I thought it would be important to have place where anyone could talk about their experience with any kind of mental disorder.

@tobiasfate: Good idea.

@tobiasfate:

Good idea

I've never suffered with any kind of mental illness, but my girlfriend has sporadically suffered from a few forms of anxiety and less frequently (thankfully) from depression.

I've always struggled to empathise if I'm being totally honest, so when she has anxiety attacks or bouts of depression I'm kind of useless, but I do want to help her. Anybody with any experience got anything to help me out in that respect?

@kingcrimson: it’s very difficult because mental health issues are often very specific to individuals and so it can be hard for anybody to really empathise as you have found.

I would say availability is the key. Mental illness is most dangerous when it’s being fought alone so it’s important that she knows you are there to support her and talk to her. Of course you have to live your own life as well, but mental illness can be a very lonely place and sometimes feels like no one understands, but just making an effort (as you clearly are or you wouldn’t be asking this question) will be appreciated.

Patience is also very important as these problems can last a long time or can re-emerge even when you think you’re past them. It is natural to feel impatient at times like these, but you both have to accept that there might be setbacks along the way to recovery. It’s very important to not give up and for her to know that you’re not giving up.

Some kind of treatment could be encouraged as well. Everyone is different and some people respond best to counselling, therapy or medication. It’s important that she finds what works best for her but any or all of these methods can be a lot of help (or sometimes not sadly). For example, medication has rarely helped me very much but I see a counsellor and it can be quite a load off my mind to just tell all my problems to a stranger each week and this can help me understand myself and my anxiety better. But yeah, whatever works for her.

I know I haven’t really said anything unique here as unfortunately there isn’t any kind of special trick that will make it all better, but I hope this has been helpful in some way for you. You may already be doing everything I’ve suggested and if so then all I can say is keep it up and I hope all goes well.

@purpleperson: Thanks man, that helps. I really appreciate the response.

Interesting topic: I have dealt with Depression my whole life, or as long as I can remember and anxiety as I have gotten older. But I think everyone's battle with Depression and Anxiety is different. It feels different to them, they respond to it differently.

My best piece of advice for people who battle these things is: Get rest. A tired body leads to a tired mind. A tired mind can't battle properly. Do not stay up and fight or fall. Go to sleep and start the battle again tomorrow. Don't dwell in your depression actively battle against it.

Alright, here's my vulnerabilities:

• I'm autistic, ever since I was 10 iirc. I never initiate conversations, ever


• I have social anxiety, I'm always nervous for everything no matter what


• I've been dealing w/depression ever since I was 12. Overcame it multiple times & now, I'm still overcoming it


• Can't say I have bipolar disorder yet but I've shown several symptoms of it. Not 100% sure yet tho

I have like 3 therapists, so yeah, I think I'll be ok : )

I just quit drinking coz I've been getting such rage when I am drunk. I am 9 weeks sober. I am on antidepressants now and that is helping.

I am an extremely low functioning sociopath

Have experienced mild bouts of depression in the past

Get anxiety attacks(think tony stark in iron man 3 whenever he was reminded about New York)

Have psychopathic tendencies

I had debilitating anxiety and depression caused by OCD.

Anxiety which caused insomnia and anger

I'm depressed which triggered suicidal tendencies. I live life day to day now.

Thanks for making this, OP... but you've deactivated your account.

I feel very anxious and get serious anger troubles along with serious mood swings every time I see a DCEU VS MCU thread what do I do OP pls help

Cool thread btw op

Complex Post Tramatic Stress and Borderline Personality. Very destructive combination, and still seek help today. Never give up on yourself.