u/EPG1985

There’s a lot of “I’ll never” and “I cant” posts and comments. In the midst of anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue is completely overwhelming in the moment, I have a ton of empathy for you.

Also, I’ve been there many, many times. Too many to count. I’m actually there right now. I’m a 40 year old dude who has gone through this battle since I was a teenager. Sometimes worse than others.

There are days, and months in a row where I have no idea how I’ll get through it. However, I do want to share some core beliefs that get me through - these are thoughts and feelings, neither are harmful. They are distracting, overwhelming, and makes it seem like life is impossible. But again, they are nothing more than harmless thoughts and feelings. No matter how it makes you feel - you can actually still do anything you want - if you start accepting them as exactly that.

It’s much easier said than done. Your heart will race, you will get dizzy, feel faint, have negative self talk, all the things. They cannot hurt you. No matter how intense they feel. Once you’ve made a few baby steps, they become less powerful. And you start to do better.

Another - do not feel shame for how you feel. Judging yourself, and feeling shame for your feelings that every person on earth has at times - makes it worse. Speak kindly to yourself - even if it sounds fake.

I’ve been at serious lows before, hospitalized, isolated, a lot. I’m married, and have three kids - and yes, I have bad anxiety, and depression - I’ve been here before, I know the lies it tells us, I feel completely overwhelmed most days lately. But I try to at least treat myself kindly. Our chemicals in our brains aren’t always in order, like some people. But if I can get through the day with absolute work and family chaos - I promise you can, too.

I’m not speaking as someone who has been healed, but I know the feeling of being stuck and life is impossible. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, remind yourself you’re safe, this is a feeling, and feelings change. Hang in there.