Hi I'm not sure what to write but please keep anonymous,
Sorry for the long rant, and spelling mistakes.
I am a mother of a beautiful little girl, I'm studying, and work a shift here and there. My partner works away for long periods of time, I have depression and anxiety which I am medicated for, abit over a week now ive been so overwhelmed, no motivation, I cry randomly , I have mood swings, Im over thinking everything in my life, im alive but I cant feel anything, my sex drive is nearly non existing, Ive had depression and anxiety for quite awhile but been medicated for it for abit over 3 years, my partner is there for me when he can be, I want to help him cope with me on my bad days, im scared facing everyday waking up just waiting for a phone call or something to tell me something has happened to someone in my family or friends, if im being a good enough mother for my little girl? a loving partner? if ill pass my studies? I have a family support net work, but have had past argument's with some relatives about my depression and anxiety them thinking its being a put on. Im scared having depression and anxiety is clouding me of watching and enjoying my little one grow and enjoying life. most times I don't feel human, I feel lonely... But why? I have my child, my partner keeps in contact each and every day when he is at work, I want to feel, enjoy and be happy, I feel so messed up. I go to my doctor first sign of not coping which I have an apt soon, I've joined a chat room. All these odd and overreacting thoughts flood my mind 24/7. Im scared of not being able to get to a point where I feel happy, I know what emotion in most situations to feel but I cant feel them, im just numb. I don't want to lose my support network. I have seen a professional but I found she just sits there and every advice and reply is, How did you feel bout that? That's what a lot of people with your condition feel? I just thought this is not helping so I stopped seeing her.
I would like to know anyone else coping skills to help with depression and anxiety? also advice how i can help my partner cope with me having them? He is at this current time but for how long?
2 Replies
Hello! I wish I could give you a big hug! I also suffer anxiety and depression and I am coping really well at the moment, the things that have helped me mostly would be my psychologist! Also deep breathing, I use this skill throughout the day every day. Take a moment to really breathe really deeply. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Even tea and diet coke has caffeine so cut that out its a huge trigger. Look after yourself, catch up with good friends when you can, get up early and sit outside, it's wonderful to clear your head and have that moment to yourself. Walking helps, eating good food and looking after your body. Have you got anyone you can rely on to leave baby with? Can you get out breifly? I used to have trouble leaving my children but I'd just start small like going to the supermarket then eventually longer. For me as the children get older I am feeling better, it's hard when they are so reliant on you.
Best wishes xxxx
Continue to see your dr (it sounds like your meds need adjusting) also ask for a referral to a specialist who does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy it's an evidence based therapy that is usually through a psychologist and they teach you HOW to change your thought patterns. I've undergone it myself and if you do the homework it's excellent, if you don't do the homework then it's not going to get you anywhere. It's the first thing I've done that has given me long term results.
Much much better than old fashioned 'talk therapy' which has it's place but doesn't teach you how to break the cycle.