Depression and Anxiety
A marriage made in Hell!!
Depression
“It happens every morning.”
Dread of another day. I just can’t pull myself out of bed. So, I stay there until I have no choice but to get up. Finally, I get up. My feet hit the floor. It’s as if I’ve hit a brick wall that throws me into a dark hole.
Confusion and dread of the day take over.
Why go through another meaningless, miserable day?
I’m in a fog. My mind is numb. When I’m not numb, I’m tearful.
Energy is nonexistent. Going to work seems impossible and being home too much a chore.
Time slows to a crawl.
I’m desperate… helpless… hopeless….
-Vs.-
Anxiety
“It’s morning. Thank God. “
I’m exhausted, but I pop out of bed. It’s not like I slept anyway. My mind raced all night.
As I get up, plans and the business of the day ahead flood my mind. Work is busy, overwhelming, stressful. There’s too much to do, with too many deadlines and too much on the line.
On top of that, the kids aren’t doing well at school, my spouse adds too much pressure, and my aging parents are chronically ill and in pain.
I try so hard, but it’s never enough. The kids complain, my spouse is in a bad mood, and my boss is never pleased.
As the overwhelm and panic start, so do the rapid heartbeat and breathing, the tense muscles, and the butterflies in the stomach. I’m either compelled to do something about it, or I become paralyzed and unable to function.
I’m desperate… Will this never end??
“Off” or “On”?
Depression and Anxiety are the two most common mental health complaints. But they are NOT the same. They are more like a light bulb – on or off!
Depression: Switch Off Anxiety: Switch On
Depression: I can’t anymore. Leave me alone.
Vs.
Anxiety: I can’t stop. I have to get it right this time. What if I do it wrong? What if…?
Depression: I’m numb. My mind is in a fog.
Vs.
Anxiety: I’m overwhelmed. My mind is racing. Make it stop!
Depression: I just can’t stop crying!
Vs.
Anxiety: I can’t sit still; I have so much to do! What if I don’t get it done? What if I do it wrong?
Depression: I just want to sleep. Yes, I’m avoiding life. Leave me alone.
Vs.
Anxiety: What’s the use of sleep? My thoughts are going a million miles an hour and won’t stop.
Depression: I don’t feel like going out with friends. I don’t feel like doing anything!
Vs.
Anxiety: I have a date tonight. But what if….?
“The carousel never stops turning.”
Day in and day out, whether depressed or anxious, the result is the same.
Everyday life is unbearable, and it’s hard to get through the day.
Family time becomes miserable, not because the children do anything wrong but because you just don’t feel like it.
Work is dreary, almost impossible. Barely going through the motions is a daily thing.
Friends? Well, social life is nonexistent. How can you enjoy friendship when you no longer know who you are?
Hobbies are nonexistent, too. Nothing feels worthwhile. Everything is boring.
Life becomes one big, desperate challenge to survive.
Hopeless? No!
So, you think you’ve tried everything. Have you tried therapy? You’ll be amazed at what can happen! Whether in a funk or in a panic, therapy can offer skills that help you lead a normal life again.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Forge a relationship with a therapist who truly cares and has the expertise to help you.
- Learn exercises that stop anxiety and panic on a dime.
- Retrain your brain to change your negative self-talk to positive messages.
- Learn new sleep habits and a routine that will lead to a good night.
- Use vocabulary that can change the fog into realized thoughts. Once you are aware of your feelings, you can remember what to do to help yourself.
- Learn mindfulness skills to help you enjoy each moment.
- Allow yourself to accept the support of others.
- Most of all, love yourself again!
Give yourself the gift of healing. You deserve it!!
You’re not only giving yourself a gift; you’ll be giving the world all that you were meant to be.
Reach out to me at (615) 285-9434 or complete the message form below.