Why should I continue living?

[Dworkin]

Then don't be a way for long stretches of time. Jog for 15 mins, then go back on the computer. Try that once to three times a day. Maybe try writing a story. Be productive, keep your mind occupied, and force yourself to get better. Suicide is not the answer.

 

[BrokenWing]

Sun and exercise. It's hard to imagine how sunlight and exercise can help, but that's because they both affect the mind. You won't know the difference until you experience it.

The absence of stress can be as damaging as stress itself. I think the term for this opposing stress is "eustress". Human beings evolved in an environment where we were required to exercise and be exposed to sunlight. An equilibrium must be kept. Without these things we don't function properly. Sunlight causes the production of vitamin D in the skin, but also affects the levels of chemicals in the brain. You've probably heard of something called light therapy. The theory is that these wavelengths enter the eye and signal the brain to operate in a certain way. I think these types of stimuli have a way of keeping us centered, especially when we're all exposed to very un-natural, artificial environments, like office cubicles and dark warehouses.

I can honestly tell you, things can get worse. Not to belittle your problem but if there are avenues you can pursue to solve your problems, take them. There are a lot of problems one can be afflicted with (I'm sure you're aware of some of them) that can't be solved, yet.

I suffer from intense social anxiety (no exageration), but I managed to get myself to the gym and hit the treadmill, with only my ipod to keep me company. One can learn to tune everything and everyone else out. Most gyms have TVs you can tune into using the radio on your mp3 player. If you do your running outside, try not to tune out traffic or wild animals. That's good anxiety. Black ice is pretty nasty as well.

"One step forward."

 

[Evie1980]

And others have committed suicide because of my sorts of feelings before, so why can't I just do what they did?

And to me, "fun" does not equal "being away from my computer for long stretches of time." So exercise can't really be fun for me.

Hannah, I am sorry that you are struggling so

May I ask one question - what would you like yur life to be like? What would you like to do with ease. You have told us what you can't do and what you don't want to do but would you like to do.

I suffer from anxiety too. Mine is based in a belief that I am not good enough and cannot do what God has set before me. I am now umeployed living back with my parents which causes enough anxiety in itself but I am still trying. I am not sure how it will all work in the end but I know it will. At the moment I am just working on what I want to do. I am focusing one day at a time to get closer to what I want to do.

As far as why you can't do what they did - because you can and will overcome. You will find a way where there seems to be no way. I know it seems hard now but you will get there. That is my hope and it can it be yours too.

 

[The thinker]

But it's not going to get better, though. I'm going to have to keep suffering through my anxiety, and I've already proven to myself that I can't overcome my anxiety. So why should I believe that there are better days ahead for me?

If you believe that then it is jsut going to make it more likely.

Never give up hope. People die when they lose hope.

There will always be more things to try, and even if there were none you have no idea what will happen that is outside of your control. Maybe one day for whatever reason the chemical balance in your body will change, allieveiating the anxiety. Maybe psycologists or nerologists will find some sort of effective cure.

Studies show that"optimistic" patients with life threatening conditions have a higher rate of survival than "pessimists". If simply changing your mind set can affect whether you live or die than surely it can also help with anxiety.

On a more practical level if nothing else has worked try doing something drastic, I don't know how your personal fear works but for me with certain fears that I have had facing them head on can destroy them. I used to have a phobia that my parents would die whilst I was home alone. I got over it because one summer I was forced to spend a month without them, not having any idea whether they were ok. Except for phone calls ever few days. The fear reached a peak and then broke and slowly ebbed away.

Good luck

 

[Everlasting33]

But it's not going to get better, though. I'm going to have to keep suffering through my anxiety, and I've already proven to myself that I can't overcome my anxiety. So why should I believe that there are better days ahead for me?

It all starts with belief. You have already stated in your first sentence that the future holds no good there and there is no healing in sight. A lack of belief is quite understandable. You are worn down and you have suffered from anxiety for years. You do not see an end in sight and it can be discouraging as well as frustrating.

You and I, along with everyone in the entire world, cannot succeed and capitalize on opportunities, if we believe we are in capable to do so. So, I think it isn't a question of our ability but rather our self-belief that limits our goals, expectations and ultimately our victories.

I can tell you to exercise to help depression and I can also suggest new therapeutic methods that may be beneficial. Or, I could tell you a list of things to do to help with your anxiety and to become more loving toward yourself.

But you know what? That all probably won't help all that much because you really don't believe it can work. You may not have faith in yourself and/or any suggestions made.

Ask yourself: If_____(fill in blank) were to show some positive effects on my mind in 6 months, would you do it? If exercise was to help your depression and you would feel better, would you do it? If not, why?

It is not that you do not want to put in the work, but rather you want to be sure the work you put into your recovery will be durable and accurate.

What is something that you do well? Even if it is folding clothes or something small, write it down and be aware that you have confidence when it comes to that particular task.

I just would like you to list one thing you perform well with and get back to me! I will explain more in the next post.

Thanks!

 

[cfmember12]

Hannah my dear, first i want to give you a hug . You are drowning yourself! It seems that you have already accepted failure before you even begin, which is going to keep you in your same state...which sounds like you are comfortable in it, despite your unhappiness, it is familiar to you. I have felt similar to the way you are now, and the first thing you need to know, YOU will never be able to change yourself, it is a lie from the devil to keep you from God. The only one who can give you a brand new life is God. Not religion, but a relationship with Jesus and God, and he will transform you into something new and restored. He hears your pain and counts all your tears, and he loves you beyond your comprehension. The best part about it, is you dont have to do anything except embrace Christ in you life and love others. He tells us to cast all our anxieties and troubles on Him...and hes talking directly to you hannah. Hes telling us that he is the great physician, and therapist, becuz he knows us better than we know ourselves, he already knows what our problems are and wants to take them from our hands and relieve our worried hearts. Hannah he loves you so much and promises to change you from the inside out, if we merely accept him as Lord and believe in his son Jesus we will be given a new heart and life. And its true...i'm living proof of it. I would love to be a friend to you, and share what changes have happened in my life, which are very similar to what you are experiencing...and there will be side affects...but only good ones!!! Hannah i am praying for you and would love to show you the way! Please pm me if you need a shoulder or helping hand, but you do have to take the first step in getting well, choosing to live!

its true that god can help , but god is not always there though, belief in god can at times do more harm than good ,most of the time some people are not able to even care about god because our minds will not allow us to care because we are so desperately frustrated , and at a loss as to why god would create a world like this, but we have to forgive god for doing this to us, because although it makes no sense at all i have found that he is there after the waves inside have settled down, he just will not intervene to calm the waves for us

 

[DoubtingThomas29]

If you live in america you can file for disability and get a check and get food stamps, and live in housing for the poor. You can live off the government and retire at a very young age. There is a lot to live for retirement is a nice thing to do, which is what you will be doing, as an early retiree.

 

[TheMainException]

Oh, gosh. What is it with people telling me to exercise? LOL. Everyone suggests that to me: my therapist, my dad, my friends...it seems to be some sort of evil conspiracy against my laziness, lol. And in case you didn't get it: I don't exercise, and I hate to exercise. I get tired so easily, and exercising bores me.

And I'd really rather not switch psychiatrists. This man that I've been seeing knows me so well by now (I've been seeing him for about 4 or 5 years now), and I'd hate to have to start all over again with someone who doesn't know me at all. Plus, I feel comfortable around him and it takes me forever to feel comfortable around others.

isn't it funny how everyone keeps telling you to exercise? Hmmm...I wonder WHY????????????????? Because there are true benefits...and people are finally beginning to realize it. It's important for feeling good, staying happy, becoming less anxious, and just being healthy in general. And it doesn't have to be boring...get something like Dance Dance Revolution...I think that game is just awesome fun...or a Wii...it might cost some money...but at least it will be fun and not just a stupid run around the block or something (I hate exercise too...hate it with a passion, I think running is soooooooo lame...and I won't do it....EVER. My grandma is always trying to get me to walk with her and I won't.)



And the reason that you're getting preached to is because many christians have been relieved of their pain through the grace of God...it sometimes takes a long time before things change...I mean...I've been suffering with depression for 6 or 7 years now...a long time...time I never thought I'd get through or ever get done with. I was sure I'd live with depression forever...and my anxiety was growing and just destroying me...and God did change things. I've been a christian for 8 or 9 years...and it's not like changed overnight. That's why you're getting preached to...but you don't have to be a christian to get better.....it takes time to get strong...weight lifters train their whole lives to get to where they want to be...everything takes time and small steps.

 

[DoubtingThomas29]

Hanaha Banana if you quite posting here we won't know what to think what happened to you. You can make a lot of nice friends here, and remember no matter what happens, life will always be worth living. Try to make yourself comfortable so life is more enjoyable.

 

[jacquidube]

Depression must be horrible to live with and people have so many opinions on how they think things will help you. I cant advise you but I do this:

When taking tablets that I know I cant take, I take them anyway. I usually take a tablet and I wait for something to happen to me. I hate taking any form of pill, even for a headache. I would rather have the headache. I remember once I got a really bad finger infection and I had to take the strongest antibiotic known to mankind. I panicked, there was no way I would take it to be told that I would lose my finger if I didnt. I did start taking them but I googled them and found they came with many side affects. Well I sat there for hours waiting for the side affects to take place and they didnt but my mind told me that I would definately get some of them if not all of them. I couldnt believe after 24 hours after taking 4 tablets I got no side affects. I was really chuffed with myself that I had actually conquered a fear of mine.

When I am feeling anxious I usually occupy my mind with board games. It may seem boring thinking about it but it truly does work. I write stories too. Stories that only I would want to read. They are usually about happy things and I actually imagine myself in the stories. That works for me and it usually takes my mind off my anxiety.
I also drink lots of water and I dont touch soda or any fizzy caffiene filled drinks. Water releases stress and cleans out your system. Its a known fact caffiene causes stress and anxious feelings.

I also go to the gym but I really do need alot of motivation. I feel totally worthless going to the gym but I joined a class and so I met other people and now I have friends. I was sat here today feeling very anxious so I got up and did some sit-ups just because my body was telling me too.

Trying to think good thoughts help too. You can be whoever you want to be in them. I imagine I am a woman from the 1920s and I have nothing. Im not greedy and I have minimal possessions. I love that life as I have no worries and no bills. Today some people including myself are too materialistic and they can cause problems in themselves. My goal is to be a minimalist and less bills so I can feel at ease with my life and also it lessens the burden that I carry.

I wanted to write this to you because today I am feeling anxious but writing this message helped me take my mind off it.

Much love to you.

 

[Hediru]

Are you seeing a counselor? It helps me to talk through things with her