I was just wondering

[Ducke]

I suffer from an Anxiety disorder/depression and was wondering if anyone else in this trade also suffered from this disorder. I have been doing a lot of reading on the subject and it seems that a lot of small business owners seem to have one or more symptoms of depression or anxiety I now understand why I went though so many jobs over the 30 odd years I've been working, I would get board with the job I had doing the same thing day in and day out. I find now owing my own company everyday is something new. I have so much to do think about and plan that it keeps me more focused and interested, I wish I had thought of this 30 years ago. But everything happens for a reason I guess. Graham

[Hedgemaster]

Lawn care business tips

I'm allergic to grass. (Yes, really) Sorry, that's all I got.

[Ducke]

Originally Posted by Hedgemaster

I'm allergic to grass. (Yes, really)

Sorry, that's all I got.

Funny so am I

[CHEESE2009]

I suffer from major anxiety as one of my mental illnesses.

My depression isn't so frequent but I do get "attacks" that are critical and usually last no longer than a month at a time per year which usually make me do things I wouldn't normally do. I will sometimes become too much at peace with myself which has caused me nothing but harm when I finally snap out of it. Depression has been apart of my family.


I don't mind so much the depression because it's something I know that will pass in a little bit of time, and I know what to do to somewhat help distract me. It sucks, but at least I can think somewhat logically. Lol, nearly died every time trying to end my life but I'll take it over anxiety any day! Depression doesn't get easier with every time you experience it, but you can always find ways to prepare yourself by calling a friend. If your out of friends, welcome to my world! LOL

When my anxiety acts up, if it's a 10/10 which comes extremely rare, It's not something I should really explain, but it's not good. Basically, when I have an anxiety attack I become full of adrenaline and I go into "crazy" mode. Everyone around me is in danger, and I don't stop for nothing. If I think of something that will help me calm down, and someone gets in my way, I would at the moment gladly shove them into oncoming traffic.

My problem is that I don't have a "trigger" that I'm aware of. I did grow up as a "popular" kid, but never felt the connection of having friends, my grades were also crap. I got into a lot of trouble, and trouble always found me.

I used to have this need to always wear shoes, because shoes meant I could escape most situations. Though I stopped that nonsense about three years ago. No reason to run, but I always felt I had to be prepared.

I guess it's all because I grew up thinking I'm going to be on my own eventually, and the rush to prepare myself for taking care of myself got stuck in my head at an early age. All my friends did well in school, they'd enjoy their lives - I'd usually just think about how much time I have left, etc. Never really had a trusting bond with my family, and I never will.

********-

This is a good topic, very serious, and I'd love some people to share what they go through.

I don't trust myself with a lot when I'm depressed. If I hangout with friends when I'm depressed, they tend to aggravate me. The idea is to tough out the duration, depression itself cannot be beat. Win the battle, not the war!

[Johnny_boy02]

I have both. Try some meds, they really can help.

My doc also told me she would bet money I had ADD but wanted to get my blood pressure down before we talked about treating that. I went home and started reading about ADD and had a "ah ha" moment, It was like they had written the description about me. It has been about 9 months and I have not been back yet since I dont have insurance.

I agree that owning a business helps. My desire to do a good job is stronger than the anxiety/ depression 99.9% of the time so it forces me to do things that need to be done.

Good luck.

[CHEESE2009]

Originally Posted by Johnny_boy02

I agree that owning a business helps. My desire to do a good job is stronger than the anxiety/ depression 99.9% of the time so it forces me to do things that need to be done.

Working has been very helpful, but has also been dangerous with my moods. My quality is usually higher, and my efficiency as well. When I have an attack, I focus deep into my work and move like lightening - adrenaline is amazing and I wish I could bottle it.

There is nothing like working with a 100 pound mower as if it's light as air. You tank through labor like crazy.


I remember lifting gyprock at work once, that stuff nearly broke my back and I could barely lift 2 sheets without a lot of effort.... I had my adrenaline up the next day, and I moved as many sheets as I could fit in between my fingers and carried them around like a champ. I felt like superman on steroids.

[Ducke]

Originally Posted by Johnny_boy02

I have both. Try some meds, they really can help.

My doc also told me she would bet money I had ADD but wanted to get my blood pressure down before we talked about treating that. I went home and started reading about ADD and had a "ah ha" moment, It was like they had written the description about me. It has been about 9 months and I have not been back yet since I don't have insurance.

I agree that owning a business helps. My desire to do a good job is stronger than the anxiety/ depression 99.9% of the time so it forces me to do things that need to be done.

Good luck.

Reading about this stuff really opens your eyes.
I had the same ah ha moment as well.
I now can understand my whole childhood and teen years and all the crazy stuff I did..
The only thing I find with the meds is I have lost a lot of my creative thought.
I use to draw and write poems and design and build things but now I find it hard to come up with a half descent fall flyer.
I still have my bad days. This summer has not been the best as I lost my My and my Wife lost her Dad and the rain oh how I hate the rain, it all tends to get me down but I'm lucky because I have the best family and friends a guy could ever as for and they are always there for me.

[Steve]

How does having money in the bank or at times a lack of it effect anxiety or does that have any effect at all? Could this be one of the triggers that causes problems?

[Ducke]

Originally Posted by Steve

How does having money in the bank or at times a lack of it effect anxiety or does that have any effect at all? Could this be one of the triggers that causes problems?

Its nothing to do with money really. well maybe a little bit but its not the major factor.
I find being my own boss as it be gives me the freedom to do as I see fit, I am not having to be stifled by someone else rules.
I can do as I see is the best for me and my company, I can change things up do things my way not your way. I can start a "A" and work my way to "Z" or I can start at "100" and work to "1".
Its all up to me I for once in my life feel in control of my Life. What a wonderful feeling it is.

[Steve]

I can do as I see is the best for me and my company, I can change things up do things my way not your way. I can start a "A" and work my way to "Z" or I can start at "100" and work to "1".
Its all up to me I for once in my life feel in control of my Life. What a wonderful feeling it is.

Maybe that's what it is all about. Being able to be creative when you want to be to approach a job in what ever manner you see fit.

It's interesting to think of freedom isn't it? How many of us are free to do what we want. And when we don't feel free, how that effects out mental state of mind.