help from those who have anxiety/depression

[divagirl]

I'm in a bad way today. I am having a problem with feeling secure in my life and my anxiety has me questioning everything around me. I am living with family since I am trying to get out of debt and a situation has come up where I may be able to move into an apartment paid for by my company if its possible to bring my dog. I want to move out, yet am afraid of living alone and I don't really have money for the actual move and I'm so confused between wanting to move and wanting to stay with my family since we take care of a sick family member together as well. Then I start questioning my relationship and how happy I am and whether it will work out. I am questioning my abilities in everything. How does anxiety/depression affect you? A PM is welcome too if things are too personal for everyone. So confused.

Tina

 

[Mocha]

Hi Tina,

Sorry you are feeling so rotten and confused lately.

It is so hard to give advice to someone based on a few paragraphs of information, but from what you wrote, it sounds possible that you could really benefit from having that built-in family-support-system working for you right now. You are feeling unsure about your relationship and are afraid of living alone... those two things suggest that living alone might make you feel more dependent on a relationship that you are not sure is good for you.

Living on your own is great, but if you feel depressed and anxious, it can be hard to take the really exceptional care of yourself that you need to during these times. Family can help with this.

Of course, I don't know much about your family, and this is assuming that they are indeed supportive and caring. I also know that caring for a sick family member, even as a shared responsiblity, might be especially taxing.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[NY25]

Tina,
I really recommend you see a therapist. Most insurance will pay for it, as well. They are trained to deal with these sorts of situations and help you sort things out effectively. They are also completely objective, which is also very important when dealing with family issues. You can contact your employers Employee Assistance helpline or your primary care physician for referrals. Good luck.

 

[Kimenem]

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have also dealt with panic attacks ever since I can remember. I think counseling would be a good idea just to help you get a handle on things. Lots of people expect to attend counseling to have someone "fix" them or their problems. In actuality, they just help you to decide what's best and to sort things out for yourself.

 

[candi]

I had panic/anxiety for 20 years. Counseling paid off for me in the end. Medication wasn't something I went for. My problems stemmed from childhood issues that carried on into my adult life.

Like the previous poster said, your counselor is not there to fix you but to guide you. I found that I needed a counselor that was direct with me but very patient. The hard work is really up to you but so worth it.

Once the veil was taken off my eyes, I was able to sort things out and function extremely well on my own. Counseling made me a much stronger person. I've learned to rely on my instincts and not ignore them.