Dealing with Anxiety and Depression: My Journey to Recovery

I've experienced clinical depression and anxiety (and PMDD to boot) for most of my life. Recently (in the last several months) the anxiety has become a dominating force in my life, and about 6 weeks ago I began a whole new counseling and medication regimen, beginning with 2 nights in a mental health facility. I've also dealt with alcohol dependence off and on for years. I'm doing better now, and my last drink was 7 weeks ago today, but I sometimes fear a backslide. Anxiety can be a really lonely experience, despite the best efforts of those who love me. I'd love to talk with people who've been there too--that reminder that we're not alone can be a life-saver. At the very least, it makes the day easier to get through.

Your answer

Ja80

1y ago

I have had depression and anxiety for 20+ years still struggling 🥲

SwordInTheDarkness

1y ago

Thank you, it means a lot to hear that :) I know what you mean about not knowing someone. It used to scare the hell out of me when my husband would drink and become someone he just isn't otherwise. He wasn't a violent drunk, just someone I don't like very much. And I know I've done the same to him too.

DogWhisperer

1y ago

Everyone backslides, we are only human after all. But having someone to talk to, that gets it, is totally helpful. Myself, I have a very addictive personality.... with lots of things....I used to drink as well, like a fish. And then I gave it up. My friend used to say she doesn't know me anymore. But now she hardly touches the drink. We make one drink and share it. And that happens every once in a while. But the thing is to never give up on yourself. And never be so hard on yourself if you slide a bit. The only mistake is not trying. You can do it. ❤️

SwordInTheDarkness

1y ago

Sorry, that last post was supposed to be a reply 😅

sorenachy

1y ago

I have addiction in my family and I was a drinker to deal with my loneliness. It wasn't a good situation because I couldn't afford to pay my bills. Now if I have a drink it's one for a holiday. My wife keeps me from wanting to drink. We've been married just over 2 yrs and I know how she feels about drinking. I've never been in a mental health facility, but I have recently added to my happy pills because the one I've been on for yrs just wasn't doing it alone anymore. We are also dealing with some intense issues at home right now, which is very stressful, so I totally get it.

SwordInTheDarkness

1y ago

I can relate to intense issues at home. My husband of 15 years and I enabled each other for a long time. We were social drinkers until we moved away from home and became each other's only local support system. The stress/alcohol combination became a poison in more than one sense and almost destroyed us. Now we're trying to turn that around and support each other as we embark on sobriety together. It hasn't been easy, but it's been good for us so far.

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