My anxiety is getting worse and depression won't let me live my life, how do I overcome this?

Talking to someone helps always. But also doing something with your friends / family or listening to music is nice.

I take one day at a time while I try to take a hold of what that is causing me to feel that way, before I then take one step forward for each time I am able to move forwards.

The first step towards achieving anything is believing in it. You should believe that you can win over your depression and get over this anxiety. Try to focus on the positive aspects of life and remember, no one has it easy. Life is not meant to be a piece of cake; it's filled with struggles and you just have to accept it. Keep fighting cause there's no battle which we can't win. If you ever feel down, I would say, listen to music or just talk to someone. Getting the reassurance that it's gonna be fine might help, even though it doesn't sound much. We're always here to help if you need any :)

Firstly, it's very important to seek medical help now. Seeing your doctor and having a chat with him will be a relief to you in itself. He/she might advise that medication will help and refer you to a specialist, therapist, counsellor or any other service that he/she feels might help you. It might be a appropriate to tell your partner, family and friends that you're not feeling so good at the moment. If you feel able, having a chat with a close friend might help. In the short-term, if you have to wait for appointments to come through, use the listening service on & Cups - expert help is also available on the site. Sometimes just putting life on hold can help, if that's not possible (if you've got kids or other responsibilities) try to get some support or just do the essentials until you're feeling better. It's important to care for yourself first. Overcoming not being able to let your live your life because of anxiety and depression might take a long time, but it does become manageable.

I understand how you are feeling, I often feel as if these feelings are getting in the way of my life. It can be hard to move past these feelings but in the end It is so rewarding. Also, remember that getting help is not a bad thing, these are illnesses and sometimes treatment is needed. Doing something I love helps me let go of these feelings for awhile, you could try this. In these times, I like to think of this quote "Feel what you need to feel and then let it go, do not let it consume you."

Try to do things you normally dont do everyday - things that make you happy or things in the past that have made you happy. For example, going for a quick run, drawing, journaling, yoga, calling a friend. Things like this may make you feel happy and make you realize other things too that you enjoy as well. Maybe you like to cook, ride your bike, walk a dog, something that you forgot about that brings you joy. We all need happiness in our lives. Also remember to practice self-care. Take some time for just yourself. :) Stay positive and keep fighting. You've got this!

I have felt the same way before. It sucks. But there is always a way out. I know when I felt like I couldn't live my life anymore, I would just talk. I would talk to my sister, my parents, or my friends. Sometimes I didn't even talk to them about how I felt. I just talked to the people that made me happy. If I found that any time by myself would make my anxiety worse, I would constantly talk to people (different people of course so you don't get tired of just one person). I would occasionally tell them how I was feeling so I could be listened to, but I would also just talk to them because I found that I was happier with them than I was by myself. Then, once I started to feel like myself again, I would go back to my regular routine.

Truly, I have been in your position for and know what it's like to have anxiety and depression take over your life and make you feel as though you have no say over it anymore. To overcome it, the treatments vary. Some just include minor adjustments to your daily routine and others involve a more intensive approach. We do have many communities here at 7Cups that can help you fight these battles, as well as free listening and therapy at a fee. Also, just waking up and letting yourself have the mindset that you are in control of your life and you can decide how you want to handle your anxiety and depression, should it come up, is a really good technique as well.

My grandmother once told me a great saying and it has helped me so many times in life. How do you eat an elephant? (No don't really eat an elephant) One bite at a time. I often think that we look at the big picture and sometimes that can be overwhelming. I think we have to break things down into bite size pieces. One bite at a time. One second at a time, one minute, one hour, one day... whatever it takes to make it more comfortable and manageable. I write down goals and gratitude with this as well, this helps me to see the small things. One day it might be a couple of things and the next day one might be I am breathing. Small steps, baby steps. I also think that with that we need to slow down, sometimes just practicing breathing and relaxation is so helpful. A 1 minute breathing exercise to calm us restores a lot in our mind and slows it all down so we can decide what is our next bite.

At this point it's definable worth talking to other people about this including your doctor and a therapist before it spirals out of control. Although there is plenty of self help tools out there which can be used and will take a little practice and focus on to strike up some good techniques to implement asap, talking to a close friend or indeed a stranger also helps in some cases there's always advice out there to be had, this is something you cant afford to leave and fester as it generally has a nasty habit of growing and getting worse.

I'd say it would be impossible to do on your own. Reaching out is the first step and I don't mean going out and finding like-minded people. That could actually bring more harm then good. Overcoming anxiety and depression will be a grueling and time-consuming endeavor but through finding the right people (therapists, supportive friends/ family, people you trust) progress is sure to follow. Though, a team effort is necessary in overcoming anxiety and depression, it also takes self encouragement and self motivation to continue; to want to see yourself better and happier and fining motivation in that to continue the hike up the mountain. Though the journey may seem impossible or the fight never-ending. I'm certain the view from the top will be magnificent.

I suggest, finding someone to talk to and noticing what patterns your doing and noting them down, the numbing patterns, and dont entirely cut yourself off from them because that would add far more to the stress but try to periodically indulge in them, and do one tiny thing to move urself out, usually and a major part of it is to do with the relations you have in your life and the circumstance - See how Im typing and talking to you as I answer this? Try this communication style where you can be vulnerable and honest. If you can find someone who can talk to you like that - you will be on your way to creating a Blue layer of protection that will make you feel safe and secure within which you can get up for and start exploring life around you - slowly lifting yourself out of depression. That is my suggestion.

Speak out- talk to someone whether that is a friend, family member, doctor or even a neighbor. A problem shared is always a problem halved. Often we carry a load on our shoulders and just by chatting with someone can really help off load. You can also try self help guides online or in book format. It may also be of use to get outdoors, be surrounded by nature. Exercise has been proven to be of benefit to our mental health. As for anxiety you could always try a weighted blanket or heat pad. There is also a range of meditation apps which you may find useful.

you can start with doing something you used to like in the past, like reading a book or traveling. And than, when you ll feel better, you can start talking to someone you liked chatting. You can talk about your hobbies, your family, your friends, your boss maybe, your teachers. Than read the best book you ever heard of. Try to concentrate on the good things in life and spend most of your time by doing it. Try to keep your mind off of the bad things and try to take back control. You can do this, and I believe in you, and your family does too.

Sometimes it can feel like anxiety and depression rule our lives. Once those anxious thoughts creep in, it can feel impossible to shut them off. Even the most mundane, routine tasks can feel like the most difficult tasks. Anxiety and depression can trick us into thinking that the sky is falling, and there is nothin we can do to stop it- but they're lying to us. No step is too small. Reaching out on 7Cups is a great start to tackling your anxiety and depression, so I want to congratulate you and thank you for being honest and willing to share.

There's nothing to overcome. Just practice the complete acceptance of the present moment. Accept your anxiety and depression and be friendly to them, let them arise inside of you, understand where is their source, welcome them and let them go, like clouds in the sky: let them come, give them a warm welcome, look at them, observe their shape, colour, size then let the wind gently blow them away. Whenever you feel anxiety and any other emotion, be it "bad" or "good" repeat to yourself: “Thank you for everything. I have no complaint whatsoever.” That's how you start to practice the complete acceptance of the present moment, just as it is. And that's how you deal with your emotions, knowing them, welcoming them, understanding them and letting them go.

I've had a lot of experience in this area. One of the best things you can do for this is try and get out. Don't let yourself sit and dwell on things cause that only will make things worse. For you to overcome your depression you need to be stronger than it. Which everyone is they just don't see that at the time cause it hurts. When do things that help you and find that one thing that constantly makes you happy and you keep doing it will slowly heal you! The worst thing you can do is go to something bad to help heal you. examples are drinking or smoking. Find something healthy and productive!

It is very important to know that in life there are no immediate solutions to problems. Solving problems takes time, energy and effort. In therapy we should not look at the mind, the soul and the body as separate units, but rather as a single unit. The mind cannot be treated away from the treatment of the soul and soul. ...Some things that can help in the treatment of depression such as: communicating with friends, listening to stimulating music, playing sports, doing new activities, medications, taking responsibility, getting enough sleep and eating healthy, helps to get rid of depression once and for all and develop a routine....

It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot at the moment and my heart goes out to you. The truth is, when anxiety and/or depression start disrupting your daily life, that’s usually a decent indicator that seeking out mental health services would be beneficial. Always remember, you aren’t alone in this. Seeking out support from our 7Cups community, our Listeners, your trusted offline friends and family, and a licensed professional would all be very helpful during this time. What comes next? Taking each day step by step. Every battle someone faces is a bit unique, in the sense that.. what works for me, might not work for you too. And, that’s okay. So spending time figuring out what to put in your own ‘tool/first aid kit’ so to speak, will help a bunch. Best wishes, take care.

If it has taken over your life, the best thing you can do is call a hotline (not all hotlines are for suicidal thoughts) or get a therapist.

Think about all the good things you have around you . The details that are enough to make your day better and to make you smile ,the activities you like to enjoy ...Talk with people you love and who gives you always good energy . Embrace their energy and love. See all those people who are there for you and love you just the way you are . Open your eyes and see the bright colours of your life and the good things that are there because they are more stronger than you think .

There are many ways to overcome depression and anxiety. There are many good applications. I have dealt with depression and anxiety myself. Overcoming requires help its not something you can overcome by yourself. Sometimes medication is needed and there are many apps that can help. I have personally found that reaching out to my therapist helped and she used psychotherapy yoga also. The psychotherapy yoga she is one of the few certified counselors in my area have helped so much. She has helped me learn a lot of different coping skills. I have a coping box that helps and the Yoga. I do the Yoga twice daily and it has made a difference in my energy levels and helped to alleviate the anxiety and depression.

Practice hypnosis or self hypnosis. This is a kind of guided meditation which will help you calm down. Do find the videos on Youtube and you will find a way to lead a peaceful life. You anxiety and depression will subside and hypnosis will help you take control of your mind and situation gradually. In a guided meditation, you are supposed to visualize and make changes to the way you think in a gradual manner. So, if you are unable to meditate yourself, guided meditation will definitely help you in overcoming anxiety and depression. So, go ahead and feel the change.

Great question, I went through a lot of truama and had to be willing to get help. I asked for it saw my doctor and got proper medication and therapy. Don't be afraid to ask and be open to new things. It's not easy but you must try your best to get through the rough parts. Also, surround yourself with friends, and people you love. I myself got on Anti Anxiety/ Depression medication and my anxiety went from 95% to 5%, so highly recommend to someone with horrible anxiety as I had at one time. Don't be afraid please ok.

some days ago I heard this from a post on FB and it helped me gain a new perspective to depression. hope this helps you too. ." we can choose to see depression not as a mental illness by a state of deep rest. A spiritual exhaustion that we go into when we are de-pressed. pressed down by the weight of the false self. To master the mind-made story of me. We long to stop pretending and express our raw truth, to give voice to our secret loneliness, our shame, our broken hearts, boredom, and brilliant rage. there is no shame to your exhaustion .we are all exhausted. slow down today, allow your self to rest deeply. and weep. and breath.and begin again."

I suggest that you seek a therapist on 7 Cups or talk to a listener to help you overcome your anxiety and depression. And to talk to your friends and/or family about it. Talking really helps. The first step is always the hardest. But keeping secrets will probably eat you up inside. What I mean is that dealing with things alone will only make it worse. Even though it’s hard to talk to someone, maybe because you don’t know how they’ll react, it’s better to not go through with it alone. I hope that this helped you with your question!

Looking for someone to talk to can be really helpful! If it is hard you can start by talking with someone online (just being safe) and over time trying to talk in person eapecially while feeling anxious or depressed. Also it is important to find a reason why do you feel this way. Of course breathing excersise can be also increadibly helpful. Sometimes people try to distract themselves and it might be helpful for some people. Finding the best way to express yourself and feelings is the key. And also not forgeting who you actually are while looking for your ways to go! 😊

I'm only a trained listener that's here to sympathize with you. I noticed you said that depression won't let you live your life. I suggest you seek help from a professional person.

I had the same problem but it’s slowly cleared. I been to therapy and took the CBT. It’s a self discipline monitoring act. Depression got worsted often because the mindset was trapped in a negative cycle and demotivated on activities for daily life. To stop it, it’s to walk opposite of your thoughts. The more you think is not possible to do the more you make it happen. I am experiencing the social anxiety but I put myself in place of being a listener. That affected to appearances, work, families, friends and relationships. It is all tangled together and worsen if it’s not treat it right.

I totally understand where you're coming from. I used to be in a dark place with anxiety and depression, and it will get better. If there anything specific causing this feeling? Is it several aspects of your life spiraling out of control? Or is this solely because of school, or a relationship? Is it because of your parents? Or is it because of yourself? I used to be the frequent cause of my depression with my pessimist thoughts and self hatred. But I can help you get out of this, or be able to control your anxiety/ depression better