Mental Health Struggling with depression/ anxiety

[MTLATINO]

Hey there TDS,
I'm new to bluelight and a virgin poster here on TDS and SWIM was just looking for some advice on coping with my depression/ anxiety.
SWIMs a 18 year old male who's been smoking weed pretty much daily since he was 13. at 14 SWIM tried his first line of coke, which lead to SWIMs first parachute of molly and so on and so forth until present day when SWIM has tried most drugs par heroin and crystal meth. In all that time, whenever SWIM had been sober for a while he would go into a downward spiral of depression, aided and abetted by a hefty dose of anxiety with a short temper and SWIM would remain this way for a few hours, then i would feel the weight lift only for it to come crashing down at a moments notice. the only way ive been able to function for years is by smoking a joint or two a day.
it first started showing signs when SWIM was 15 and has been getting worse since. It recently has started becoming problematic because SWIM has stress induced irritable bowel syndrome and terrible insomnia (also probably anxiety related). this coupled with external stressors, and the fact that the marijuana is barely helping at all anymore, SWIM gravitated towards opiates for his release and boy, did he get it and he can see he narrowly missed a habit developing. its for that reason SWIM has completely stopped his drug use, except the weed as he just cant see it happening if he was to just "stop".
SWIM knows he should really go see a psychotherapist but he cant see himself going unless it gets to the point he has no other choice, which he cant see being very far in the future, unless anyone can help him here.
SWIM just cant cope anymore, and can see himself going down a road of addiction quite easily. any coping advice from people going through or who have been through similar would be much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Euphio]

Hi, first off I'm sorry you're feeling this badly.

Well, I've been through pretty serious depression and social anxiety in the past. I can't really give many tips, as it's something I still occasionally struggle with, but there are some things I feel I could help with.

First off, stop using drugs to take the edge off. Honestly, this is a sure fire way to become addicted, and in the long run it will only make your depression worse. I used to smoke weed daily, many times a day. Eventually I just decided to quit. After a few days, I suddenly felt a lot of my anxieties disappear. I'm not saying it will be the same for you, but for many people weed can cause anxiety. I think it would be worth it to try stopping for a few days to a week to see how you feel.

I saw a therapist a while ago when things were at it's worst for me. He said the main thing he recommended is changing your thoughts. Believe it or not, we can control our thoughts. Really observe your thought patterns. When there is a stress factor in your life, see how you react. Instead of instantly trying to turn to some kind of drug to take the edge off and ignore the stress, deal with the stress. If you're stressed about money, get a job/second job. Grades, start staying after to get more help.. etc. Basically, come to terms with what is stressing you out and deal with it.

Another idea, change small things in your life. Begin working out if you don't now. Eat healthier. Look up natural ways to deal with insomnia.

With all that said, there is nothing wrong with seeing a therapist. I recommend a "behavioral therapist", as that's the type I saw and it helped a lot. Look up the different types and decide which would help more. Good luck with everything, really

 

[Mysterie]

ive got a theory that some of us are more susceptible to anxiety/depression, and that theres a relatively simple way for us to all become 'normal' like everyone else

all you have to do is eat healthily (paleo diet is the best imho), and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day (where your keeping your heart rate pumping for that whole time)

for exercise I do a run for 30 mins before the sun goes down, and this helps me sleep as well, or ill go swimming for 30 laps minimum if its hot outside

I know its hard to get started but if you followed those 2 instructions for a week, and your mood doesn't dramatically improve ill be gobsmacked

P.S. for people with the personality you have described, smoking weed on the reg is only going to be detrimental for your mental health.