How many Warriors have depression, anxiety, or other similar problems?

[David DeAndre]

I know this isn't easy for a lot of folks to talk about, but ...

I suffered from severe depression & social anxiety disorder for many years, which really held me back - both in the real world & IM.

In my early teenage years, I was actually a really confident guy.

I was popular, I always had girls fighting over me, always had lots of friends, etc.

But in my early adult years, that changed dramatically.

For a long time I turned into this really shy, awkward, reserved person I didn't even know.

In fact, it got so bad that I used to hide away in my room sometimes, too afraid to even go outside and face the world.

Thankfully, I came through the other side a much stronger, healthier, more successful & social person ... and I'm actually glad for these problems.

They taught me A LOT about life, people, reality, taking responsibility for myself, and so on. Without these experiences, I doubt I'd be where I am today.

And now that I've been through both depression and anxiety, I feel like I can take on anything! And best of all, I've completely come off my meds. It's been well over two years now, and I feel just fine.

Again, I know people aren't comfortable talking about these problems, but I'm sure at least a few people here can relate.

[wsmreviews]

I actually think some IMers are drawn into the prospect of making money at home from their computer, not only because of their entrepreneurial spirit, but also because they may naturally be a bit withdrawn from the social norms and/or experience some anxiety or depressional tendencies. At least that is how it was for me.

Ive never been on meds or anything but after years of sitting in front of a computer with limited interaction in my workplace I sometimes wonder if this was the healthiest choice for me. I might have to pm you about some of your med choices. LOL!

[Jacqueline Smith]

You're right....you probably won't get many people responding to your question. Mental illnesses are still "frowned" upon by society in general. It's a real shame because so many people are affected by mental illness.

If more people were like you and open about it, those suffering would realize they are not alone.

I am so glad you found a way to get through your depression. It sounds like you not only got through it but are perhaps a better person because of it.

Share your story as often as you can......without even realizing it, you are probably making others feel better.

[alexEII]

I often don't feel good at my work, a failure. If I listen to the negative I can really spiral into despair. Then when I am running, or taking photos of sunset, I can feel wonderful.

[HeySal]

The only anxiety I ever experience is when I find out I have to do something IT technical all by myself. Other than that, I've never experienced any abnormally negative emotional episodes.

[AprilCT]

Originally Posted by HeySal

The only anxiety I ever experience is when I find out I have to do something IT technical all by myself. Other than that, I've never experienced any abnormally negative emotional episodes.

Technical Anxiety is a good one for me too, Sal. I often have to ask my boys how to do something.It's a darn good thing we are much smarter in other ways! But technical stuff--ugh, now that is stress!

[doitright316]

I have found after being on the pc 12 hours a day over the last few years that I do get anexious when I'm in a busy place sometimes although this may be passed down from my father, he get's really anxious when in such places.

I think it helps to try and have a few holidays each year break you're year up and enjoy some travelling or relaxing if you can afford it. their is more to life than making money EVERY day.

[ksmusselman]

I was diagnosed with major clinical depression for the third time about 12 years ago and simply am not able to go without my meds. I take 100mg Zoloft daily.

I was also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as well.

And finally, after being diagnosed with sleep apnea, PCOS and Fibromyalgia, most of my teen year "difficulties" plus what caused me to lose three jobs in less than five years and finally end up on permanent disability now makes sense.

I still go through minor bouts of depression and anxiety even now at home and regularly on my meds. But it's not anywhere near as bad as it is if I'm not taking my meds (think Linda Blair in the Exorcist! ).

But I can relate to the feeling of hopelessness. There are no words to describe how much of a total failure I felt like for a long, long time until all of the medical diagnoses came back and there was a "name" for one after the other medical conditions I had - ALL of which have depression as a symptom.

Going through the list of major clinical depression symptoms, the only one I didn't have was suicide. Thankfully.

I mean, I went from someone who could run circles around any younger person in the office on any day. I was the ultimate multi-tasker!

Ten years down the road, I was forgetting so many things that thought I was going through early dementia or Alzheimer's. Then I'd come home and crawl in a corner and just cry and cry. For absolutely NO reason at all, other than I thought I was losing my mind and it scared the bejeezes out of me.

Another ten years later after multiple diagnoses, I was able to go on permanent disability with absolutely no rebuttal from SS and no hearings. It was expedited and granted on the spot.

That in itself is depressing! And my meds ended up being increased again.

It's an uphill battle at times, especially if you're a woman because we have myriad other problems that guys don't have, and those "things" also come with depression as a wonderful side effect.

On the positive side - - I'm working from home. I don't have a bitchy boss hanging over me. I don't have to multi-task; I can do one thing at a time until it's complete so I don't get frustrated or confused. And my online buddies are a hell of a lot more fun than many of the "real" people I had to deal with in the corporate office every day.

[ksmusselman]

Originally Posted by Jacqueline Smith

You're right....you probably won't get many people responding to your question. Mental illnesses are still "frowned" upon by society in general. It's a real shame because so many people are affected by mental illness.

With the exception of Depression. There's been a lot of headway made in this area, a lot of commercials about depression and the different medications. "Depression hurts..." and those kinds of things.

That's a good thing too, because thankfully depression isn't as life-threatening an illness as say, schizophrenia or a serious psychotic disorder. The condition is also being recognized as needing more than just a "cheer up, you'll be okay" attitude from friends, family and coworkers.

Depending on the level of depression, people can become suicidal, so it is a serious illness, but it's not been one that people are too afraid to admit having today.

[David DeAndre]

Wow ksmusselman, thanks for being so honest and transparent.

And you're definitely not alone - I bet there's thousands of warriors on this forum who can relate at some level! I certainly can.

[ksmusselman]

Originally Posted by David DeAndre

Wow ksmusselman, thanks for being so honest and transparent.

And you're definitely not alone - I bet there's thousands of warriors on this forum who can relate at some level! I certainly can.

There's practically an entire YouTube community devoted to depression - and PCOS and Fibro ... we crazy people are everywhere!

[Michael Ten]

I really like the book The Myth of Mental Illness by psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz.

[PassivelyRich]

I don't thanks to Tony Robbins' UPW!!

[andyredsox]

Anxiety may struck any Warrior at some point, whether they admit it or not.

It's about facing and dealing with the problem that matters.

Take it easy on yourself. Do something that you really love doing - aside from doing business, of course. It will allow you to be balanced again.

Remember, we all need to work hard but play harder.

What is it that you missed doing all these years?

[laurencewins]

This is odd. I posted a reply in here yesterday and it seems to have disappeared. So I will write another post. Depression is tough to battle. I was on high doses of 2 meds for a few years but now am on the lowest dose of the stronger of the 2 and the same dose for the other one and I feel better than before. I commend the people in here for sharing because it IS brave to do so, regardless of whether it is strangers or friends/family that you discuss it with.

I think it is good to share experiences because it helps others with support from "real people" instead of just medical people. As Jacqueline said, it is also inspiring to others who may not be at the same stage as you.

It's also MUCH better than bottling it all up to the point of exploding...which I have done in the past.

[celente]

Originally Posted by PassivelyRich

I don't thanks to Tony Robbins' UPW!!

amen to that.

I had very negative parents, siblings and friends, way back. told me I gave up on life!!, so glad I came through the other side.

This IM thing aint easy, and in my early days, I felt like I was failing. But Thanks to the WF and other people like TR, they helped emmensly.

Use the negativity around me to succeed, if you know what I mean.

[MilkerFocus]

Learning is Lifelong. there are always something that make you depressed, upset. But if you learn from it, you will be stronger.

Marcus