I don't feel like I'm getting anywhere in life.. what am I supposed to do?

[Anonymous]

I was diagnosed with anxiety three years ago, and somedays it feels like depressed (well, most days).. but I don't know. I have a great family and wonderful boyfriend, and they make me super happy, but when I'm not with them I'm sad, down and overwhelmed with bad thoughts and feelings. I don't think I'm smart, or pretty, or will ever amount to much. I dread going to work every single time, I always feel so sick.. it's a big struggle. I can't see myself ever getting a job I enjoy going to, because there's so many factors that make me panick and nervous, and it's exhausting when you feel that way each day. When I think about working like that and living like that til I'm 50 whatever.. it makes life seem very unappealing and.. not worth it. I'm not suicidal, I have good things in my life.. but I struggle so much with going to work, I'm not lazy, I work hard.. but the whole time I'm just.. down, and nervous and I barely talk and I cannot wait to go home, it makes for such a long day and when I get home I sleep because I'm so tired. :( That goes for anything, I hate being in public, and I know that's anxiety, but I think my anxiety is making me depressed.. can anyone relate? And share how you get through it, and what are some good jobs I could do that are less stressful? It seems mine is too stressful for me. I'm a health care aide in a developmental Center.

[HyperOrphic]

I also suffer from anxiety, I was diagnosed when I was very young and have been dealing with it my entire life.

it hindered my life for a long time because it prevented me from being proactive; my mind was negative and I was so afraid of the pressure of having to succeed, that for a while... I costed.

I got sick of it and forced myself out of my shell and began doing things I told myself I couldn't do. I sought refuge in a local anxiety group and began reading into helpful books on coping skills. Every month I'd make a bit of progress.

I know how it feels, but you can't let it win. You have to force yourself to see ahead: what this the worst that could happen? How likely is it compared to the less-than terrible thing that could happen? No matter what, you'll make it work, you have to remind yourself of that every day. If it doesn't work, you won't give up, you'll just do something else.

I didn't believe I was capable of anything and I am slowly but surely accomplishing my goals. You can get there, it just takes an unwillingness to give up.

[chuppachup]

I needed to read that. Thanks :)

[HyperOrphic]

No problem.

[Asker]

I'm super happy that you were able to move forward and take control of your life, gives me hope that one day I can do the same, like you! I feel stuck in a big rut, it only gets worse.. thank you for sharing :)

[HyperOrphic]

Depressing has a way of telling us that we've always been sad and we'll always be sad, it's just a biproduct of anxiety. Your biggest tool is learning how to rationalize instead of falling back into the negative, self-degrading thoughts.

I believe in you, anxiety is just something you have, it isn't who you are.

[Megit_Rainn]

i don't know if you're on meds but if you're not, Prozac is really good for anxiety. Try changing your work environment. Nothing wrong with quitting ur job and finding something else. even if the payment isn't much, ur happiness comes first. My sister felt the same way and that's what she did. It helped. Try participating in different things (ex: sign up for a yoga class. It'll occupy and you'll feel better physically and mentally). And try organizing things at work so it would break your routine. About feeling smart and pretty, it's gonna sound pretty cliche but as long as you're satisfied with yourself than screw what other people think. keep telling yourself that you are pretty and that you are smart. The things you want in life are only gonna come true if u believe in them. And hey, you have a boyfriend. So I'm sure you're not as bad as you think you are.
Try surrounding yourself with people who would cheer you up instead of pushing you down.
Best of luck!

[Ahs2019]

I think you will be succesful, as long as you keep your head up. I know that that is easier said thank done... but believe me, it will help.