Can You Identify What is Causing Your Funk When it Happens and How do you Disarm it?

[Heather Shay]

The reason I bring up this topic is that I used to get panic attacks and I struggle with a low grade constant depression and I have certain things from my past that will trigger bouts of funk? What do I do when that happens? In the past I couldn't identify why I was suffering and went through a lot of therapy AND STILL DO - but I've found I am getting better of understanding what my triggers are and how to disarm them. When I get a shock because of something happening - like the attempted hack of my computer - I stop - breathe - tell myself it isn't the end of the world and "this too will pass" - it calms me down. 

 

When I get anxious I ask myself why? I usually can understand what is causing it and I tell myself - it will be okay and relax - I'll get through it. 

 

I have found that it doesn't take away all the pain - BUT - by identifying the problem, understanding WHAT it is - helps me to have shorter and less intense suffering.

 

What do you do when you face depression or anxiety or dysphoria that is on the rise?

 

Thank You - I want other ways to lessen the pain,

 

Heather Shay

[Kylie]

I struggle with this too. Depression has been a big part of my life the past few years. It has been hitting me a bit harder the past week due to ending a long relationship and overcoming all the hurdles of recovery. 
 

I often remind myself too that ‘this too shall pass’. I think once we can identify our issues leading to depression we have to figure out what do we do to get past it? I think depression and anxiety is so complex, and individualized in how to deal with it. 

[Heather Shay]

@Kylie. Hug Matty closer.

 

Relationship breakups are the very worst to deal with.

 

I know it can be hard to get thru any depression and panic and anxiety but I firmly believe knowing what it is and identifying it lessons the impact.xAnd sharing it with friends here who understand and love you unconditionally just like Matty.

[Bobbie Scott]

2 weeks ago I was all Gung ho with transitioning again.  I'm also going through a break up with my girlfriend. Now I'm alone most of the time. I live with my 83 yeat old mother. I take my grandson every 2 _3 weeks. The thing helping me the most is sharing how I feel with you girls. I also joined tgaa. I quit trying to transition last time, because got scared and had no one to talk to. This time I joined a support group, this group , tgaa and a therapist. 

[Kylie]

I know I have to let go - but it always is hard to let go. I just have to remind myself the relationship was one-sided and he will not be able to fulfill my need and I obviously cannot fulfill his, even after going at it for almost 3 years. It is easy to tell someone else in my situation ‘you just have to move on’. Now that I find myself in this situation I’m like I have to take my own advice! What a difficult pill to swallow. 

[Heather Shay]

@Kylie I totally understand and hug you in my thoughts. When I dated it was always the partner who left. I still have aches I can't seem to get over from my first marriage 40 years ago and I always worry my current marriage of 27 years won't last my transition but I know I have to do what is best for me and are to. Bottom line is you have to love you and be the best you you can be and when you least expect it your soulmate will be drawn to you.

[Dinaki]

I used to take half tablet everyday of Celexa for my depression/anxiety for years, but my depression have been escalated lately and I am taking the whole tablet.

[Heather Nicole]

I've had anxiety/panic attacks. I take a high dose, low side effect anti-anxiety, and a low-dose anti-depressent. It doesn't make the problems magically go away, but for me, it's certainly been a help. (I recognize the name Celexa. That's definitely one of the ones I tried. Wasn't the right one for me personally, it didn't agree with my biology, been a while so I forget the details, but I'm happy for those who are compatible with it!)

 

Aside from that, I find that, at least for me, my mood problems are often (but not always) the weight of too many smaller stressors weighing down on me. And so, for me, when I'm in that funk, I find that it helps to do ANYTHING, WHATEVER I can to chip away, even just a little, at my todo list (having an actual, not just in my head, todo list is a huge benefit for me because I...very slowly...managed to realize I have "executive function" issues). Or, if I can manage to make any tiny little baby steps (as long as I'm actively engaged in it and doing something to hopefully help) on addressing any of my stressors (like maybe design and order a custom bumper sticker for my junker car to help fight the good fight!), then that can help ease things a bit as well. Gives me purpose and direction, keeps me active, maybe helps relieve at least a smidgen of my stress. Indulging in introvert mode while I do that and enjoying some of my favorite secret clothing can help a bit as well.

 

But I hear you. Mental/emotional issues can be very tricky, and I sympathise. But, FWIW, best wishes and good mental health!!!

[SydneyAngel]

I find life moves so fast it’s hard to tell these things for me. I do know for myself depression turns into anger for me. A lot of time I tend to know I’m anger and try to do nothing to cause me to get more agitated 

[AmberM]

I have had major bouts of depression in the past. It is still a struggle, when tough events come up. I think for me it is about finding my supports and grounding myself as much as possible. This puts keeps me somewhat on a plane where I can manage better. I also keep close ties with my therapist and psychiatrist as part of my support team.

 

i know that transition is going to be rough, that is where my supports like trans pulse, support groups, and chosen family will be key.

[Elizabeth Star]

I used to cover my depression with anger. Being raised in a family where boy's don't cry didn't give me much of an option. I find it interesting how these values became so ingrained into my being. I have learned how to step back and examine bad feelings. I try to trace them back to their origin and find it easier to work them out if I know when and where they started.

[Heather Shay]

I noticed my anger levels always high with depression without setraline (generic zoloft). With it I like me and it disarmed anger in me without it I don't like the anger.

[Kylie]

I was in Zoloft for so many years, recently I started using CBD oil and have felt better about myself overall. I am now actually off of Zoloft now. I’ve been fighting the depression because I don’t know what I need to do in life. So I’m trying to take this down time I have currently to evaluate things!