[Oathkeeper007]

So with the new year coming, I want to try an live a year free of anxiety and depression. I know that's asking for a lot given that I have been battling anxiety and depression for almost 6 months now. I just want to not worry about what may or may not set off my anxiety. I don't want to have this weight on my chest. I don't want to look in the mirror and think negative thoughts about myself. One of my biggest problems is that I keep looking for this miracle pill or this combination of routines that will get rid of my anxiety for good. I know that doesn't exist but yet I catch myself going to the internet trying to find someone who has the exact same problems as me. But again there's another problem, not all experiences are the same because no one person is the same and they don't have the same anxiety. But I decided to reach out to people on here. I want to hear more experiences from other people and what they did to help with their anxiety. So if you guys could either post on here or message me some things you have done to help your anxiety. I am really hoping to get some insight about your experience and maybe learn something I can do to help with my anxiety.

Hi there.I am sorry you also struggle with anxiety.

I could really relate to your post,searching for something that would magically help.Once I believed that eating candy actually helped,every time I felt anxious I ate a handful,and it worked at first,but only because I had convinced myself it was working.I believed if I did things a certain way,in a specific order,it would help too.All it did was add to my anxiety when I didn't do the same things at a specific time.

My T told me I needed to learn to live with anxiety.That meant accepting it.Living my life despite it.It's so hard to do,but I try my best to not let it hold me back.Fighting it,trying so hard to get rid of it,only makes it worse for me,I do so much better when I just accept it.

What helped me more than anything was an older book,

https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Help-Ner.../dp/0451167228

I carried it with me at all times,read and re-read it daily for a very long time.

I still struggle,but not as much as I used to.

[leejosepho]

Originally Posted by Oathkeeper007

...to try and live...free of anxiety and depression...to not worry about what may or may not set off my anxiety.

Stress, anxiety and depression drove my blood pressure to 280/140 and landed me in a medical ICU for a few days six years ago, and I would first caution you to distinguish between "free of anxiety and depression" and either "anxiety-free" or "depression-free". Today I am "free of anxiety and depression" in the sense that anxiety and depression no longer rule and dominate my life, but that does not mean I no longer ever experience anxiety or depression.

Originally Posted by Oathkeeper007

I want to hear more experiences from other people and what they did to help with their anxiety.

I first look to see whether there is anything positive or helpful I either can or should do in the immediate sense, I work at maintaining an attitude of gratitude and I work at learning to be content in the immediate while trying to be realistic about the future.

[DechanDawa]

I feel for you, and I have had the same goals. I searched for ways to get rid of depression and anxiety for the past two years. Recently I got a new job and my anxiety skyrocketed, and I even called a hotline on Christmas Day to talk to a counselor.

I agree with what others have said in their comments. We would do better to try to deal with anxiety than try to eliminate it altogether.

My new job is very stressful. At one point I was getting very anxious and my manager told me to stop and take a "mini break" for a few seconds, and ground myself. I did that and it helped.

Personally, I am still overwrought with anxiety and depression...but as I am getting more active in my life I don't have as much time to focus on myself.

It also helped me to google the stories of famous people who battled with anxiety and depression yet managed to be productive. Such as Abraham Lincoln. If he waited until he was free of anxiety and depression he would have stayed back in that log cabin where he was born hiding under the covers.

My favorite place to escape anxiety and depression is under the covers...but I have decided I don't want to live the rest of my life there.

I understand your troubles and dilemma. Most of all, people here in Psych Central truly understand what you are experiencing. Good luck in the new year, and I hope you find a spot of relief and peace.

[handheart]

Meds are helpful but i strongly advise you to change yout interior world ,its how you think how you feel etc .Start by thinking at beautyful thought be happy etc .Its not happy but if you are pereseverent everyday the sun will come