[djordjem87]

Everybody is unique and we all have our own unique ways we feel this emotions that we cannot handle. I am too sensitive sometimes and it makes me depressive, anxious and sad. All at the same time. My heart is suffering for this a lot and I try to resolve it by using some natural remedies like Valeriana drops. If you are aware of these you know how good they can be. I drink tea that is especially made for depressive behaviour and I usually feel better in time. I am not always good when it comes to dealing with emotions, I drink excessively and eat all kind of bad food and although this doesn't happen all the time it still happens.

 

[Panic57]

I always felt that anxiety and depression were two sides of the same coin. it never fails that while I'm in the throws of one I can still feel the strings of the other tugging away at my mind. When I'm depressed, I feel so low but I'm always excruciatingly aware of all the things I could or should be doing instead of being depressed, or all the people I'm disappointing with my self wallowing. But then when my depression is not so bad, I start feeling more anxious because what if another bout of depressions is going to come and ruin everything. With that fear of another bout depression I become fidgety and anxious to get as much done, before I become depressed again. Then I become depressed because I can never seem to work hard or fast enough. At some point, I realize and accept that's how it works for me.

 

[gracer]

Thank you so much for all your replies guys! I somehow feel relieved to know that I'm not so weird after all because there are also some people who feel the same way as I do. Just like what peace_and_purrs said, these two conditions seem like a double jeopardy for me that keeps me from becoming the more productive and dependable me. Sometimes I would try meditation and deep breathing exercises for my anxiety but when it comes to the depressive state, I really don't have any kind of remedy when I'm down with it.

 

[Alex]

You are not alone, and I do feel when you realize it is an issue that you decide you want to change things. That's not always easy, but realizing it is the first step. It's true depression and anxiety can go hand in hand, but that is not to be defeatist. Often we feel the pressure to do more and not feel as we truly do, but being honest is the only way forward.


Masking how you feel doesn't make it better, but also not choosing to do anything either. Sometimes you do feel helpless and nothing works and days like that will exist. How do I deal with it? These days I try to do things that make me feel good about me, perhaps just for a couple of hours, but that doesn't mean I still don't have dark days. We all do, but people won't admit to them that's all. It's human nature and done in the privacy of their own home.


I look at things could be worse and that while it could be better, I have choices and the best thing is to do what feels right for you. You may make mistakes, again that is human, and it's okay. I feel society is indoctrinated into believing making mistakes makes you unworthy, but the fact is many people (successful ones) have made mistakes, but they hide them or put them behind them.


You have the power to do things, now you just need the courage within you to do them.

 

[Kosta]

I have had problems with anxiety and panic attacks, but I believe they are more natural to my type of personality. I was a hyperactive child and still I like to be in a move. Walking is my preferable physical activity, and I am doing it almost every day. Beside it, I like bodybuilding also, but I am not so active as with walking. I spend approximately two hours on those activities and they have been useful relaxing my mind. It would be very hard for me to lie down in a bed and take some defensive position. I have heard anxiety and depression are connected and they often come together, but luckily I have not had problems with it.

 

[kgord]

I think that anxiety and depression are flip sides of the same coin too. Even though not everyone who has anxiety has depression and vice versa. I think that those who suffer from anxiety are quite likely to become depressed if it stops them from doing things that they want to do. It is important to deal with both of them directly. I think it is important to get the treatment you need so that doesn't become crushing whether you are dealing with depression or anxiety.