First time posting so not sure how this all works but hopefully i’ve done it correctly!
backstory: I’m depressed, have anxiety, believe i could be neurodivergent though not diagnosed. Moods are up and down but have a consistent feeling of being ‘low’, like it’s always there no matter what i’m doing. Agitated, stressed and i think i come across rude all the time. Been like this since i was in my teens, now 26.
I’ve been on the NHS waiting list for counselling/therapy for about a year. It’s getting to a point where i’ve had to reduce my hours at work, i’m losing my friends (too boring/sad to socialise, can’t relate to them and don’t feel close to anyone), relationships are breaking down, i’m unhealthy and have no energy to do the simplest things like prep dinner or hang clothes washing out. Nagged by partner over not shutting kitchen cabinets completely or leaving bag on the side - something i don’t notice as a problem but I can tell it’s just wearing everyone down now.
I’ve looked into private counselling/therapy recently and don’t think i’d afford more than 1-2 1 hour sessions a month.
i know NHS would be weekly so assume this is the recommended amount i should be having, to have any real benefit from it?
What else can i do in the meantime? I’m on medication, it doesn’t do anything except make me sleepy. Have tried others in the past, no effect.
Have tried the going for a walk every day, doing things i enjoy. I don’t have much i enjoy anymore and get very stressed/anxious at thought of visiting places i’m not familiar with or if i don’t know every detail of the trip/day out) Have tried speaking to people - friends, family, work - they show concern for a few days then nothing. Can tell its an inconvenience and they just want to get on with their day. Fair enough.
I’m just rambling, sorry. Can anyone suggest anything else or offer advice on the counselling situation? Surely i’m not the only person desperately waiting for the NHS! What does everyone else do to keep life ticking, bills/mortgage paid, stay alive?!