I have never been able to do it, but can a force of will beat back the darkness?

Question

I suffer from severe depression and anxiety. If my self-diagnosis is correct:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD).
Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD).

I believe my anxiety and depressed are linked, they are two parts of the same thing. I am unable to overcome the anxiety, so my depression deepens. The darkness is like a black hole.

Answer 1

How can you keep self diagnosing yourself ?
When you are emotionally involved.... shouldn't you go and see a trained professional who is objective ?
Most of the disorders you are describing are chemical imbalances.
If you are a D.I.Y. die hard, write down all your experiences and turn them into a book to help others.

Answer 2

Psychiatry used to think so and it worked; that was in the days of "rugged individualism.". Now it's all pills and "chemical imbalances." I have had suicidal depression; I have been able to break a depression by just willing myself to think positively. Of course the help of other "positive people" was appreciated.

I want to recommend an old book:

Abraham Low, MD; Mental health through will training."; Willet Publishing Co., Glencoe IL 60022, 1997

This book was the working manual for "Recovery Incorporated" a non profit organization of local self help groups which may still be in operation. Their HQ address used to be: 802 N. Dearborn St., Chicago IL, 60610, Tel. [phone]. This organization was founded in 1937 and the book above was first published in 1950.

The book is still available from Amazon.com.

Hope this helps, good luck, good health, peace and love!

Answer 3

They are definitively linked--the anxiety and depression. I suffered for approx. 4 years in my late 20's from major depression and anxiety. I used major willpower and some major healing by the grace of God and rose above it. However, unfortunately, it has come back to haunt me again, and this time the willpower, etc. ain't cuttn' it! I'm on an antidepressant, but need a new one. This seems to have worn off.

Answer 4

I know how you feel. Until I found the right combination of medication I didn't think I could survive the sadness. I would go and spend a week or so in the nearest mental health ward in your area. At least see your doctor about this, as you have discovered, you cannot do this alone. It wasn't until I added cymbalta to my medicine regimen did I find relief from life-long depression.

may Peace be with you

Answer 5

First off it's great you notice a change in yourself - but no one is properly capable of diagnoising themselves.

Ask you primary doctor or seek a therapist because if you do have what you think medicine will help get you out of the hole.

Answer 6

I would strongly suggest that you get a professional diagnosis, as well as counseling.
Self-diagnosing is a dangerous game, filled with errors which can only make matters worse.
And don't ask how I found that out.

Answer 7

Of course it can. Make things sweet and simple, smooth your surroundings. Just think: was will power free to act, had the proper conditions, could be there, did you allow it?
Go forward and don't look back to pity. the way is ahead.

Answer 8

i know that feeling of the black hole. i thought i got away from it for a while, but it's always there, pulling you back. no matter how far you think you get from it, it is ALWAYS there.... sorry i know this doesn't answer your question but i guess it might be nice to know your not alone.

Answer 9

here is my opinion; i've read your'e question, and concluded that i have not nearly enough information to make any logical response. i also notice the number of responses from people far far brighter than me that were able to respond. best of luck, take it for what you will.

Answer 10

Eat more cheese and stare at the wall some more.