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Please help with reoccurrence of anxiety
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 14 hours ago | Replies (37)Comment receiving replies
@slarson14 I just finished reading an excellent book by the fiction writer Matt Haig. He has a history of anxiety and depression and wrote about it in his book "Reasons to Stay Alive". He describes the mental and physical symptoms he experienced when he had his first episode when in his early 20's. Much of the reason Haig says he was able to recover was due to the love and support of his parents and his girlfriend who later became his wife.
I experienced my first episode of anxiety and depression at about the same age as Haig. Much of what he wrote in the book I referenced in my first paragraph resonates with me. Like Haig, I still have periods of anxiety and depression but none as severe as when I was 25-years-old. I'm now 73-years-old.
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Thanks for sharing and will look into the book my Haig.
As far as my doctors and myself can ascertain, my depression began at age 3. Insomnia began as the anxiety increased due to multiple factors. Then anxiety set in and panic disorder became full blown at age 22.
I was mistakenly diagnosed as having some form of Bipolar Disorder at around age 39, and subsequently was rightfully diagnosed with PTSD when I was 42. At age 62 I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD - finally.
Once they got the right diagnosis the right treatments for me, began. My severe and chronic insomnia resolved, literally overnight on Christmas of 2023.
The progress lasts as long as I do not let more than just so many stressors into my life.
It takes putting my health first above all else and managing stressors 100% of the time.
If I do not manage those stressors, I relapse - like clockwork.
I have never been happier or more pleased that I have survived a lifetime of life threatening depression (yes, have endured suicidal thoughts and actions); have endured psychosis created by overwhelming stressors out of my control. I have survived every level of panic - usually resulting in an ER visit.
Once I took control the level and type of stress I allow into my life, and keep myself prepared for those inevitable stressors that come into life, I cannot control I do absolutely wonderfully and am doing well 99.9% of the time.
A key is to have a plan for the unexpected stressors and backup support in your life that understands what is going on and why.
There is always hope. I endured the last 60 years and hope anyone on here can gain hope and work to get through your depression, anxiety and panic.
People who have not experienced a train wreck of a life, truly do not understand complex PTSD and what it can do to a person.
I pray no one ever experiences all the traumas I have in life.
At times God has been my only friend because complex PTSD changes you and people do not understand who you are when you have it. It is lonely.