Importance of focusing on Positive with Depression & Anxiety.

I’m going to look for someone to talk to that will listen and help me move forward. My sister and I talked yesterday and we agreed to keep talking about our feelings and events of our childhood. I know that I have work to do on my anger and the words or feelings that set me off.

I'm so glad to hear this, @stsopoci. I wish you well as you enter this healing process.

If you are comfortable doing so, will you post again when you've found a trained counselor to talk with?

@stsopoci This is quite a step forward in your progress. If you are like me, recalling family events/situations with your sister, it might make you wonder if you're talking about the same thing, because it is remembered so differently! That in and of itself, helped me along to understand what was triggering to me. Adding in a professional counselor can be intensive work, and not for the faint-hearted. Congratulations and a big cyber hug of support. I hope that you let your sister know of your progress, not only us here at Mayo Connect. Are you journaling this journey?
Ginger

That’s been a task that has helped in the past and to keep my attention organized so I can reread what has happened. I’m going to do it.

I am new to this post. I have been treated for depression/anxiety for several years. I have only received the services of a Primary Care Physician. I feel that my symptoms became more severe this year,
With the year everyone has experienced.
I do have plans to see a Mental Health Professional, earliest appointment in six months!

@rsdixom Welcome to Mayo Connect, Hodges. Yes, this has been a very challenging year for so many of us. A good Primary Care Physician can be a wealth of information and support for a patient in mental health crisis. I know one I used to have, really was. One visit, he had a young man "shadowing" him for the day. My dr ushered him out because he wanted to talk to me about my depression. I asked him to bring the young man back in, as he needed to understand that so many people suffer from this!

A suggestion is to journal and write down about your current issues. That sometimes frees your strss up somewhat, and you can replace thoughts with moving forward. Have you tried this? Here is a discussion we have in our groups that you may find interesting: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/

Wow, six months to see a MH professional. Have they been able to offer you telemedicine? While many will say it is not as good as face-to-face, it is a great way to get started on treatment, rather than waiting that long. Meanwhile, please come back here, and let us know how we may help you? What treatments have you been through for depression and anxiety, if i may ask?
Ginger

I have journaled my thoughts and feelings for many years. I find this
Helpful, especially during the holidays.
I have been prescribed a few different
Antidepressants. Six months for telemedicine or face-face for Psychiatrist. I found this odd , also.

@rsdixom Perhaps you can ask your PCP to intervene on your behalf, getting access to a MH professional sooner? It's worth a shot, right?! Or, if you're like me, keep hounding them, make yourself a thorn in their side, until they give you an appointment.
Ginger

I certainly relate to your situation as I have depression and anxiety and have been on meds for many years. I also have a therapist. If you find a therapist you are comfortable with and is skilled, you should feel relief. Depression/anxiety can be caused by suppressing feelings at least in my case, so being able to talk to a trusted therapist can be helpful. My therapist told me that patients with anxiety and depression have heightened symptoms with Covid and the isolation. I am sorry you have to wait so long to see a therapist. What you are feeling right now is common and many are experiencing the same feelings. You are not alone.

Hope is on the way for all of us. Be patient, walk everyday, read a book, talk to a friend, start a new project, turn on some music that you like, zoom with others, make sure you are eating a balanced meal, find a balance of physical - mental - spiritual in your life. Each day is NOW. Don’t take it for granted.