Hey

[mcx]

I have been lurking around here reading things so I suppose I should introduce myself.

I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, general anxiety disorder, and depression (dysthymia) maybe 6 years ago, but have had these issues for some time before that. I'm 27, an introvert (which I'm mostly ok with), jobless, have only had one girlfriend and for only a month, and moved back to my parents house a few months ago.

Lately I'm feeling very little motivation to even try to be social or get a job. I don't know exactly what I'd like to get out of this forum, but I can't afford counseling.

Anyway, I guess that's it. I'll be seeing you around the forums.

 

[Yuray]

Welcome

 

[H011yHawkJ311yBean]

Hallo there mcx. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Andy]

Welcome to Psychlinks mcx!:2thumbs:

 

[forgetmenot]

Just want to say hi welcome to PL hugs

 

[Always Changing]

Hi and welcome!!!!!

 

[AmZ]

Welcome

 

[Retired]

Hello MCX,

I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, general anxiety disorder, and depression (dysthymia) maybe 6 years ago

What treatment regimen, if any, are you currently following or have previously followed. Are you currently under the care of a mental health professional?

 

[locrian]

Hi mcx and welcome to PL. I'm coming out of a 2-year depression, and there were times when I wasn't motivated to do much of anything. But I realized that sometimes I have to do something even when I don't really feel like doing it. If nothing else, afterwards I felt better about myself and I felt that I had some control over my life.

Here's what I suggest you might do: first make a list of what you know you need to do. If there's anything on the list that seems like too big a deal right now, see if you can break it down into smaller things. For example, getting a job isn't that easy in today's economy. But you might work on your resume, or go to the local unemployment office to see a job counselor. Once you have a resume in good shape, you might set a goal of applying to one job a week. Of course, it's up to you what goals you want to set for yourself. But ask yourself what you can do right now, realistically. The items on your list should be based on things that are attainable for you at this time. As far as being social, maybe set a goal of saying hello to just one person a week that you don't know.

It's great that you found this forum, and I hope that you gain insights from it. But keep in mind, at some point you will need to take action, even if you don't feel like it. If you took any classes in physics, then you're familiar with the concept of inertia:

Inertia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In psychological terms, the hardest step is often the first one. But once you get out and start doing things, you may find that it gets a little easier each time.

 

[mcx]

Hello MCX,

What treatment regimen, if any, are you currently following or have previously followed. Are you currently under the care of a mental health professional?

Currently none. I have gone to two different psychologists, but neither really helped (I think I'm pretty resistant to letting people know what's really going on in my head) and was on effexor for three years I think, but weened myself off.

Here's what I suggest you might do: first make a list of what you know you need to do. If there's anything on the list that seems like too big a deal right now, see if you can break it down into smaller things. For example, getting a job isn't that easy in today's economy. But you might work on your resume, or go to the local unemployment office to see a job counselor. Once you have a resume in good shape, you might set a goal of applying to one job a week. Of course, it's up to you what goals you want to set for yourself. But ask yourself what you can do right now, realistically. The items on your list should be based on things that are attainable for you at this time. As far as being social, maybe set a goal of saying hello to just one person a week that you don't know.

For some reason making a list seems terrifying to me. I think I sorta feel trapped between these baby steps in bigger steps because it feels like big steps ("real" progress) seems to daunting and realistic baby steps just seem pointless, like I would be making no progress. But I do appreciate your comment and I'll keep it in mind.