@hearttoheart1. Hi and welcome to this group with the focus on being Positive with depression and anxiety. Staying positive isn’t always an easy thing to do especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Anxiety is a powerful enemy! I know from experience it can fill our heads with a great deal of negative talk! I found this Mayo link to be helpful! https://www.mayoclinic.org/to-manage-anxiety-start-with-the-way-you-think/art-20390069

I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you were really close with your dad. Losing a parent is a huge impact in our lives. The little kid in us, even when we’re adults, always seeks to feel our parents strength and consoling words...the hugs. When they’re no longer with us, we can easily feel lost. Is your mom still with you and do you have siblings? Discussing and sharing your feelings with other family members or friends can often help ease the burden. When did your depression start? Was it with the passing of your father? My dad has been gone 37 years and I admit it was difficult the first few years and I experienced anxiety attacks. Mindfulness exercises (back then it was called bio-feedback) were integral in getting me past all of that. It is doable!!

You sound like you’re very proactive in trying manage your depression and the anxious feelings. It’s not easy but I’m really proud of you that you’re taking all the right steps! Is there anything in particular which triggers the anxiety? And I guess the big question is if you’ve spoken with your doctor about the depression and anxiety?

I agree with Lori that finding help to curve the anxiety is important. A visit to the doctor will help get you going in the right direction. I suffered for years trying to medicate my anxiety with alcohol and drugs. I finally gave up the alcohol and drugs 25 years ago and got help from a professional. I hope the best for you.