Yes, I definitely experience that. In fact for a long time I wasn't sure what was my "main" problem-anxiety or depression. After much introspection and self-evaluation, I realized anxiety is the culprit, but often makes me depressed because I wasn't enjoying things to the fullest with that doomsday frame of mind. So I wasn't getting the most out of every situation, instead just focusing on the grim.

I also noticed that after a particularly trying bout of anxiety, I felt depressed almost as if my body is trying to "shut down" from the extreme stress I put it through when I was anxious.

Do you notice a similar pattern?

~Mel

Thats me! Yep, when my anxiety has been really bad and it starts to subside it is like the wind has been kicked out of me. I keep telling myself I just need to take baby steps and take things slow. This too shall pass. My bad time is spring... I just wake up every morning feeling anxious and why do I have to get out of bed again today? The why do I have to get out of bed again today seems more like depression but I think it is just the overload of anxiety. Thank you , if you have any suggestions on getting through this let me know!

That is classic anxiety disorder and depression. I have a huge panic attack and Bam...the depression hits next. It's really awful. I know. See a doctor about it. There are good drugs to ward off this pattern.

How do I start a new thread? I don't see where to do that here. I'm a newbie.

On general discussion, look above the post box and it should say "add a topic". That is how you add a new discussion.
Welcome to DS and to anxiety support group!

Sure thing, MattieMae,

Well one thing that has helped me is coming up with a mantra or a word/phrase to focus on when I'm feeling anxious. I have different ones depending on what I am anxious about.

If I am worrying about potential problems and figuring out plan b's, c's, and d's to non-existent problems, I say "I can't solve a problem if a problem doesn't exist."

If I am starting to feel insecure about the outcome of a project, my internship, a relationship, etc. I say, "I trust the process of life."

If I am feeling un-relaxed and can't unwind, I say "There is no way, peace is the way."

These little quips help bring me back to the moment and remember that I need to let go of some control in order to feel free. I always thought freedom was having everything in order and everything in control, but that's actual more like a prison (like anxiety itself). Now I understand that the more I let go of my rigid and obsessive patterns the freer I feel.

I hope this helped! :) Hang in there, it gets better!

~Mel

Thank you MightyMel!
I always think feeling Peace is having everything in control and I keep thinking that as soon as this gets done or that gets done that the peace will come. I have all this stuff hanging over my head that if it would just get done I will be able to relax and the anxiety will go away. It's obsessive because really it (the stuff) isn't that bad. It's in my mind that it seems bad.
I will try and think of some phrases to think of when the anxiety hits me in the morning. That is the worst time of day.

I have the same exact problem. It seems now it worst than ever. I not enjoying things as much, and most of the time I'm stuck in my own minds by my thoughts. I don't have any ideas as of yet, but I'm looking for exercises that can make it easier to cope with anxiety.