Depression and Anxiety

Depression and Anxiety – two friends Joan* didn’t need.

“It almost feels like that same old feeling snuck up on me. I felt like staying in bed again today. Life feels like so much work right now, with so many things that need to get done. If I don’t get it done, who will?

But I’ve noticed the dishes piled high in the sink, and I have no clean clothes. Who cares? It’s not like I’m going out, anyway. Even doing the small things feels like such a chore.

Suddenly, I realize, “Oh no, it’s my depression back again!” My heart pounds, palms sweat, and scalp tingles; I thought I had licked this thing.

Now, that feeling comes back again – anxiety. These two “friends” have been following me around for years, ruining my life. I felt like I was always the one who didn’t want to get out of bed.”

Meeting expectations is overwhelming.

There is something scary about going out into the world and meeting the expectations placed on me. But mostly, I did what people expected of me.

Otherwise, I’d be in trouble if I didn’t do the expected.

Lord knows how much I hate that feeling of being “in trouble” – I’d do anything to avoid that feeling.

Realizing but Avoiding the Problem

At first, I didn’t know what caused those feelings. Watching TV was my favorite pastime after school because I feared encountering something much worse ‘out there.’

While watching a TV advertisement for depression pills (possibly Zoloft), I realized the commercial was about me. I didn’t dare tell anyone because I felt too scared of being found out. Besides, no one would want to hear that I had a ‘problem.’

But truthfully, everything I did felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my back. I plugged along and did what everyone expected of me. I graduated with honors. My family celebrated, but I felt like a fraud because it was for them, not me.

All the while, I remained scared that someone would unmask and show the world what a worthless joke I was.

Healing begins with the removal of the mask.

Over the years, as I kept feeling like life was so hard, and everything was such a struggle. About this time in my life, I also was about to be fired from another job for low attendance. It wasn’t until I got so low, scared, and far under that black cloud that I finally reached out for help.

Therapy provided a safe place where I could remove my mask and seek the help I needed.

And, yes, antidepressants go along with therapy. Based on my research, I knew that for the best results, one needed to do both.

With Amanda’s help, healing began.

In therapy with Amanda, I realized that life didn’t have to be so hard.

I worked with her to uncover many of the deeply entrenched beliefs I’d held for years, which made me think I was no good.

We figured out what caused me to create those beliefs, and I understood I am not damaged or no good. I’m human, and I can change.

It took time; it took effort. And I want anyone who reads this to know that I have a life now! I enjoy myself in ways I never thought possible.

Joan’s story is not unique.

Millions of Americans find themselves gripped in the claws of depression and anxiety. At first, it’s hard to label and identify what you are feeling or how you possibly were struck by these awful crippling feelings.

When I met Joan, she was in her mid-30s and had struggled for most of her life. It takes courage to make that call. Anxiety disallows you from living a full life, and depression can make it seem like “nothing can help.”

Try to remember that the feeling like “nothing can help” is a symptom of depression, not a reason to give up. There are lots of reasons for hope.

Let me be your guide!

I want to help guide you out of the dark forest of depression. Take my hand; we can go on the journey together.

I won’t leave you or make you feel like your experiences are not valid because those feelings provide a roadmap.

We will go at your pace with you as the one who decides which roads to follow. But I will help light the way and be there to pick you up when you feel like it’s too hard.

Take that first step, give me a call. The decision is yours – live in the light!

* Name is changed to protect anonymity.