How can you reclaim your self confidence and self esteem after a bout of depression and anxiety. Push on is all i seem to be able to do, but it isnt getting everything back, im still scared.
You have to give it time. It will improve beliece me. I have been there too.
Did you find any meds helpful, they have tried several with me without success. Cbt not working either. They have given me diazepam for anxiety and i wonder if it is holding me back
Hi Ann, your confidence and self esteem will return in time, best to do things that might boost your confidence and self esteem perhaps do something slightly outside your comfort zone scary as it sounds.
Maybe organise a night out with friends and family, organise a BBQ or a trip out somewhere, something you have done and taken control of.
Just suggestions Ann.
I've suffered from depression and anxiety disorder since I was a child. After several suicide attempts I finally gave in and sought proper treatment. I've learned that we depressives have no choice but to accept the fact that it is an illness, much like the flu or stuffy nose. There's no use in just sitting around sufferring: we're sick, and we need treatment. Successful treatment varies from patient to patient. My magic bullet was a combination of buproprion, zoloft, and counseling.
Each person sufferring from depression has different symptoms. For me, my depression would hit hardest when my life was at it's best. Whenever something good happened to me, or I had plenty of money in the bank, or my kid got straight A's, the depression would come back like clockwork. Whenever the stressors in my life began to build up (bills, conflict at work, going to war) the anxiety and panic attacks would begin again. I was caught between those two hells with nothing in between.
I have now accepted the fact that I will need treatment for the rest of my life. I have tried and tried to live my life without medication and counseling, but every time the symptoms come back stronger than ever. I stay in very close communication with my doctor in case my meds need to be changed or adjusted.
Also, it's important to have a healthy hobby and friends who will listen to you, even if they're just on a forum like this one.
Oh, forgot to mention that I'm happier now than I've ever been. I think I'm onto something.
Yes i found sertraline 50 mg very helpful. Takes more than a month to kick in but quite effective.
Hello Ann
I have personally found that surrounding yourself with happy positive people the best way to build on a low self esteem. If you hang out with the wrong type of person/s who have a natural negative approach to life they will pass on this negativity via transference.