What if the people you live with are the cause of your anxiety and depression?

gsam on Fri, 2nd Jan 2009 6:23 pm 

Remember that if you cant change them, you have to lump them, and change your attitude to them if you want to be free of anxiety and depression. Why dont you talk to these people, you may be surprised how they react. Secondly stop wallowing in self pity, there are people out there with worse problems,so get a grip and figure out how to handle your situation, no one else will.

desiree 3 on Mon, 5th Jan 2009 2:13 am 

You’re screwed.

bamacaroline on Mon, 5th Jan 2009 10:23 am 

its certainly not useless to go see a doctor. I suffer from anxiety too. I think that you have to accept that while the people around you may create circumstances that upset, excite or depress you, the real problem lies within you. A doctor can prescribe medicines(ssri’s) to help balance chemicals in your brain and also probably introduce you to new ways of handling problems, sorting out and addressing your feelings and effectively communicating with others…all in order to lessen your depression/anxiety.

If you are not willing to put in a little bit of effort to heal and help yourself, then don’t bother. But others are not the sole reason you suffer from this. I know that talking to an outside source can be extremely beneficial. Good luck.

Gypsy on Thu, 8th Jan 2009 2:20 am 

That is often the reason for depression,,, the people you live with… you don’t give reasons why you can’t leave them… Overly dependant is no good way to live. Sometimes you have to think it’s you or them… move out… help out when you can on your own terms but at a distance.

cd on Fri, 9th Jan 2009 8:37 pm 

I do not know what other people do that create anxiety and depression. I want to mention that it is impossible to change a person. It will be much easier to change yourself. Be strong, do not let things create anxiety in you. You can go out for walks. Try not to be in arguments. Try to forgive others. Stay optimistic. Another thing is that you go over your behavior and understand what you do that makes others to respond in such a way that will create anxiety and depression in you. Try not to do those things. A time will come when people you live with will also do less of what causes problems for you. You must have an area in the place where you live, like your room or if not room then you can find a place and use that place to sit and relax. A place where you can find shelter from all kind of problems. That will be your place and trust me that place will help you tremendously when you think that the place is your shelter from all kind of stresses. Just go to that place and relax. Think that a day might come when things will change. Try to follow these simple things and you will see good results. You cannot move out because of whatever reasons. You can talk to somebody about what is bothering you and that really helps at times. Make sure that the person is dependable. A therapist can help since it will be between you and the therapist. Please make sure that you do not have anxiety or depressive disorder that gets worse by the people around you. I wish you best of luck.

JDA on Tue, 13th Jan 2009 2:00 am 

Do see a doctor. They can get you some prescribed help if they think you need it.

Try to form connections to people outside your house, if you have time. Spend as much time away as possible

Don’t tell them. I’m in a similar situation, or have been. Emotionally distance yourself from these people and try to not get too involved with them. Put yourself and your health first, because it doesn’t sound like they will.

Advice Please on Wed, 14th Jan 2009 4:00 pm 

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression, …

There is hope; I’ve been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)… worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I’ve tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one:… and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med, and a beta-blocker (it will reduce shaking and tremors enormously, but only use in extreme situations) in addition to CBT therapy.

Any questions, let me know … I can’t tell you how much this has improved my life!

Another great website:…

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