[overtheedge]

I'm new here....I'm trying to figure everything out. I'm here because I'm trying to find ways to deal with the depression I've been going through for the past several months...well, years. Sometimes medicated, but not currently. I also have panic attacks and let my fears of "what if" run my life.

Any help, suggestions, advice, words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

[RozG]

Hi

First... Welcome to pc.

I'm sorry I don't really have much advice for you. I just wonder when you say you've been depressed for the past several months....

do you know what caused your depression? I know that may seem like a silly question but sometimes folks can think back to a particular event and sometimes it just seems to have crept up on them.

I also wonder if you have a Therapist? support of family and friends etc?

Maybe you could try taking up an old hobby you haven't done for a long time or maybe a totally new one?

Sorry this is all the advice I have for you just now...but I'm sure others will have better for you.

[DOWNINNATICK]

Hey overtheedge;

Welcome to the group, I don't know how to over come your what if problem, I have that same problems of what if, could have and should haves. Family and friends are a good place to start as well as a therapist to help you through some of your emotions. Some our what if and so on, started with my parents because that was the way they were, so maybe that is why it runs your life as well. One thing my counselor tells me is when it creeps in, try to think of something good, and everytime it creeps back in, turn your mind around again. You may need to be on different meds and stay on them to help you better.

Good luck

[scooterb]

I am new to this group, too. Depression and anxiety are things I deal with regularily. I think medication helps, but I also use other tools.

Staying in the moment takes practice. I found reading Eckart Tolle's Book, "The Power of Now" very helpful. The realization that my brain chatter is a very small part of my left brain that is working overtime and can be controlled by reprogramming.

Using the acronym: FEAR (false evidence appearing real.) Taking a walk around the block when I feel like my head is going to explode from anxiety. I am job hunting and there is no bigger trigger for me to feel panic and self-doubt!

Doing things that run against what I'm comfortable with especially; being around people, going to support groups and sharing my feelings, and helping someone else. Getting out of my own thoughts and physically being of service always makes me feel better.

Welcome overtheedge...hope this helps and I am glad everyone else is out there.

Lisa aka scooterb

[kipper55]

hello welcome

[multipixie9]

Welcome to PC Over.,

Sharing with others on here can help some as you realize you are not alone and not the only one who has problems.

Just one tool that helps me when I'm down and struggling is to write a daily Gratitude List. I decide how many items to put on it - usually 5 or 10 things and I sit down and write them out. All the way from profound things to tiny little things. Practicing this small discipline has helped me get my perspective changed and it also lifts my mood after a few days. It causes me to realize the good things of my life and that helps counter that negative voice in my head that looks too closely at what is not going so well.

So much of what we think is an actual choice. So, choose good and it really lifts your mood.

Someone mentioned doing service for others - no matter how small and it will help you too.

Hope something helps you soon.

Leslie