Overwhelmed With Stress And Anxiety

Thank you for contacting Your Life Your Voice.  It isn’t easy to reach out when you are struggling.  Depression can be very debilitating and can cause both physical and emotional distress.  When a person is struggling with depression, then it is not unusual to have struggles with school, work, and family life.   Anxiety is also very common with depression.

When you are feeling poorly it is important to surround yourself with positive people and to engage in activities that you enjoy.  Try not to isolate yourself as that just contributes to your depression.  Activities that some people like to engage in when they are feeling depressed are journaling, exercise, listening to music, engaging in hobbies, or talking with friends.  Get plenty of rest and eat regularly.  These may sound like very easy solutions to dealing with your depression, but they do help. 

Also have you shared how you are feeling with your parents, school counselor, or another trusted adult?  It is important for you to talk about your feelings so you can get the support and help that you need and deserve.  You indicate that you are having difficulty with your family.  Often in controlling relationships the controlling party seeks to alienate their significant other from their family members.  If this is the case, then you may want to reach out to your family for support.   

If your feelings persist, you should make an appointment to see your family physician so that your doctor can properly diagnose and treat your condition.  Your physician may recommend medication and/or therapy to help you deal with your feelings. 

It is also a concern that you are in a controlling relationship.  The relationship may also likely be a contributor to your depression.  One thing that you can do is talk to your significant other about how you are feeling in the relationship.  Let the person know that their behavior is making you uncomfortable.   Talk very honestly about the relationship, the expectations that you both have for the relationship, and where you want the relationship to go in the future.  There should be a commitment from both of you to work on the relationship.

If you would like to talk about these issue let us know.  Take care and let us know how you are doing.

Nancy, counselor