Depression and Anxiety has struggling me for 25 yrs till now. The past 10 years it seems to be improve better with able to control down the mood swing and anxiety within a day. However, since last year, the anxiety came back quite often and because of the anxiety , has been changing job from one to another when there is not good colleagues tried to physical abuse on my mental and forced to quit the job to avoid the anxiety will go to beat the person. Now is jobless but still looking for a job , however, not sure why the depress and anxiety still not able to cope well. Many negative thinking are always in the mind, sometime ok somtime come back the negative thought . But when go to temple, the mind can be sudden totally peace and calm , but once out of the temple, the anxiety and depress feeling come back. WHY
Dear @user038933
Thank you for reaching and sharing what you have been going through. I agree that is very tiring to endure feelings of anxiety and depression for so many years.
I think it’s very laudable that you persevered through and made progress in managing anxiety and depression. May I gently point out that current low feelings you are experiencing do not imply your progress is lost so please don’t be discouraged.
In fact I believe your past progress is testimony to your determination and ability to ride out this current low point. It proves you have overcome odds before. However it will take time and consistency so do be compassionate to yourself.
It is good to see that you noticed that being in the temple gave you respite and you felt calm. I gather that in that space, your body feels safe and grounded, so your nervous system can rest.
Understandably, when you leave the temple and face job worries, being treated badly at work, and the future, I sense your body shifts back into heightened alert. You are only human to feel so.
This leads to anxiety and negative thought patterns re-emerging. I sense it is the body’s attempt to protect you.
May I suggest these steps for you to try:
1. Practise being calm in your daily life outside the temple, closing your eyes and visualising as if you are back in the temple. Ground yourself and slow down, paying attention to your senses while breathing slowly . This is likely to calm you. It tells your body you can be safe out of the temple. Practise this mindfulness activity regularly, such that you can activate being in calm state as needed.
2. Change how you relate to negative thoughts
When they appear, don’t fight or analyse them. Gently say “This is anxiety talking.” Let the thought pass. This reduces their power over time.
3. Consider counselling to learn coping skills
A counsellor can help you learn practical tools to calm anxiety, manage negative thinking, and rebuild a sense of safety, especially after long-term stress and workplace trauma. Seeking help is a way to strengthen yourself.
Most importantly: the peace you feel shows your mind can be calm. With patience, support, and the right skills, that calm can slowly become more stable in everyday life.