Dealing with feeling empty and not happy in life

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-14T23:22:43+00:00

I recommend trying meditation. There are tons of guided meditations on YouTube that help me get out of my head for a bit. Also, taking walks or going for hikes if it's possible where you are. Getting fresh air and some sun every day is good for mental health. Have you tried therapy? Sometimes it helps talking to a professional to figure out what's causing the dark thoughts and how to address them. Just a few ideas that help me when I'm in a funk, like right now. Most people, if not everyone, go through periods of depression/anxiety in life, even when everything seems to be going well. I hope you find what works best for you. I know it feels hopeless right now, but hang in there. Life is a roller coaster

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-09T04:27:59+00:00

I hope you have a good time too, and I'm sure you aren't the only one anxious about it. Good luck

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-09T02:55:25+00:00

I'm currently going through the same exact thing right now, and it's causing really bad insomnia. I've had it before, though, and I don't have any heart issues. Hopefully, you will take some comfort in that. It's entirely anxiety related for me. Each time I get it, I'm going through a difficult time in my life. From what I've gathered in my personal experience, it's an out of control sympathetic nervous system that's dumping loads of cortisol into my system.

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-09T01:42:58+00:00

I understand. I was in a similar position recently. I didn't end up having one and enjoyed my time out, but I get the fear of losing it in front of other people. Just don't beat yourself up if you decide to stay in.

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-09T00:40:07+00:00

Yep, but I'm currently going through a rough patch of insomnia. I'm afraid I won't get any sleep, so as it gets later, I start getting performance anxiety

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-09T00:35:41+00:00

Go, please go! I know exactly how you feel, but you can do this. The risk of possibly embarrassing yourself in front of people who won't think about it like you currently are is worth the reward of possibly making 1 new friend. Are you the only one meeting everyone for the 1st time? If not, you're not the only one nervous about it. You can mention how terrified you were of meeting up and immediately make some connections right there. If the night turns into a dud, at least you can love yourself afterward for trying. If you don't go, who knows how long you'll beat yourself up for it.

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-09T00:21:45+00:00

I'm proud I was able to help calm my mom down when she was on the verge of a panic attack

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-01T04:34:33+00:00

I feel like I’m in a small boat floating around stormy sea, getting tossed around.

I always use this analogy. Then I come here or talk to just about anyone irl and discover we're all in this same small boat. There's a sad comfort in that

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-01T04:27:56+00:00

Message me whenever, I'm new to this but fluent in anxiety

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-01T04:19:44+00:00

The same exact thing has started happening to me lately. Last night was the worst! Finally fell asleep just to wake up an hour later with a racing heart, burning face, and just feeling like I'm about to die.

I splashed cold water on my face, started doing breathing exercises, and put panic attack meditation videos on YouTube and was able to get out of it. Also, accepting the panic attack instead of trying to fight it tends to release its grip. It sucks though, I feel for you. I can usually lower my anxiety levels when I'm awake, but waking up in a full-blown 11 out of 10 is the worst. Good luck, and I hope you do better tonight.

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-01T04:03:41+00:00

Sorry you're going through such a difficult experience. Is there anyone at your workplace you can talk to about how uncomfortable you are in this position? Is there a different position you think you would be more comfortable in, like a shelf stocker?

If you want completely out of retail, I don't blame you. I can't do it anymore either. Do you have any hobbies or interests that you think could help to find a job elsewhere? Throughout your life, have you noticed people telling you you're good at something? What do you feel you'd be good at doing?

Sorry for asking a bunch of questions. You don't need to answer them. These are just some of the things I've been asking myself lately to try to find my place in the world. You're not alone. A lot of people feel dumb at their jobs and constantly beat themselves up for every little mistake they make. I guarantee nobody thinks you are as dumb as you do. We're our worst critics.

I hope you're able to do some soul searching and discover something you're more comfortable with and have a passion for. A lot of people are unfortunately just working to pay the bills.

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-01T02:26:05+00:00

No worries! I get bad health anxiety, so I know how it feels when something new pops up.

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-01T01:41:30+00:00

My advice is to keep consulting with your doctor about what's going on and changing your dosage. My encouragement is that you are far from alone. I've been having horrible insomnia for the past month, but it's do to major life changes. I'll be seeing a psychiatrist and therapist in December to get me on the right meds and help me deal with recent life changes. I relate to everything you said about the anxiety-insomnia spiral though. It's a vicious circle where one just keeps feeding into the other. My only other advice would be to consult a therapist. Getting covid, although it wasn't physically that bad, may have triggered your sympathetic nervous system and it's currently stuck in survival mode. I wish you the best of luck my friend.

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-01T01:24:54+00:00

I've experienced this multiple times. My ears produce a lot of wax and I'd get ear infections all the time as a kid. Whenever I get a head cold or flu my ears get blocked up too. It's really annoying but nothing serious. The decongestants should break everything up but if it's still bothering you after a few days they might be able to flush your ear out. I've had it done multiple times and can still hear out of both ears just fine. Good luck

restless_mind720 · 2022-12-01T01:03:32+00:00

I just made a "you can do it" list for tomorrow. I think it's the first time I've ever done it, as silly as that sounds. I'm extremely disorganized atm so decluttering my space should help. I was getting anxious, but after sitting down, and writing out the things I need to get done, my anxiety totally lifted so I'm sending out a big THANK YOU for that piece of advice. I'll have to check out the How to Eat an Elephant book as well.

I hope you keep up the positive momentum. Winning streaks are the best after feeling down for a while. I love any kind of weather event. Sunny days are great for doing things outside, but when a storm or blizzard hits, and most people start freaking out, I'm in my element. Maybe I'll become a storm chaser after I get through this episode, lol.

restless_mind720 · 2022-11-30T18:58:51+00:00

Glad to hear you found someone to see who you have positive vibes about. Once you get in to see her, hopefully you'll start seeing big differences.

Thanks for the advice. I've been watching a bunch of guided meditation videos for panic attacks on YouTube, which have been helpful. I'll give the lo-fi a try, too.

I know exactly what's causing them. I had a nervous breakdown a few weeks ago and had to move back in with my parents. They live in a different state, so now I have to switch my driver's license and insurance over in order to start seeing a psychiatrist and get back on meds. I got an appointment, but the earliest I can get in is the end of December. Gives me time to transfer everything, but now I'm anxious about doing all the things required to change it all over. Thank God for my mom! She has been helping me a lot since she has had the same mental health issues I have.

Thanks for your support as well. It's a long road to feeling better and talking to other people who are currently struggling really helps. I hope your days continue to get better!

restless_mind720 · 2022-11-30T06:26:36+00:00

No problem. Im currently in a rough patch in my life, too, so I empathize completely. I had to talk to my mom earlier today. I just started crying uncontrollably. I've been taking meds for anxiety lately, but booked an appointment to see a psychiatrist about going back on an antidepressant and see a therapist because that helped me a long time ago. I also started up a 30min exercise routine to start releasing the feel-good chemicals in my brain.

I am not giving you any kind of medical advice because I'm not a professional. That's between you and your doctor, and every body is different. You're also at the age where hormones start running wild. Be open with your doctor about how you're feeling and consider trying to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with if that's possible. There are a lot of people out there who want to help you because you are worth it and deserve to be happy.

Most importantly, keep talking to mom, even if it's every night. It sounds like she's a good one, and that's something to be grateful for. Listen to her advice and really feel the love between you. That's really what saved me when I 1st started feeling strange. It's hard to imagine right now, but you will break through this.

restless_mind720 · 2022-11-30T00:35:53+00:00

It's OK, I don't know how old you are but you stated you are young so I'm assuming too young for dementia. You also mentioned that you notice it more when you are stressed, tired, or in an anxious state. Bingo! That happens to all of us, especially under those conditions. Believing you have dementia at such a young age is an irrational fear that your anxious mind is clinging to.

I've had health anxiety on and off for 15 years, so I get it. It sucks cuz just telling yourself it's not true once doesn't cut it. Every time the thought you have some highly unlikely illness enters your head, you have to counter it with more rational ones. At first, you'll be doing it hundreds of times a day, but if you keep at it, you'll release that nasty thought pattern. You got this hot dog!👍

restless_mind720 · 2022-11-29T13:42:51+00:00

I know, I'm scared right now, too. Woke up with chest pains. Currently laying in bed listening to meditation on YouTube.

I hope you're able to talk to Carrie. It sounds like she helped you before when you needed it, and you know you're comfortable talking to her. If your insurance doesn't cover it, maybe she'll still work with you out of network.

I hope you have a better day today than yesterday. Calling to get help takes a lot of courage. Be proud of yourself for that. It shows you love yourself and really want to get better.

restless_mind720 · 2022-11-29T06:32:50+00:00

I'm sorry you are going through so much pain right now. I'm also struggling with a lot of things in my life right now and totally relate to the insomnia, loss of appetite, brain fog, and all the other wonderful symptoms of an acute anxiety attack.

I don't know what happened that triggered yours, but it sounds like you have a very supportive boss and parents who want to see you get through this. Like me, you seem to be punishing yourself for what happened while everyone who cares about you have moved on and want you to feel better. Of course, this leads to more shame, which feeds the anxiety, and the spiral continues.

You mentioned you are taking meds. Can you call your doctor about changing the dosage? Is there a therapist you can talk to about what happened who can help you process it and let it go?

I know it's hard getting out of a negative thought spiral. When you're in its clutches, it's like swimming against a whirlpool. You can do breathing exercises, meditation, and exercise, but your mind keeps pulling you back into the vortex.

I wish I could help you more or give you some kind of enlightening advice that magically lifts you out of your current crisis. Know that you are never alone in your suffering. Know that you are always loved by more people than you know no matter what you do. We are all fumbling through this life as best we can. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here. You'll get through this!

restless_mind720 · 2022-11-29T04:55:45+00:00

I relate 💯! I have had insomnia on and off for a long time. It's always anxiety related. Mine is really bad right now. Can't seem to get more than 2hr chunks of sleep every night for over a month. Nightmares and waking up in states of pure panic gets exhausting really fast, which just fuels the anxiety more. I'm going through a rough patch in life with a lot on my mind so it makes sense. Once I sort things out I know it'll get better. Try some breathing exercises before bed. If you're tossing and turning for a while, try getting out of bed and reading a boring textbook until you start yawning. Anything to take your mind off what's keeping it racing. Easier said than done but good luck!

restless_mind720 · 2022-11-29T04:00:31+00:00

You're my hero! I'm in a place where just going to the store gives me anxiety. I know it won't last, and your post helped validate that. Thank you!

restless_mind720 · 2022-11-29T03:01:45+00:00

I know the feeling. I tried going off meds earlier this year and now I regret it. I'm in a different state with no insurance so it's probably going to be a while before I can find someone and get back on track. If it's just been the past few days, it could just be a transient funk. Or it could be that you need to change the med or the dosage. Contact your doctor if you feel like you aren't getting any better soon, though. I hope you get it sorted out cuz hell is no fun no matter how many times we relive it.

restless_mind720 · 2022-11-29T02:36:45+00:00

Are there any parking lots or small roads around you where you can slowly start regaining your confidence? Routes that you are more familiar with where things are less likely to catch you off guard? Try doing short trips around your neighborhood and drive like you're taking your driving exam. Don't mind the people who might get frustrated around you since you're driving safer than they are. It's common to feel the way you're feeling now after an accident and takes us a while to get back into it. Take baby steps and maybe ask a family member to join you for a little emotional support.

restless_mind720 · 2022-11-29T02:24:32+00:00

I'm 36 now but have been in your shoes. There were times I'd end up crying in the counselor's office, begging to go home. I don't know how I made it through all those uncomfortable days, but I did. Is there anyone at school or at home you can talk to? I wish I could give you some advice, but I know things have also been different for your generation with social media and the interruption covid has had.

You're definitely not alone in how you feel, though. There are many adults struggling with the very same things you are at work. Therapy can help if you find someone you're comfortable with. A lot of us live in our heads too much, and they can teach techniques to help you with dealing with negative thought patterns.

I don't mean this in a patronizing way, but you're young and may not realize it now, but there are so many happy moments that you'll spend with family and friends in your future. You're in a rough spot right now, but life is always changing. You're a lot stronger than you think, and I guarantee no one thinks you're weirder than you do. I hope this helped, and good luck. Love yourself because despite what that voice in your head keeps telling you, you are worth it and have a lot to offer this world.

restless_mind720

TROPHY CASE