Depression, anxiety and socially withdrawing
It seems as though every day I feel lower and lower. I've not posted much here for a while because I just haven't had the energy to say anything. I'm always exhausted and I've withdrawn from people almost completely. I feel like I have nothing to say and nothing to give to anyone anymore. I'm completely deflated and the thought of seeing anyone gives me anxiety which is also exhausting and I don't have the energy to deal with it. So I just avoid.
I don't know how to get out of this cycle or if I'll ever feel any better - but this is honestly no way to live. I'm so lonely but I can't get out of this cage I've ended up in since my MS & mental health deteriorated. I've drifted away from everyone and people seem to have given up on me, so there's not even anyone to nudge or encourage me out of this cage. I've given up on my family because only one of them has been to visit me in the last 2 years, when things got bad I thought they'd at least come and see me... but nope. It's that which is making me feel forgotten and hopeless.
Hi @Jacob, sorry to hear you are feeling low. The only thing I can say on this site is that I sympathise. I have recently told my GP how I am feeling and I have now got an appointment with a counsellor/person to talk to. I am wondering what help that will be 🤷♀️. I guess I am still willing to try. Is there a professional you can speak with?
@jacob , have you been to see your GP about these feelings? MS is a huge burden for us to bear and, from time to time, this burden can grow in size until it feels unbearable. This is when we need some assistance to try and bring things back into perspective. Yes, I'm talking anti-depressants, which have a place in our MS toolbox. It could be a short course or it might be considered that it is something that is needed permanently. I'm not embarrassed to say I've been on an anti-depressant for years. But, MS can make us lonely. But, it's only as lonely as we allow it to make. We have to make the effort. We're still as socially acceptable as we used to be, but we have a tag, which we have to show doesn't define us. So, keep your MS in a box, as others may find it difficult to discuss this subject. It's difficult for others to contemplate visiting our den of depression. So, we need to reach out. But, reach out with a smile on your face. Believe it or not, a smile can be felt at the other end of a phonecall. It's all in our hands, so go and see your GP then see what you can do.