Dear Grizzly pooh
Oh my, welcome and lots of hugs............you are in a tough spot right now but please trust me that you will feel better. It is one of the toughest battles in life, IMHO, dealing with Anxiety and Depression.
Try not to fight quite so hard but to accept that you are a person with Anxiety and Depression and this is normal for you. Normal is different for each person.
I have been in your shoes where nothing seems to work, therapy has pooped out, the meds don't work and I just want to go to bed and wake up my old self..................but there is no old self, only the present and I am determined to make the present as good as it can be. I believe you can do this too.
So you often find yourself overcome with feelings of anxiety, discouragement and depression? Have you ever wondered how some folks seem to be equipped to handle the curve balls of life, getting up, brushing themselves off and starting again? Perhaps you find it frustrating that a family member or a friend is able to always see that the cup is half full, not half empty; the perennial optimist. Many people find that the ongoing pressures of work, a hectic family life and dwindling energy provoke anxiety and sap them of their enjoyment of life. If you've simply forgotten how to accentuate the positive, or if you have been faced with obstacles that have seemed insurmountable and have overshadowed everything, take heart. There are some things you can bear in mind and steps you can take to improve your lot and diminish your anxiety.
One of the most profound differences you can make is to stay in touch. In this fast paced, modern world, we tend to forget to stay connected to our friends and family. These are our anchors, the ones that keep us grounded and remind us of what is really important in life. Modern research indicates that happy people tend to have good relationships so, to draw a logical conclusion, good relationships should pave the way to happy people.
One of the best remedies for anxiety is to talk about it. Here's where good friends and family can come in. The old adage "A problem shared is a problem halved" comes into its own here, and while you may dismiss it as nonsense, it may surprise you how anxiety alleviating it can be to just talk to someone.
Support groups are a place for people to give and receive both emotional and practical support as well as to exchange information. People with health conditions, as well as their friends and families find support groups to be a valuable resource and get confirmation that their feelings are "normal", educate others, or just let off steam. IMHO joining a support group is joining a family. We are your new family so please do vent away and know that we care.
"My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to"
Gentle Hugs
Kitt