I just need a little pick-me-up...

[scarylarrywolf]

He guys,

There's a big part of my life that most people in my real life (whatever that means...) know about and I want to share with you, and wonder if any of you have the same problem. It all started when I got some genes from my mom -- I have a big anxiety disorder that has lately led me into depression. Jim's message of optimism helps me to an extent, but sometimes I really have a terrible time with it. I feel like my stomach is enflamed, and the things that trigger this are dwelling on the uncertainty of the future, and the things surrounding that like school and girlfriend. I would love to say that not knowing the future is exciting, but my mind won't let me escape thinking negatively about it. As I believe in Jesus as the Christ and try to follow His teaching, I'm not afraid of death, but of failure in the future while I'm on the earth. So I get huge nausiating anxiety attacks that keep me from eating.

Does anyone else get this or know how to cope with it? Cause it's not just painful, it's depressing.

Thanks for letting me get that out. I hope I didn't get your screen all wet.

 

[McFraggle]

I'm sorry to hear that. As a Christian preacher's kid, I have seen a lot of people have depression. I have personally been a little depressed at times. However, like you I try to stay upbeat. Depression is as bad as your anxiety attacks, and I feel bad for you. I hope that you pray about it, and talk to someone close to you, because sometimes it is good to just get it out. As bad as your condition is, there are a lot of people who probably have it worse than you do. That is not to discount your illness, but sometimes it helps to put things in perspective with the world around you. If you have a good family and friends, they will help see you through this. Have you seen a doctor to help you with your depression? Is your depression chronic or just at times? I hope I helped you a little bit and I will say a prayer for you. Just try to dwell on the positive things as hard as that is to do at times.

 

[scarylarrywolf]

Thanks for the encouragement. I thought this was pretty much a neurological disorder, but I've found that it's a hereditery chemical inbalance, so I'm looking into getting some good medication. I've only reached depression twice, and it seems to come after long bouts of my anxiety (which is actually fairly constant but can ease up sometimes). Anyway, thanks for your help and prayer!

 

[Beebers]

My mother suffered from severe depression and what is now called bi-polar (manic depression) all of her life, during the era when these issues were locked firmly in the closet and not freely discussed and treated. Today, there is no reason to suffer. People can speak freely about it without fear of criticism, and the wide array of very fine medications now available makes treatment accessible and successful.
See your doctor, or find one with whom you feel comfortable. Be clear with your physician about the ways in which you are suffering. It's all about brain chemistry - a physical thing - so normally one tries a short course of medication for a bit to see how well it does. If one doesn't improve, or suffers side effects, on to the next, and so forth, until the right fit is found.
There is no need for your life to be crippled in even the slightest way by this. Millions and millions of people are victims of chemical imbalances of all sorts. Take your life in hand and get it back - don't suffer with it, and remember that you are far from alone. Be good to yourself, and good luck. You WILL be okay.

 

[Fozzie Bear]

Hey, bubba!

I have a friend who is manic depressant and last night flew completely off the handle, leaving me wondering what the heck "I" did wrong! It made me sad and feeling down, but I realize that a problem is there and I have to deal with it.

You realize the problem is there, too. It's all in how you deal with it. It's not easy when the problem is internal and there isn't a switch you can click or a dial you can turn to make it go away, but you know the symptoms and the outcome, and if you start to feel the symptoms coming on start working on a reversal reaction for it!

Kind of like the dreams where you're riding horses with a friend, and your friend falls off and gets hurt, and the harder you run toward them the further away they get; I found that running backwards works for me and I get to them. Odd, huh?

Then again, I'm odd.

Anyways, you shouldn't worry about the future. None of us has a hold on it. That is why we have goals and why we work hard to achieve those goals. I know you. I know you have goals and what those goals are. Work for them. Do what you have to do in the meantime (I'm a glorified secretary/insurance salesman now-blech!). Gradually ease your way into that success (over night successes die out quicker).

What happens will happen, but you have the power to attain your dreams or let them falter, and worry will cause them to falter and die. Stress will destroy you quicker than anything. Don't fall into dispair: Look up! Keep your eyes on the prize! Realize, "Hey, this is what I want to do with my life, and I'm going to do it! I CAN do it, and I will do it!"

You're the most powerful person you know about dealing with your future, and you can succeed.

I believe in you.

 

[Fozzie Bear]

Click Kermit, he has a present for you:

 

[scarylarrywolf]

Thanks guys!

I am feeling a lot better now. finals are over and I'm getting some summer job opportunities, so that brightens my immediate future. Thank you guys for always being ready to give me and other people encouragement!