My route to happy. Using creativity as an outlet for anxiety and depression.
After years of struggling with anxiety and depression (and finding no relief in counseling), I finally turned to medication. And while I had never wanted to take that path, it was my only option at the time. But a few years later, the medication lost its effect and I was faced with a choice: try a new medication or try a new way of life.
So I decided to find a different type of counselor, one who would help me learn new skills to cope, and possibly heal. After being with this new counselor for a few months, I decided that I wanted to share my journey with others.
This journey is hard. Finding the power to overcome anxiety and depression takes work. It takes energy. It takes courage. And some days that’s a lot to ask of myself. And some days it’s easier just to sit on the couch and watch television. But I need to take the hard path. I need to make myself accountable. Because I want to get to a place where I can find strength simply within.
I’m on the same journey. I was just talking to another friend today who also struggles with anxiety and depression about having courage and being willing to do the hard work. December was a really rough month for me, after I had had 4 months of improvement. But, every day is a new day. I’m glad we’ve crossed paths!
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I’m glad we crossed paths as well! I’ve been going through a rough patch too, which is why I’m trying to get involved with the creative hobbies I used to enjoy. It definitely is hard work!
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You’re wise to spend time being creative. Photography is therapy for me.
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Thank you! Writing, photography, reading, and yoga used to be my go-to tools but I went through a period where I had trouble getting myself to do anything. So now I’m trying to get back into those hobbies and maybe find a few others along the way. 🙂
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I hope it is easier for you in 2016. I’ve had days like yours, too. Getting vertical was hard enough, let alone trying to be creative or productive. 🙂
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Thank you! And yes, those days are tough!
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I empathize with you–as I found neither counseling (lost count of how many), nor medication (too many to count) helpful. At 59, I experienced a spiritual epiphany (Christian Faith) and things began to change for me rapidly–5 years later, I continue to grow in Joy, contentment, peace…and sometimes still struggle with old issues, anxiety/depression–but the difference is that I have abiding Hope now. I wish you all the Best in your healing journey–God bless you.
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Thank you! I certainly hope my journey will be a healing one! 🙂
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It will–and if you need to borrow some faith for that, I have some to spare 🙂
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I appreciate that 🙂
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No trouble at all 🙂
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Hey! Thanks for stopping by my blog and liking my post! I really appreciate it!
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