Anxiety and Depression – Page 3 – Chat Forum – Singletrack World Magazine Forum

thaneofcawdor · 2017-01-15T19:39:31Z

I'm a regular on here but I've created a new account so I can speak freely on this topic. I'm going to give a bit of history (skip it if you like) then my problem, then ask for some advice... History... I'm in my 40s and I've suffered from depression my whole life, at least partly as a result of an upbringing which left me with very low self-esteem and difficulties forming relationships. I made a suicide attempt in young adulthood but most of the time these days I function OK, and have had little time off work over the years. I have a very loving and understanding partner and two great kids, all of whom are a source of joy to me. The problem... For the second Sunday in a row, I've woken up very down and very anxious, with "butterflies" in my stomach, irritable and with low energy. It's work (I'm a teacher) that is making me feel like this, knowing the stuff I've got to do for Monday. I could change jobs, but it would then be my third school in a year. I have to accept that it's not any particular school that makes me depressed and anxious; it's just the job. Unfortunately, I don't know another way of earning this salary, and the benefits (holidays, pension) that come with it. Furthermore, I'm considered a good teacher and my students have always had good results. The bottom line is, I feel like I'm running out of steam in my career. I hate going in, I hate marking books and filling in spreadsheets. I find maintaining relationships with my colleagues exhausting. But realistically I'm going to be at the chalk face for another ten years, if I make it that long. I need to get myself into a place mentally and emotionally to cope with this. I've always resisted antidepressant medication, but my mental health is getting worse these days rather than better, so I'm prepared to give them a try. So, I need to ask you lovely people... Does it sound like antidepressants would help me, given the circumstances above? What does it feel like to take them, and what happens when you try to come off them? Please don't advise me to talk to my boss (not a chance!) or change careers (I can't do anything else!!) Thanks all

cyclingmev

Posts: 0

Free Member

It's a very personal journey, recovery from anxiety + depression, every one of us will have different reactions to medication. I had CBT and counselling +was adamant I wouldn't go onto meds, but after about 6 months of struggling,it seemed the best option. It was a really difficult decision,but so far, beneficial as it's helped me put things into perspective + get back out into the outdoors, which is helping me recover my boing. I still have work to do,but staying positive+keeping busy helps. It's a new situation for me,brought on by events last year. It's important you have good support, I'm lucky my husband has+still is amazing,my family too. Friends are worth their weight in gold.My counsellor asked what I wanted + I said to return to how I was. He said he didn't want that, because I'd still be prone to anxiety. His aim is to get me back BETTER than I was, stronger mentally + emotionally. Made me think that we will get through it eventually, with patience + kindness, and we'll be stronger for it + had the "privilege" of getting to know ourselves a lot better. Aye well, good lucks to you, tek care, look after yourself, x

Posted : 24/01/2017 2:09 pm

Kryton57

Posts: 27603

Free Member

For others benefit I just had my first councilling session. After 15 minutes of me talking, I could not believe how then the lady repeated all my personality traits back to me as if she'd lived my life for 40 yours.

I won't go into detail here but from Mosey MTB's thread:

mildbore - Member

I've suffered from panic attacks for years and they can be very scarey. The key for me was realising they are generated internally not by external circumstances. Once I knew that I treated them like a sneezing fit or similar, just get through it, reset, carry on. This begins to shrink their power

This. We both think we now know the internalised source of the problem and I begin my journey to reduce its impact / remove it.

I'd recommended councelling if you're thinking should I / shouldn't I.

Posted : 26/01/2017 7:58 pm

jambalaya

Posts: 0

Free Member

Positive news, does this realisation mean we won't be seeing so many "what new stiff threads" ? 😉 a sacrafice for us as we enjoy them but a small one to make ... onwards @Kryton

Posted : 26/01/2017 8:08 pm

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