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Importance of focusing on Positive with Depression & Anxiety.
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Nov 7, 2022 | Replies (623)Comment receiving replies
My father was a highly functioning alcoholic and no doubt deeply depressed and anxious. He was very intelligent, honest and trustworthy, and admired by many people. But he was not fun to live with. My first memory of anything was him screaming at me to shut up in my dark bedroom. It was, apparently, traumatizing for me. I thought about it all of the time as a kid. I struggled with anxiety and depression throughout my life. I’ve worked hard at getting past it but it ultimately took me. Once it completely Disabled me. My brother, on the other hand, who is four years older, is very very successful and perpetually happy. I don’t know how we came from the same home. Why was I so traumatized while my brother went on to be Teflon man? was he just old enough to enjoy a happier father when he was very young? Did I arrive at a downward slide in my father’s depression? I don’t know. Is my adult depression a result of childhood trauma at all? I forgave my father a long time ago. I understand Him more and more as I age and struggle. but maybe that’s not enough. What is enough!
Replies to "My father was a highly functioning alcoholic and no doubt deeply depressed and anxious. He was..."
My father was a highly functional alcoholic also, and it impacted all of our lives, as he caused a lot of anxiety around the home that I picked up upon for years, and I was afraid of him in my early years, as he had a temper that could be fostered by the booze. There are plenty of groups around for those who are children of alcoholics, but I have not partaken of them. I have had my own issues with alcohol over the years, and I have focused upon myself and overcoming that vs. trying to figure out what it was that got me to my place. I have forgiven my parents for the inputs that they were responsible for in contributing to my own pain, and I'm happy that I have been able to do so. For me, going back to the past hasn't been a strong interest in my relationships or to address my own mental health, but that does not mean that it is not important to other people to understand and to move onward.
@shermananski We cannot figure out why the same family has members react so differently to stimulus. It's not our job; we do have our job to work on keeping ourselves as healthy as we can. Like you, my siblings and I had the same dysfunctional upbringing but have had a big variety in how we handled it. Unlike you, I never forgave my mother; kudos to you. What is enough is whatever you decide. Sending you wishes for peace in your mind and heart.
Ginger
@shermananski- Enough is enough. When it reaches this point than it's time to switch gears and do something about it. I agree with @helenfrances, seek help.
Living in a house with an addict must have been awful. When you are young there really is literally nothing that you have control of; you can not effect or affect a change. Did your dad drink when your brother was young?
I am ne of three sisters growing up and all of us were very different. Who is to know what we will be like when we are older?
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