[Have Faith]

How many of you feel like you're really at a standstill? The illnesses seem to sabotage each other. Anxiety is so debilitating I feel helpless to work the steps to relieve my depression, and my depression makes me not care enough to work on my anxiety. I'very been in therapy for years. I can't take prescription sedatives. I'm stuck...

[Skeezyks]

Hello Have Faith: I'm sorry you are feeling stuck. Yes... I guess I experience something similar to this. However, for me, it's simply that all of my metal health issues are sort-of wound into this gnarled little ball. As a result, I have no idea what caused what or where any of it came from to begin with. The good thing, I guess, is that I'm an older person now. So it's simply too late to worry about any of it. I just strive to live with it day-in & day-out. I'm no longer on med's although I've taken them in the past. I don't see a therapist either. I hope in some way you can find the inner strength to break out of your impasse.

Yes, that's right. One thing can lead to another and can lock you in a vicious cycle. I have social anxiety which has caused me depression because of the isolation. Depression makes me feel like not working or doing anything. No working or doing anything diminishes my self-esteem. My low self-esteem feeds my social anxiety, and so on goes the cycle. I know the cycle needs to be broken, but how? I think each one has to find their own answer. I'm still looking for mine. Good luck in finding yours

[pinkrose1958]

Good morning Have Faith,

Anxiety can be debilitating as you stated.

Some suggestions for you:

How do you feel about trying a new therapist? It is possible the one you currently have is not working out for you anymore. (My therapist gives me mind/body exercises to assist me during my anxiety attacks)

New medication for your depression...sometimes the meds no longer work. I have found that sometimes changing the meds will give you the boost you need.

I exercise regularly and find that this helps my anxiety. I also walk outdoors every day and try to enjoy the beauty of nature. I know it probably sounds kind of corny, but nature is beautiful!

Try something different than your normal routine...see if it helps you with your depression and anxiety.

[Unrigged64072835]

I've felt stuck for a while too. I'm trying new things and getting back into old hobbies. It seems to help.

[iloveyourlaugh]

Its such a horrible, hopeless feeling. I have been feeling it a lot lately. The only thing that helps me is my creative passions, occupying my mind and hands with them. Somehow it gives me a little clarity. I guess it gives me something positive to obsess about. Sometimes I simply feel so stuck because I can't stop thinking about how stuck I am. I try to figure it out in my head like a puzzle that never ends, but maybe your mind needs a little vacation? I go for long walks and listen to music that inspires me, contact old friends, or try to be around someone or something that makes me smile. Sometimes I give myself small goals. I write them down, and try to spend my free time with getting those simple things done. I hope you feel better soon!