i so know what you mean, im the same, i prefer to be on my own & stay away from people. if it wasnt for the dog id never go out except on shopping day
to relax i love listening to nature sounds eg waves, rain, bird song etc or lie outside on the lounger in the sun.
the biggest help ive had is from primnproper shes been amazing how shes helped me through so much.
sometimes the best therapy is just having an amazing friend/partner whos always there for you. you may think their advice is rubbish but when you think of it they can see & understand things about yourself that you dont see yourself & so they can offer/give excellent advice to help you. prims pointed out many things about me that i didnt realise myself & when i sat & thought about it, i realised yes shes right, why didnt i see that myself?
thanks to her advice ive managed get my life sorted a lot & im the happiest ive been for years. i still have bad depression & stress & anxiety etc but knowing theres someone genuine there for me helps so much. but i know 99% of getting well is up to me.
i hate going out & have a slight phobia about it but instead of trying convince myself of excuses why i shouldnt go out i try concentrate on why i should go out, the sun, fresh air, exercise, going the market etc looking for bargains etc or going the library to find good books to increase my knowledge etc
i have days when i feel so down i feel suicidal, but i talk to my friends & it seems like a huge burdens been lifted off me & its great that soemones listening & understands what im going through

I think you're right about some people that have no experience of it not understanding it at all and how frustrating it is for you..I have a family member that has suffered for years and neither my mother or my nan could really get their heads around it they used to just view her as "difficult"..

m sorry you are feeling in such way "hugs"

ive suffered from it most of my life, drugs only help you cope, they will never cure you, 90% of the cure is you helping yourself, but it helps immensely when you have someone who listens & understands what youre going through. drs & shrinks etc just read from the same text books etc & unless they are or have been through what you are going through they have no idea what its like to have mental illness

My DH has depression and anxiety and although one medication has helped the depression, the anxiety seems to be getting worse with age. I really did not sign up for this when I got married but we cope. I feel your pain.

I've always liked the night best anyway. I'm so glad you have found something that works for you.🤗💫

My heart goes out to you ..And you can do this my friend.. talking about it is a start 🙂

im so lucky i have wonderful close friends i can talk to & who listen & help guide me through my worst episodes, if i hadnt got them to help me id hate to think where i would be now