Piecing the shattered glass together

Yes, exactly: those conditions @creative_writer do worsen my depressive symptoms, too. And that I don't seem to be improving is making me both more anxious, and disappointed.

Hi @Kyle1,

I'm sorry to hear that things are pretty tough for you right now. I have had depression and anxiety over the years so I can understand somewhat how you feel. I really hope you start to feel a bit better very soon.

Warm wishes,

FloatingFeather

hi @FloatingFeather . And thank you.

You mentioned having anxiety and depression over the years . How do you manage?

As I have had it on and off over the years @Kyle1 I am pretty good at knowing the early warning signs now so I try to nip it in the bud before it gets a good grip on me. Typically things that help keep my mind engaged and active (like video games), walking / swimming, journalling, listening to music that lifts my spirits, being social (even if it's the last thing I want to do).

When these types of things don't really help (even if my natural instincts is to go to bed and avoid the world) I force myself to get up, have a shower, do my hair etc and go out into the world a bit (even if it's just to the local shop). I reach out to friends / family that I trust to talk. If I still find things challenging after this I will reach out to my GP. I have been on and off medication for depression / anxiety over the years and do find I respond well to it so I am open to that approach if I feel like I need it.

I really hope you find a few tools that help you - it's not a fun place to be and I hope you can start to get on top of things soon.

Totally agree @creative_writer . Such wise words. Sitting in our own uncomfortable feelings is probably the hardest thing to accept. But we must do it for sure.

❤️

I agree @creative_writer - how we cope with anxiety and depression is very unique and specific to each individual. What works for one may not work for another.

I also agree that it can be beneficial to sit with our emotions so that we can process them. I guess for me this only becomes problematic when my emotions become all consuming over a period of time so that I can't function in my day to day life. That's when I would seek external support.

well, I'm not a fan of meds, but I am more accepting of them these days...

I am a huge music sensitive, though. What do you find lifts your spirits @FloatingFeather