What is wrong with me?

I feel depressed and anxious most of the time. i don’t know what could have caused this as i don’t remember much of my childhood but i don’t think i have any trauma that could be the cause. I just want to feel normal but i’ve felt like this for so long that i don’t know who i am without the mental illness. why am i like this?
Asked by Flo
Answered
10/29/2022

Dear Flo,

Thank you for your message.  I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with depression and anxiety.  We may often feel that we don't really understand why we are feeling depressed or anxious.  We try to search for answers but we don't get any.  However I must say that our past has a lot to do with how we feel in our present lives.  Something that may have happened in our life could have impacted us - without us even realizing this.  It may then come back to haunt us in some way. 

I note that you say you don't remember must about your childhood and I wonder why this could be.  I am wondering whether you could have blocked some of your memories as you could not process them appropriately as child?  It is worth exploring this further.

You say you have felt this way for a long time.  It must be very hard for you to feel so low and yet carry on with your life.  I would encourage you to speak to a therapist who could support you with dealing with these issues.

In the meantime, even thought there are many tools available, I would also encourage you to maintain a daily routine and create a structure in your life so that it promotes a sense of control and also it might ease the feelings of depression and anxiety.

I would also suggest to you to try doing at least one positive thing every day that would give you some happiness.  For example, going for a walk, meeting a friend for a coffee, listening to music, reading etc.  It might even be as simple as cooking your favorite meal and enjoying it.  When you do something that makes you happy (even though it might be for a short while only), it would still promote good mental wellbeing.  You would just have to take one small step at a time and do one little thing every day......this might be the beginning of your road to recovery.

I would like to end with this quote: "There is hope even when your brain tells you there isn't!

Best wishes

(Diploma, in, Integrative, Counselling)