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Depression, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy

(178 Posts)
Rowantree Sat 21-Dec-13 11:42:19

Hi again to all. Have posted on other threads but there doesn't seem to be anything specific to people with ongoing mental health probs. I was reassured by some other postings on other (some related) topics by some really lovely Gransnet members, but am again really struggling with feeling inadequate, inferior and low.
Each time a family member or friend tells me about their social calendar or social life,or what their adult children are doing, I mentally compare my own life to theirs and dread other people telling me about (for instance) dinner parties they've had, parties they're invited to etc. I get a sense of relief when someone says they aren't doing much over Christmas and New Year. I have to add that as I've said previously I KNOW I have much to be thankful for - supportive and long-suffering OH, a home, loving and independent daughters, some family still living, a few friends we see now and then, etc - it's just that my wayward brain automatically compares me and my life to that of others, whether friends or family, and I am so ashamed and disgusted with myself for not feeling I can share in the happiness or good news they tell me about. I hide it very well, make the right noises, etc, but inside I feel anxious, deflated, inadequate and inferior - and I know it makes no logical sense at all. Why should it matter if Friend A or Family Member B has had friends to dinner or has been invited out? It doesn't affect me -and yet it feels as if it DOES - it makes me feel either left out or inadequate for not having such a hugely active social life. I imagine that the lives of others must be infinitely superior to mine (and yet logically I know that isn't so).
I then ruminate, brood, feel miserable and fail to appreciate what I DO have. I don't WANT to be like this. I am prey to other anxiety along the way too. I am angry with myself - I know it's not a good way to live. Short of a bullet to the brain or a frontal lobotomy (both rather messy) I don't know of ways to cope with this. I do struggle with anxiety and depression anyway and these repetitive, negative thought patterns are probably a part of that. I've struggled for years to combat them, to no avail. I feel I am the only person feeling like this and that makes me feel even worse. I don't expect any magic wands - at this stage of my life, the wands are rather worn out and battered - but I am grateful for the space to vent, express how I feel without being judged, and maybe there is someone else on Gransnet who might feel similarly (though I guess it's doubtful as I feel such a monster for having these thoughts and feelings at all).

Rowantree Sat 09-Apr-16 00:14:35

Granjan What a horrible blow for you and no wonder you feel so low. Are you able to discuss finances with DH and come to an arrangement so you don't depend on 'handouts'? (Do you have a joint account, for instance?)

I second Luckygirls suggestion of joining U3a. There are groups in most towns. It's an umbrella organisation and each branch consists of many different interest groups. Once you've joined up you can look at what's available for you and go along to a few to try them out. Groups vary from discussions, walks, lunch groups, art, local history, scrabble, meditation, listening to music, theatre visits, garden visiting, learning languages, creative writing and hundreds more. You say you aren't good at anything, but actually you've never had time to find out what your niche is, have you? Not until now. It's never too late to learn, to try something new. If you don't like it, you try something else!
I would use this time to find out what YOU want first and foremost. It could be that in time you might want to volunteer for something, but after a lifetime of child rearing and working, maybe a change of focus is a good idea. You would meet new people and have the chance to be inspired and enthused by something you'd never thought you'd enjoy.
Good luck - keep us posted flowers

kathleenfrick Fri 15-Apr-16 08:48:10

Nice Post. It is really very important to talk about depression and how to help people in depression.