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To Those Who Have Both Anxiety and Depression

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It’s not easy having anxiety or depression, and it’s definitely worse when you have both inside of you. It’s like they swirl around you head, always looking for a way to get in and take over you for God knows how long.

Sometimes, they come in as one or the other. Depression comes in and then anxiety takes its place. But other times, they like to come in and construct chaos together.

It isn’t easy. Sometimes you wake up in the middle of the night unable to breathe because of anxiety. Sometimes you wake up late in the day unmotivated to do anything, wishing you’d fall within the mattress and never come out.

It can be a truly a horrible experience. You become scared of when your next anxiety attack or depressive episode will happens.

Fear turns into paranoia.

Paranoia turns into hopelessness.

Hopelessness turns into dread.

Dread turns into negative thoughts.

You begin to think, maybe you’re being punished for whatever wrong you’ve done. Maybe it isn’t worth it anymore. Maybe life isn’t meant for anyone.

Then you begin to have nightmares and wake up feeling numb. The world seemingly endless and dull.

It’s true, it can be horrible. I could write more, but this is what needs to be written next:

You. Are. Not. Alone.

You are loved.

You matter.

You have friends and family who want to help in whatever way they can to get those demons out of your head.

Even a therapist can help you.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

The thoughts in your head are wrong, and you’ll realize it and be thankful you beat them.

Just remember this:

It gets better, not immediately but it does.

You are as important as the stars and galaxies.

Nobody ever said you have to face your battles alone.

If you or someone you know needs help, see our suicide prevention resources.

If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Originally published: July 19, 2016
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