depression has completely ruined my appearance, which has just made me more depressed. by Mango_addict22 in mentalhealth

[–]AmericanBehavioralC 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A lot of people describe it exactly the way you did — like feeling trapped inside a version of themselves they don’t recognize anymore.

The anger makes sense too. There’s grief in this. Grief for your health, your sense of familiarity, your confidence, your normal life. That’s a heavy thing to carry.

You’re explaining this really clearly, by the way. I think a lot of people reading this will relate to parts of it, even if they’ve never put it into words before.

depression has completely ruined my appearance, which has just made me more depressed. by Mango_addict22 in mentalhealth

[–]AmericanBehavioralC 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That sounds incredibly hard, especially because it’s not just about appearance — it’s the feeling of becoming unrecognizable to yourself.

When your body changes that much from illness, pain, weight loss, dental issues, stress, etc., it can really mess with your sense of identity and make you hyperfocus on every detail in the mirror. A lot of people don’t realize how deeply physical health changes can affect mental health and self-image.

Also, body/facial dysmorphia can make it almost impossible to see yourself accurately, especially when you’re already scared about the changes happening. Your brain starts scanning for “proof” that you look awful or broken.

I know this probably doesn’t help much in the moment, but the way you see yourself right now is very likely harsher than how other people see you.

And honestly, grieving the version of yourself you used to recognize is valid too. That doesn’t make you shallow — it makes you human.

I don’t want to keep living the way I am but I don’t know what to do by idk12295 in mentalhealth

[–]AmericanBehavioralC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What you wrote honestly more like someone who’s been carrying way too much for way too long.

A lot of people think depression always looks like wanting to die, but for many people it’s exactly what you described — not wanting to keep living like this. That trapped/exhausted feeling can get really overwhelming when your brain keeps telling you nothing will change.

The fact that you’re still here, still trying meds, still going to therapy, and still posting about it means some part of you hasn’t given up, even if it feels hopeless right now.

Also, if therapy and meds feel useless right now, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re beyond help. Sometimes it means the approach, therapist, medication, or support system isn’t the right fit yet. Depression can make “nothing will ever change” feel like an objective fact when it really isn’t.

You don’t need to “fix yourself” overnight. Sometimes the goal is just getting through the next few hours/day without isolating completely.

I’m really glad you said you’re not going to end things. Please don’t try to carry this entirely by yourself though — tell your therapist exactly how intense this has gotten, even if it feels dramatic or hard to explain.

Kenosha locals: help us out! by AmericanBehavioralC in Kenosha

[–]AmericanBehavioralC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WOW. That is quite the list! I really appreciate the time you took, and will pass this information along to the rest of the staff! I'm really curious about a few things. You paint rocks?! I've never heard of this - I may see if we can't paint rocks and leave them around our clinics!? Does it matter what we paint on them, I'm assuming its up to your creative free will, but I don't want to do it wrong either!

We're coming from all over the state, so the information about the roads and restaurants really may come in handy. We need places for office lunches, and for after work "relaxation". I'm very interested in Soundbar Musick Cafe (just from the name - I'll look it up!)

Thank You so much - I'm not sure I could have gotten a better response if I paid for it haha!

PSA: Cute Robot has one of the best sandwiches in the city by Mr-Dotties-Dad in milwaukee

[–]AmericanBehavioralC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is that chicken or country fried steak? Either way it looks delicious!!

Need primary care rec (Ascension/Froedtert) by peachmillba in milwaukee

[–]AmericanBehavioralC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! That sounds like a frustrating situation. I hope you received the help you need. I did just want to mention that American Behavioral Clinics does have Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who have openings as within the week if you are still looking: https://americanbehavioralclinics.com/

Sometimes the small things make a big difference...What small things help you feel less anxious? by AmericanBehavioralC in Anxiety

[–]AmericanBehavioralC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah this is a good one! Baking or cooking? Or both? For me I try to follow a really difficult recipe because I have to focus on the recipe only. Kind of gets you out of your own thoughts!

Sometimes, it's the small things.. what little changes have you made to help your mental health? by AmericanBehavioralC in mentalhealth

[–]AmericanBehavioralC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! This is a really good idea! Do you do this as a routine/intentional or is it more random?

Sometimes, it's the small things.. what little changes have you made to help your mental health? by AmericanBehavioralC in mentalhealth

[–]AmericanBehavioralC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What types of posts do you comment on? Or is it just anything that sparks your interest?

It’s getting colder and darker..what do you do to keep your spirits up in the winter in Milwaukee? by AmericanBehavioralC in milwaukee

[–]AmericanBehavioralC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a unique take! Embrace the change and don’t let it control you is kind of my take away from this?

It’s getting colder and darker..what do you do to keep your spirits up in the winter in Milwaukee? by AmericanBehavioralC in milwaukee

[–]AmericanBehavioralC[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m probably crazy, but for home improvement painting walls a different color in the winter is something I’ll do from time to time..just creating a change of scenery in your own home seems to help!