[rr13]

Well, first I'll say that I have hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue, which both cause symptoms of depression and anxiety and making it hard to cope with stress. While I know this about myself, it's not helping when I'm in the middle of an anxiety crisis. I just turned 48 and don't feel good about where my life is. I'm still single, never been married, still don't feel successful in my job or finances, still financially dependent on my parents, who are toxic and have been the cause of a lot of my stress over my life. I've been having a lot of issues with friends lately, losing friends, feeling like I'm on an emotional rollercoaster with some. I feel like it's too much. I've become paralyzed where I just can't motivate myself to get on with my life. My thoughts have become obsessive, I've worn out my welcome venting to my friends. I try to distract myself, but I can't quiet all the chatter in my head. How do you cope with all the ups and downs of life and depression when your body has a disease that prevents you from being able to cope with stress?

[DaveH]

Take it a bit at a time, the best you can. Find something you can change to make yourself feel even a tiny bit better, and change it. The best advice I've ever had about depression and anxiety is that both are products of your mind - and your mind isn't *you*. You can decide what you think if you have the will, and the emotions will (eventually) follow. The best thing (for me ... your mileage may vary) to cut down mental static is to go outside and do things ... even if it's just a short stroll in the park. Mild exercise helps a *lot* (again, for me) with depression and anxiety, even if I don't feel like it to start.

But it does seem to me you need help seeing outside yourself, and it really ought to see a trained professional. If you can't, don't stress over it, but you should make that a goal for when you can.

[rr13]

Thanks. Yea, unfortunately I can't afford outside therapy. I make a very small salary and have crappy insurance that would require a $40 co-pay for each therapy visit. I know I've needed to be in therapy for a long time, I just could never afford it. My main issue is low self esteem from being verbally abused most of my life and figuring out how to feel good about myself without needing validation from other people.

[adaptordie]

Are you treating your hypothyroid disease at all? You can't meditate your way out of something like that. There are simple and cheap treatments. I get that your insurance sucks, but it would be worth it to make your everyday life better, don't you think?

[avlady]

i also have hypothryodismand am on synthroidmaybe you should see your regular doctor and see if you can be put on it it is a hormone suppliment for it.

[rr13]

Yes, I've been on thyroid hormones for 9 years but I also have adrenal issues and hormone imbalances and can't seem to get things regulated.

[Crazy Hitch]

rr13

I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with anxiety.

I understand how that feels as I have felt this from time to time.

I've read these articles when my anxiety has been bad, and some of the suggestions may or may not be of use to you.

They're good blogs posted here on PsychCentral.

I hope they might be useful for you.

11 Tips to Help Manage Anxiety | World of Psychology

Top 10 Lesser-Known Self-Help Strategies for Anxiety | Psych Central

[OurLadysTears]

I can relate in some sort of sense. I feel like depression and anxiety isn't something that completely ever goes away. There are moments of ups and downs. You have to recognize what brings you up and what puts you down and try to somehow keep it in the middle. It isn't easy at all. I think hitting rock bottom emotionally for me is what helped the most. I had a wake up call of some sorts. It gave me a point to look back and and thank god that I don't feel that way again. I still have my moments but it isn't nearly as severe. It isn't fun to deal with either though. Distraction and goals can be some of the best medicines though.

[rr13]

Thanks for those links. I've had several wake up calls, and a big one just yesterday (lost another friend because of my depression), but it's like no matter how hard I try, the sadness and anxiety just don't go away. I really am starting to think it's because my thyroid isn't working right. Kind of like how someone with a true chemical imbalance can't help how they feel, I really think my thyroid not working is causing my brain to not let me be happy. I've been to so many doctors though and no one knows why the meds aren't working.

[Crazy Hitch]

I'm glad the links were useful rr13.

I'm sorry to hear about your other friend yesterday. Yes, unfortunately, when we are depressed we tend to do things a little 'solo' (well I do), simply because I don't go out as much and tend to want to stay at home with no energy to do anything at all. The fact that your thyroid isn't working properly also adds to the energy / lack thereof mix.

It's a real shame that despite all of your efforts of seeing different doctors this still hasn't come right with your meds, and this is something that I wish for you will be resolved soon.

As far as my own personal experience goes, sometimes I am able to reconcile with friends that I didn't necessarily pay enough attention to when I was depressed. This is certainly not always the case, as by and large it depends on the friend and how willing they are to reconnect the friendship.

Keep us posted.