Living With Depression and Anxiety

How do you live with depression and anxiety? I’ll tell you, it’s not easy. Basically, I’ll discuss how to live with these illnesses and how to help someone else with their depression and anxiety. Distractingly, I think of my life before I was diagnosed with a mental illness (the little that I remember). Consequently, I was bullied in school (both teacher and peers), and felt like I never would amount to anything. Indeed, that feeling kind of came true. Be that as it may, I’m currently not working (because of the Parkinson’s Disease). Since I really can’t do anything physically, I thought I would use my mind to be creative by doing this blog. Plus, if I could remotely help someone else with depression and anxiety, it is worth the journey.

Altogether, as I put for one of my quotes, “everything happens for a reason!” I believe that statement to be true. In general, you have to take the good with the bad (can you tell I like quotes!) After all, we are all sent down an unknown path when we’re born, and you don’t know where that path is going to lead. Ok, one more quote, “you are your own destiny.” That reigns true also. As a result, living with depression and anxiety was (or is still) a big hurdle to jump over. Concurrently, your continuously jumping these hurdles. Therefore, I will say, it does get easier as your life progresses. You kind of get used to them in your life.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.” –Zig Ziglar

Living with Severe Depression and Anxiety

Basically, living with severe depression and anxiety is probably one of those hurdles that takes a lot of practice to jump over. Although, I’ve never suffered from severe depression, but I once met someone in the hospital who was. Nothing was working for her. Despite trying medication, therapy, and ECT didn’t work. I had met here several times when I went to the hospital, and she was severely depressed with not wanting to live. But she kept plugging forward trying to find the “cure” for her depression. I give her credit.

At the same time, I think I’m in a depression while typing this. At the present time, my mood is diminished, but there is no suicidal thoughts. I just keep reminding myself that tomorrow will be better. I didn’t sleep that good last night either. At this point, I believe I’m cycling between manic and depressive moods because I’m not on Lithium anymore. I always write my best posts either when I’m manic or the other spectrum, depressed. When I’m smack-dab-in-the-middle, I can’t think of anything to write.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is also, not new to me. Even though I was only diagnosed with it about a year ago, I have suspicions that it has been in my life longer than that. And, I’m just not talking about your-every-day-anxiety! It blew the lid off the top awhile ago. At length, I can’t pinpoint exactly when because my memory is somewhat sketchy.

“The road to success is always under construction.” – Lily Tomlin

Anxiety and Depression Taking Over My Life

Do you ask yourself “is anxiety and depression taking over my life?” I used to think that, until I took my life back. Eventually, I stopped (or diminished) the hold that anxiety and depression had on my life. As a result, I wasn’t going to lie down and take it anymore. So, I stood up and fought. With the anxiety, I conquered my fear of driving with exposure therapy. And the right medicine helped also.

The depression on the other hand, still comes and goes (like happening right now). At the same time, I hate this feeling of negativity and uncertainness. Of course, I know nothing is certain, and you can’t be in the perfect mood all the time. It’s just when the depression hits, it’s crippling me. I feel like I can’t do anything physically or intellectually. Like I said, when I write these posts, I’m manic or depressed (more so manic lately).

“Everything happens for a reason.” – Unknown

Living Alone With Depression and Anxiety

“*You’re whole when you believe you are!”*

At any rate, I was living alone for a few years with depression and anxiety right by my side. I remember on Christmas day, during that time, I just kept staring out the window of my bedroom watching the snow pile up on the street. Being that, I was so hollow inside. I yearned for companionship, but never got it at that time. Consequently, my days just blended into each other. I lost track of time. Therefore, I was wallowing in my own self pity. I feel like I am right now! Can you tell by my tone in my words? Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Man, the neurotransmitters in my brain must not be firing properly. However, I haven’t felt this bad in a while. I’m taking a breather.

“In order to be truly happy, you must pursue your dreams and goals.” – Oprah Winfrey

Living With Someone With Anxiety and Depression

Back again! Basically, I’m going to do the analyzing from my point of view on how you should treat someone you know who is suffering from anxiety and depression. First thing to remember, don’t just walk by and not say anything. Ask if there is anything you can do to help them? Comfort them. In any case, nine times out of ten, they really want to know that someone cares. Specifically, don’t feel pity for them, that’s the last thing they need.

In addition, don’t talk down to them like they’re a child. It’s a mental illness. We’re not stupid. Also, don’t assume you know what they’re going through. In any case, unless you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, you don’t know. Just be there for them when they are ready to talk. Nonetheless, it may not be right away, but don’t get discouraged. In due time, they may just ask you for help.

“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou

Essential Oils for Depression and Anxiety Young Living

Subsequently, I used to be a massage therapist before the Parkinson’s took over. So, I’m well versed on essential oils and Young Living. A lot of lavender oil was used in the lotion for people with anxiety. Also, we were using Eucalyptus a lot.

In essence, I had a bunch of Young Living essential oils for my own practice. I bought the oils, but I don’t know if I necessarily believed that they were helpful. I mean, I never felt any different when I was using them. Some people swear by them.

In particular, my anxiety, towards the end of me working at Hand and Stone, started to get worse. I was afraid of everything (including people). I would have a panic attack at just the mere thought of walking into the room to do the massage. Basically, the owner could see it was becoming a problem, so they basically fazed me out. In short, they hardly gave me any clients. Around that time, the Parkinson’s was becoming worse, so I left.

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Conclusion

So you see, living with depression and anxiety is doable. You’re not going to totally eliminate them, but you can dial them down a bit. In other words, the symptoms won’t be as severe. I mentioned I feel like I got sucked into depression today. In similar fashion, I’ve been mostly in manic mode for this month, so I don’t know where the depression is coming from. Therefore, I hate when something happens and you don’t know the why! I’ll probably accept it as “one of those days.”

First thing to remember, you’re never alone. There are millions of individuals living out there who are living with depression and anxiety. When you read this post, I hope you understand that. When you talk to someone that you trust, it takes away some of the pains of depression and anxiety. Don’t do what I’m doing. In reality, don’t isolate yourself from the world thinking that that is the solution. It’s not! For some people, it just makes it worse.

And, if your living with someone who has depression and anxiety, comfort them if they respond to it. In short, you never know, they may just want to talk about how they’re feeling.

So, that is the end of this post. I will talk to you tomorrow. Keep fighting! Until then…