Depression.

Hi, everyone. I've suffered from depression and Anxiety most of my life (I'm 60 now) and for the last 16 years have been taking Fluoxetine, which keeps the depression from getting too bad, but a few times a year I get really bad episodes of anxiety. I'm in the midst of one now. In the past I've had several sessions of CBT and even EMDR but none of that has helped me to get control over my anxiety. Can anyone suggest what might help?

Thanks Julie and anyone else who wishes me well I wish you all well. Just had to have my 3rd session on my nebuliser which is no fun. Plus worrying about my daughter.

Take care you all xxx

I do hope that all is going in the right direction Alun for you all.

Keep chatting as we are all here for the same purpose ; to support ,encourage and build friendships along the way.

Gentle hugs Alun.

Julie 

Hi findogask; Sorry to read that you are struggling with your anxiety.

Do you know what is triggering it at this moment in time?

I was diagnosed with anxiety depression following a 30 year marriage break up.

My whole world changed in a heart beat .I had trusted my ex 100% and suddenly my future seemed frightening.

My anxiety was awful, especially when the panic attacks kicked in. It totally overwhelmed me.

For me personally, I concentrated on my breathing, something I still do in times of stress/anxiety. It made me focus on my body which had a calming effect. Understanding that I wasn't going to die also helped.

Distracting myself has also helped. Spending too much time over thinking didn't help me at all.

Along with medication , self help has been a must. It hasn't been easy but the medication eased my frantic mind enabling me to cope on my issues which also included my dad being diagnosed with COPD, my sister with cancer along with me not only losing everything [house etc] I was also facing redundancy from my part time job.

I lost all of my confidence/self esteem. There was no light at the end of my dark, lonely frightening tunnel.

Today, it is a totally different story. I stepped outside my comfort zone, got a new job working with adults with learning disabilities, also becoming a club leader for the latter. I now address 60 members on a weekly basis.

I am with a wonderful partner who despite being diagnosed with a terminal illness + facing other issues is now emerging through the other end of that tunnel known as depression.

The causes of our illness's may be different but the emotions/symptoms are the same and so we all understand what you are going through /experiencing. This is the ideal place to get that much needed support along with realizing that you are never judged, just supported.

Talk, talk and talk some more as the more you talk about your issues the less impact they will have on you.

Always here for you to chat/support /encourage /friendship.

Hugs wrapped with love for a gentle evening 

Julie x

hi jessa

shit time of the year to be US.

Hi I hope we all manage to get through this difficult time of year to face a brighter future at the turn of the year. We should all remember we are all here for each other no matter how big or small you think the issues are. We are here for one reason to help one another. Keep smiling I know its hard but the more we try maybe the easier the situation will get for us. This is my first year with the website and its been a massive help. Lets continue to sort each other out. It is the way forward. Even I If I cant spell everything correctly lol

Happy xmas to you all and a happy new year if we can get one.

xxx

I completely agree with your sentiments Alun. There really is light at the end of what can be a very dark place at the moment.

Never give up, be gentle on yourself and believe in yourself because you can get through it.

Don't over think Christmas day now and how you may feel as you may be setting yourself up to fail. Remind yourself that it is for one day really [25th] and it will be over before you know it.

Keep your self occupied.

Keep chatting, especially if you need that bit extra support; I for one will be on/off on this group to offer the latter.

Big gentle hugs for everyone who needs one.

Remember; Little by little, day by day and as my user name states "It gets better"

May 2017 be filled with love, light and happiness for us all.

Julie 

Alunsue merry Christmas hope you get through it ok like you said we are all here to help each other have a good day ??

happy xmas to you all

 xxx

Hello Members,

An interesting article appeared on Psychology Today on the difference between sadness (which is a temporary emotional state) and depression (a chronic condition that benefits from treatment).

Have you ever had trouble getting your physician, loved ones or co-workers to recognize your depression as more than "just the blues"? What do you think is the best way to help someone who isn't suffering from depression understand your condition?