How do you keep going when everything feels exhausting?

Hey @Ctrl-Alt-Delete

Welcome to the forums. I like your name!

I want to say something to you about your post but I'm not sure what so I hope you don't mind if I ramble out a few thoughts.

One thing that I thought when I read your post is that you are self aware. But I cringe when people tell me that because it's usually in the context of why the health service is not providing me with care. I think there is a burden which does come with being self aware. But I think you can also use it to your advantage.

Being self aware means you can start to recognise patterns, notice what makes things worse, identify what helps, and advocate for what you need. It doesn't make the symptoms disappear, but it can give you more information to work with. Over time, I've found that I've become better at spotting when I'm starting to struggle, reaching out earlier, and using the coping strategies that have worked for me before. I don't always get it right, but I'd rather have that awareness than be completely blindsided by what's happening.

But one thing that has helped me is accepting that understanding and healing don't always happen at the same pace. Sometimes insight comes first, and the emotional relief takes much longer to catch up.

On my hardest days, I try to make the goal simply to get through the day rather than fix everything. My toolbox is pretty simple: listening to music, having a shower, spending time with my dog, reaching out to a friend, or going to SafeHaven for support. None of those things solve everything, but they often take the edge off enough for me to keep going.

You're definitely not alone in feeling exhausted by trying so hard. From what you've written, it sounds like you're putting a huge amount of effort into your recovery, even if it doesn't feel like it's paying off yet. Sometimes that work is happening beneath the surface before we notice the changes. I think I want to say something like: Keep going, it does and will get better....and later you will wonder how you ever made it through that period but you will also be grateful (or at least I was).

Hey @Ctrl-Alt-Delete 

It sounds like you’ve been going through a lot. It makes complete sense to be over it and want a break. You are definitely not alone. I think it’s important to give yourself grace. You’re doing the best you can give the circumstances and that’s all you can do. Whether or not it’s enough is not within your control unfortunately. It’s great that you are getting professional support and are looking after yourself as best you can. Awareness can be a double edge sword. Knowing why a problem is happening can be a curse when you feel you can’t do anything about it.

Do you have anything that you’re passionate about/that interests you? Life tends to be easier when you’re living in line with your values. For me, studying psychology has made a world of difference in my life. It gives me structure and something to look forward to/be interested in instead of focusing on my mental illnesses. I’m still tired but I don’t mind as much. Remember just getting through the day is a huge achievement when you’re struggling with your mental health. I hope you are proud of yourself. The things that have made the biggest difference in my life is having the right support and having the right medication. Meditation has also been helpful. Hopefully you will find something that works for you soon. You are stronger than you know.

Hey…… This is my first response as I’m newbie. I haven’t got anything helpful to say other than you’re not alone. I struggle every single day with Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia and have done so for many years. Every day is uncomfortable; like trying to breathe under water……but every morning I wake up and I’ve survived the previous day.

Just try to remember tomorrow is a new day and you survived yesterday and the day before. It’s likely will survive today as well. Time pushes us forward wether we like it or not.

Whilst it’s hard to find pleasure when you feel like rubbish, try to find one thing a day that you appreciate and can be grateful for. Something simple like feeling the sun on your skin can bring that feeling for me anyways.

let me know if you happen to try. 🌻

Hi,

This is also my first comment. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I have the same diagnoses and a couple extras (brag - not really), and your post really hits something deep in me. I have been feeling the same. Recent diagnoses, new medications, new types of therapy, thinking that this would help or make things easier or make sense, but I realised I was putting too much pressure on it, and then when it didn't happen, I felt even more stuck and like a "lost cause", I guess.

Opening the box is hard work, and it feels like I am drowning in it sometimes and like my self-capacity has shrunk into nothing. I want things to get better, and I know there are more things I can try, and I know I have people in my corner, and it is nice to know I am not alone.

I just wanted to let you know you are not alone either. I am hopeful that through all of these events and learnings, we can find something that works. I am still in the trial-and-error phase and wish I had some answers, but I don't.

I hope you find some relief (no matter how small) soon. This is heavy and hard, but there has to be something that can lessen the load.