Anxiety, Panic and Depression disorders

Hello!
It sounds like you're having a hard time. You are looking for someone with the same problem, and although it's not in the same context, I do suffer from the same issues. I can understand why it would feel as if you're alone, but if it's any help, I'm living proof that there are other people that understand the things that you are going through. You've probably heard this a million times but I would highly suggest finding something you enjoy and taking a designated amount of time each day to do this thing. For example, music is a good outlet for relieving some anxiety and stress. Another thing that I can suggest is sticking to a routine. This definitely depends on the person, but if you are a person who finds comfort in order, then a routine will almost definitely help. The last thing I can suggest is therapy. I've found that this definitely helps, as long as you stay honest. It can be embarrassing to talk about some of the things that bother you, but if you don't bring them up, a therapist can't help you.
Have you tried talking to your husband? Maybe if you give him an idea of what's going on he will understand a little bit better. Granted, he may not understand fully, but any insight could help him so that he can help validate your feelings and keep you calm when you need it.
I hope some of this helps, and I wish you the best of luck!

Wow, I just posted my comments and here you are with some advice for me. I truly appreciate your answers and I do understand what you are telling me. I am not very active, prefer to stay home and use the computer or do household stuff. I have pets that I absolutely love. I really don't like getting out and being with people.I would rather be home with my pets. Perhaps how I am feeling usually, is contributing to this lifestyle of mine. My husband does not understand. He is very strong-willed and believes that I can get myself out of how I am feeling. He says I worry too much and he is probably right. I have been seeing a Psychiatrist for 3 years now, but he does spend much time with me, only to go over my meds. He says I suffer from General Anxiety Disorder. I just don't feel like I am getting over this anxiety thing. If I am in a theatre and it gets dark, I panic. I won't go on elevators etc. At my age, it is very difficult to walk up 10 flights of stairs like I used to. You are right, that I should get myself interested in something other than what I do. I don't have any hobbies because I don't have the patience for anything. I have tried reading books, but after 3-4 pages, I get restless and stop reading. I don't have any kind of routine in my life. I just things when I feel like it. I thank you so much for your input, it has given me reason to think about how I live and what I should now do to change it. Bless you.

Of course! If this place is for finding support, I may as well help as many people as possible!
Believe me, I understand the want to stay home and stay isolated. I will admit I have done the same thing and although it may seem like it helps at the time, it only hurts in the long run. I am scared of people and the dark, as well as many other irrational things. Just today, the sound of the blow dryer terrified me and I had to stop drying my hair. I also know how difficult it is to find something that you enjoy doing, but I'm sure you can find something.
If you can start small, for example, just taking a walk or going somewhere calm and quiet for a while until you become comfortable and feel that you can try something new. Your husband may say you worry too much, but although yes he may be right, it is not something that you can help, only something you can work to improve. Do not feel as if these thoughts and fears as well as feelings are invalid, you are allowed to have all of what you are experiencing right now, I promise.

Hello @underedwardstale2018 and @happyat76

Here are some other discussions that you might find helpful, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/music-helps-me/. This discussion speaks about the value of music.
The important role of pets is discussed here, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-value-of-an-animal/
Many of us have offered suggestions for alternative treatments for depression here, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/depression-and-alternative-treatments/

This discussion deals with how sprituality can assist, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-spirituality-can-help-stress/

I would also like to invite you to take a free seven day course by Mayo psychiatrist, Dr. Sood, Here is what Dr. Sood says about this program:

Dear friends,

You and I face one common enemy – suffering. Pain, physical or emotional, when it becomes unbearable, is experienced as suffering. Pain is unavoidable, but suffering is optional. My goal is to help you find a path so you can bypass suffering in this life. One reward of traversing that journey is finding greater happiness.

Happiness is a habit. Some of us are innately happy. But most others have to choose. We often, however, don’t realize we have that choice. We also don’t know how to exercise that choice. As a result, we push happiness away. Let that not happen to you.

Join me, if you wish, to spend the next week of your life, choosing greater happiness. Each day, you’ll be guided to a practice that can make you happier. To enroll, you’ll need to register with your name and email address to connect with us for the next week. Select ‘Happiness: A One Week Journey,’ below for more information.

Take care.
Amit

Here is the website where you can sign up and join me on this journey: http://stressfree.org/happiness/

We look forward to hearing from you.

Teresa

Dear happy. .. I love that you gave yourself the name as an affirmation of what you desire. I just read the posts here and my random thoughts of consciousness include: we people are so unique, like snowflakes, and we just can't be like the next snowflake. I personally think that we people can't really force ourselves to act or think or feel a specific way. The word force is the operative word here. I think we can encourage and invite and try hard to change what we want/hope to change. ..but I think that the tough issues like mental health stuff require help from others. Like professionals. .. Like Psychiatrists who are capable of prescribing meds that address body, mind and spirit and emotions! And competent, caring therapists who work hand- in-hand with psychiatrists. More follows.

@georgette12......thank you so much for your kind remarks. I do agree with you 100%. You are very insightful and caring. We all are so unique and all have different needs and wants and we need to be able to speak to special people who can help us. Meds for sure do help. It is the feeling alone that I can't take. As long as there are positive people like you around, all of us will be okay.

Those of us who are mentally in need of help in some way...well, it would be great to have a significant other partner who understands and does not "force" us to "stop worrying" or stop thinking in a certain way. Well, my husband adores me and he still tries to convince me I can change myself. My point is this: I am gonna get all the outside help that I can from professionals who address my mind and body and emotions. And I am going to surround myself with friends and family members who love me as I am. Oh, I personally have figured out i need strong. Boundaries with people who are otherwise.

@hopeful33250 thank you so much for your wonderful suggestions. I am for sure going to sign up for the lessons with the Doctor. I appreciate any help I can get. I also will check out the other sites you have pointed out to me. Thanks again.

@happyat76

You are welcome! We look forward to sharing with you in the future!

Teresa

@happyat76

Well, duh! You worry too much! It's obviously not something you want. You would change if you could.

Having GAD, worry is a big part of the package. I've learned that our worry that's a symptom of a disease, that we can't think positive thoughts and be all better, is very different from the worry people who don't have GAD experience.

My wife doesn't understand that, either. She is always making comments about how I overthink everything, and worry about things that will very likely never happen. The worry of a healthy person is a different experience than the worry a person with GAD experiences.

Our challenge is to understand that, and not let ourselves to be judged by others. We didn't ask for it. We don't enjoy it. We need empathetic help to learn to deal with anxiety.

I see a psychiatrist every three months to review my meds, but that's certainly not enough. I see a therapist every week, to talk about whatever is going on in my life. The psychiatrist is a nice guy, but he's not available to me for therapy - doesn't take Medicare.

It would probably benefit your marriage if your husband would talk with the therapist about your mental health diagnoses. If he had a little education, he would be more likely to be supportive of you. Someone who's never been there can't understand why we do what we do.

One of the important things I've worked on is guilt. We need to realize that, when it comes to depression and anxiety, we don't have to feel guilty. Guilt has been one of the biggest rocks in my mental backpack. Certainly not the only one, but a significant one.

I'm glad you found this group. There's hope when we find people who understand, and encourage us. I could say a lot more, but I need to get ready for bed. Welcome to Connect.

Jim