World Mental Health Day - My story of living with depression and anxiety

[@isolde1802]

I am a lifer too. Both depression and anxiety disorder. I have been single too for many years and I find I am in a much happier place. I don't socialize as much either and crafting, knitting, crochet and reading has become my great love. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

Sounds like you are in a similar place to me then :) Thank you for sharing, it's nice to know we aren't alone in this :) xxx

[@bethanyjohnson5598]

Thanks for sharing. Anybody who hasn't experienced these problems cannot really understand or relate. When I was 32, my husband was killed in a car accident. Since I didn't have good coping skills due to an abusive childhood, I spiraled down to a full blown breakdown. Thank God, I had a wise doctor who found the right medication and I was able to eventually live without it. No two people are alike and I can appreciate that medication is a lifetime necessity for some. I was privelaged to be able to work in the mental health field for a few years after that. Crocheting and other needlework definitely has helped me in that has a calming effect. I enjoy watching your channel.

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Bethany Johnson Wow Bethany! Thank you for sharing your story and so sorry for your loss. Well done on pulling yourself out of breakdown and getting off medication, that's amazing. And working in the mental health field too, wow, you're my hero 😊. So glad that crafting helps you too. Very glad you enjoy my channel and thank you for all your support 😀 xxx

[@amanda08172]

Your amazing, I can’t even explain how much your words have meant to me, and reading all the comments a lot of other people. Your an inspiration, and learning crochet on KZbin from this fantastic community, when I was at my very lowest. You, Sian, Jan Ethran the list goes on, you don’t realise how much you help!!.. Thank you so much Karen, I wish I lived nearer just to give you a huge hug 💋

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Amanda Thompson Aww thanks Amanda, that means a lot to me 😊. So glad our community is helping you! Well if you are ever in the area, hugs are most welcome 😘xx

[@gbmaltese]

As you were speaking, I felt as if you were talking about me - we are two kindred spirits. My anxiety started as a child. I remember taking this nasty tasting medicine to give me the courage to go to elementary school at one point in my life. I suffered on and off since a child. I was misdiagnosed so many times and felt like I was crazy. I would have to write a book to tell it all - lol!!! I finally found a psychiatrist who got me on the right meds, and I have been on them for a long time, and will continue to be on them for the rest of my life. I look at it that I am grateful to have found something to take, so I can lead a more normal life without the panic attacks and depression that followed me every minute of every day. Thank you for this video, because like you said - we are normal people just like everyone else, even if we don't like to get out very much. I love people and I love to help them, just like you :) Take care and God bless, my friend!! xxxx Grace

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

Aww, kindred spirits, that's lovely :) Yes I do agree with you about mediation, I'm so grateful for that too. Thank you for sharing your story, it means a lot :) xxx

[@sandrachristiansen1404]

Sending you lots of love and support. While I don't suffer depression or anxiety, my husband does and my daughter has ADHD. I'm pretty much a type A personality, leader, speak first, think later type of person and that can be such a challenge with them. Without knowing it, I can crush them with a word that I wouldn't think twice about. But I love them dearly and we are family. I appreciate so much you sharing your journey with us. You now have lots of friends all over the world that appreciate you and support you. xx from Everett, Washington.

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

Thanks Sandra, that means a lot to me :) Yes I totally understand that struggle. You're welcome and I hope it's helped. Yes that's very very true, I am blessed :) xxx

[@deetmartin9985]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have some of the same issues as you. Crochet has been a godsend to me since I retired and picked it back up. I lost my mom about 5 years ago, she was my best friend, and crocheting makes me feel close to her, since she taught how to crochet and she was amazing at it and knitting. I think if I wasn't on meds at the time of her passing, well let's just say, I am so thankful that I was taking them. I too am a lifer...hahaha, that's a cute way of looking at it. Too me, the meds are like vitamins, it is just something my body needs. I too have good and not so good days, but all in all I am good :) Hugs, Nikki xoxox

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Deet Martin Hi Nikki. You're welcome and thanks for sharing some of your story too. So sorry you lost your Mum; my Mum is my best friend too and my rock, so I dread the day when she passes away. I'm so glad the medication helped to get through that difficult time. Lol well hello fellow lifer 😂. I do agree about the medication, it's just something my body needs, I couldn't agree more. I'm so glad you're good all in all 😊xxxx

[@celestemalec5043]

Karen I know your story. Depression is so hard to understand if you have never suffered from it. Of my three children two have never been depressed, like their dad. My younger daughter suffers like me, my mother and my sister. My husband has a large and lovely family none of whom are ever depressed. They may get down and feel off but not the same. So glad that mental health issues are talked about now and understood better. Thank you and lots of love to you.

[@roseculp2924]

I'm a lifer too. My meds make it possible for me to function. Crochet is my go too.

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Rose Culp Yes I'm the same Rose with both meds and crochet. Thank you for sharing with me 😊xxx

[@katrinaskreations3616]

❤️ you basically just described how I am, still trying to find the right medication so I seem to have more bad days then good and feel like I’m fighting myself constantly if that make sense. Well done for making this video Hun. And don’t worry about the friends you have lost, the important ones are still there for you and you now have all of us xx

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Katrina's Kreation's Aww hun, yes that makes perfect sense. I found speaking to a psychiatrist was more affective than gp, in getting the right medication, although of course it is still guess work. Hope you find something effective soon. Always here if you need a chat. Yes that's very true and I love you all loads 😊xxx

[@katrinaskreations3616]

Karen Hales thanks Hun I think I’m going to ask my gp to refer me to a psychiatrist because it’s been years now and don’t think I’m improving, I’m just existing. Don’t no what I would do without my kids,dogs and crochet xx

[@SoniaJones]

Thank you for sharing your story that can’t of been easy. It is people like you that help show people that it is nothing to be ashamed of and it is ok to ask for help and depression is not just feeling low. I have not seen my ‘friends’ in years as they don’t want to stay in and watch movies or play board games and I can not go out partying, clubbing, drinking etc due to all my medical problems my crafts have kept me sane as some days it is very lonely but I have been very lucky as my hubby and children are so supportive.

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Sonia Jones Crafts Thanks Sonia. I did it on the spur of the moment so I didn't have time to over think it. I'm so sorry to hear you've been let down by your friends. Staying in and watching films sounds fab to me 😊. Yes my crochet has kept me sane too. It can be very lonely both being unwell and for me, being a carer too, that's why I so thankful for all me KZbin friends 😀. So very glad your family are so supportive, that's so important xxx

[@suenicholls5446]

Gosh! Karen. What an uplifting podcast. I agree with everyone else's sentiments. I have had a very bad year having to cope with the death of two close family members. My crafting keeps me 'level' and of course watching podcasts like yours. All my love and keep up the good work.

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+susan nicholls Aww thanks Susan. I'm so very sorry for your losses 😢. Absolutely understand about your crafting keeping you level and the distraction of videos. Thank you 😀xxx

[@candigothcreations]

Oh my gosh Karan thankyou for sharing your experience with us. I have anxiety which jumps up and knocks me on my ass. Sending you all the love in the world and virtual hugs x

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+candigoth creations You're welcome Lynnie 😊. Ha love the way you've put that. Make sure you knock it on its ass back 😘. Lots of love xxx

[@debbrigham6150]

Thank you for sharing with us Karen. I wish you the best of days always. You deserve them !!

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+deb brigham You're welcome and thanks Deb, that means a lot 😊xx

[@janescarisbrick6986]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have always been a worrying...I even worry when there is nothing to worry about. But it was only in 2015 that my anxiety and panic attacks struck to such an extent I didn't want to leave the house. I went onto antidepressants which helped so much but found councelling wasn't for me. I have days I stay in but most of the time manage fine. I love seeing the things you make and crafting has helped me so much too xx

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

You're welcome Jane. You are not alone with the worrying. I think it's a lot more common than people talk about. I'm so sorry you went through that and I'm glad medication helped. Counselling did help me, but I know it's not for everyone. Thank you and yes it helps me too :) xxx

[@bridgetkoupriaynov4752]

Thanks for sharing. Although we all have different circumstances, a lot of us can relate with your issues with depression and anxiety. For me, thank goodness for crocheting. Most of the time (unless I have an impossible pattern ;) ) it brings me peace.

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Bridget Koupriaynov You're welcome Bridget and so glad crocheting helps you too 😊. Lol yes that's very true 😂 xx

[@craftangel7452]

Sometimes when you are feeling low it's hard to remember your not alone. Listening to you I started to recognise some of those things and feelings you described. Maybe I need to talk to someone! Thank you x

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

Yes that's so true. Oh bless you. Well, if you think you might have some of the symptoms get it checked. It's much easier to bounce back if you catch it early on. Let me know how you get on xxx

[@nancyweber4067]

You have an inspiring story! I am involved with organiztions that help people with many mental health issues and I undertand the difficulty of going through those things. It takes a very brave person to come through the issue. I am also grateful you are a survivor of Domestic Violance as October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I am getting more involved with that also due to a friend losing her daughter from violence! I feel truly blessed when I see survivors!

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

Thanks Nancy :) I'm so glad you are helping others that suffer, that's amazing. People like you are my heroes! Thank you, as am I. My goodness, that's awful. I'm lucky to have survived domestic violence twice. It breaks my heart when I hear of women who don't survive xxx

[@nhall07]

Karen you are an amazing person and it’s such an honour to follow/subscribe to you. You are really brave to of made this video and you said it all so well I’m so proud to know you and We all love you XxXx 😍👌🏼🎉😪

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Nathan86 Aww Nathan, you made my eyes wee! Thank you! I'm so glad to have got to know you and love you lots. Thank you for all your support xxx

[@joinch7875]

Thank you for sharing your personal experiences with us Karen - as you can see it is a comfort to others going through similar things. Glad your mental health is quite good at the moment, hope you have a lot more good days than bad xx

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Jo Inch You're welcome Jo. Yes you're right; probably sounds silly, but I didn't think about the response I'd get. Been sat here reading and my eyes have wee'd a bit lol. Thanks, yes more good than bad on the whole thankfully 😊xxx

[@joinch7875]

Glad to hear the good days are outweighing the bad!! I had a little giggle at the phrase 'my eyes have wee'd a bit' 😆 As you can see your videos and personality reach out to a lot of people xx

[@Purlingthroughlife]

You're very brave to share your story with us all. I'm sure it will help someone out there. And 43 is not old!! 😂

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Melissa Vosper Thanks Melissa 😊 and lol I'm glad you think so, although I do feel old some days 😂😂😂 xx

[@carencrochet3927]

You're amazing Karen to come on and speak about your anxiety and depression. I have suffered for years myself and know I'm older then you . It is difficult to explain to people who don't get it. I just found your channel a few months ago and love your crochet projects. I crochet too; but you are much more advance then me. Are you on Instagram? I am Caren too , btw and @carencrochet on Instagram. Would enjoy to talk. Sometime. Be well and thank you for sharing . 🤗😻😻💕

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Caren Crochet Thanks Caren 😊. So sorry to hear you're a fellow sufferer and I do agree it is hard to explain to a non sufferer what it's like. I'm so glad you enjoy my channel 😀. I don't think of myself as advanced but I do try and push myself out of my comfort zone with crochet and it has helped me learn quickly. Yes I am on Instagram (although I'm a bit rubbish at posting on there, shh don't tell anyone lol 😉) I'm @kazzalistic. I'm fairly sure I do follow you but will check. Yes that would be lovely! Thank you xxx

[@pinkpumpkincrochet1601]

You are wonderful Karen! Thank you for sharing your story. It's clear you have helped many people and this video will continue to do so. I don't suffer with depression although I am a very very anxious person it isn't something I have been diagnosed with (partly because medical appointments and so on fill me with dread, upset my stomach and leave me feeling 10 times worse than I did to begin with) Sharing your story is very important and you are very brave to do so. A colleague recently opened up to me about their tough battle with mental health issues and it just proves that it can happen to anyone at anytime and it is more common than we know. Everyone has a different story. But talking about it and taking away the stigmas surrounding mental health issues can only do good. Thank you Karen 💜💜💜

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

Aww thanks Ruthie :) Bless you, anxiety is awful. It's something I've always suffered with too and just because it isn't formally diagnosed, doesn't make it any less awful to deal with. I found Cognitive Behavioural Therapy really helped me and the Anxiety Course run by Mind. Unfortunately it does mean having to be brave to get to the help, but I promise you it is definitely worth it. I'm not going to say I'm anxiety free, I'm not, but I do have tools now to know how to cope with it better. If you need any help let me know. There are resources on the internet that I can recommend that use CBT techniques, which means you could do that at home :) Yes absolutely it can affect anyone at any time, it doesn't discriminate. Yes I agree, talking about it is the only way to break the stigma and to show people that we are normal, just like them (whatever normal is lol) :) xxx

[@pinkpumpkincrochet1601]

Karen Hales you are just lovely. A true inspiration! Thank you for your advice it's greatly appreciated xx

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

Thanks Ruthie :) and you're very welcome xxx

[@minniemich7]

You’re such a brave lady. Thank you so much for sharing with us. 💜💜

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+minniemich7 Michelle McCarthy Thanks Michelle and you're welcome 😊xx

[@mistychandler2446]

Hi Karen I know depression is I hard it bad n my early 20's my Mom needed me to be with her so we moved to a huge city from a farm it just about killed me to live in the city I had 20 years of totally freedom living on the farm living in apartment was'nt fun but we made it thru after a year we moved back to the farm and I was so happy but I still had to fight off depression I still have bouts but not as long as the depression I had in the city still have days when all I want is to stay in bed and cover my head and just shut off the world .thank you for sharing your story wih us blessings

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Misty Chandler Hi Misty. Thank you for sharing your story. So sorry you suffer too but I'm glad you're doing better back on the farm. I hope your bad days become fewer and fewer for you xx

[@jonesbluesandjam]

Very Interesting and Thanks for Sharing!

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+jonesbluesandjam You're welcome 😊xx

[@cedieaqui]

thanks ms karen. this has inspired me today since i'm having my episode. it's hard to deal with mental health and you're right medication helps. for me i hear voices and gets paranoid over things. i also went to that phase when getting out of bed is so hard. my meds also gets me sedated and that helps a lot cause you can rest with your thoughts. and with it i have a healthy appetite so i enjoy eating. hihi. there are still down times. my doc said i can increase my dosage during those times. do you do your counselling every month? mine is twice a year now. thanks for this.

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+cedie aqui Hi Rose. So glad its inspired you 😊 but sorry to hear your suffering too 😢. I absolutely agree with you about the medication, and mine makes me hungry, hence why my eating issues are so much better now. I'm glad you're medication gives you some rest, that's so important. I don't have counselling at the moment, as I was paying privately and I can't afford it at the moment; but I'm fortunate that I am coping fairly well without it. Thank you for sharing your story, it means a lot to me 😊xxx

[@mercuryrain9466]

💖💖💖

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Mercury Rain 💜💛💚💙❤xxx

[@benubhalla9550]

❤️💙💚💛💜

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+Benu Bhalla 😊💜💛💚💙❤ xx

[@luluscrochetandmoor]

💙💚💛💜

[@KazzalisticCrochet]

+lucie coates 💜💛💚💙❤😘 xxx

[@MissWocyBear]

Please get your thyroid checked! It can cause anxiety and depression amongst other things. A lot of people walk around with thyroid problems and don't know it. I went to my Dr and asked them to check my thyroid (blood tests). If I didn't then I would still be walking around and not knowing that I have hypothyroidism. I hope you're doing ok! I hope this will help someone else too. 💞