Make Me Happier

16 October 2009, 10:01

Jason Anderson, from Livingston says stress and depression have left him living an angry and tired life. This is Jason’s story in his own words.

“I used to be such a happy go lucky chap and nothing really got me down. That was until I started getting depressed.

I know since it started about 10 years ago, I’ve had problems sleeping.  If I get 3 or 4 hours sleep a night I would count myself lucky.  I feel frustrated and angry a lot of the time.  My anger is a real issue; I will storm off like a child or just lose it. I know when it is coming on because I can feel my ears burning but I am not able to stop myself.

“I work in a call centre and really love my job. Some of the people I work with have become like a second family to me. One of my problems is that I don’t like getting close to people as I don’t want them to see that I feel sad and how angry I can get.  I use my parents’ ill health as an excuse not to socialise with friends or get close to anyone.

“I’m 32. I should be out having fun with my mates. And women!  But on a Friday night while my mates are out having fun I’m laying in bed, on my own, just staring at the ceiling.”

“I know this change is long overdue and I'm the only one that can do it”.

What the experts say
 
Understand your feelings

As Dr Yellowlees explains, we can all experience periods when our mood is low and we feel sadness - but true depression is something that takes us over. Watch our video to understand the difference between true depression and feeling low.

Dorrit Prichard used Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (watch our video explaining what this means) to help Jason find his own way. Focussing on his sleep, anger and low self-esteem she’s helped him find ways of coping on his own. She also encouraged him to get out of the house and be active. Watch Dorrit's video about CBT.

Give your confidence a boost
Shannon Shiell is Jason’s Salsa teacher. She claims dancing isn’t just great for your health, but for someone with low self-esteem, like Jason, it’s a perfect way to socialise and build his confidence. To find out more watch Shannon's top tips to salsa dancing.

Get motivated
Jason has also joined Livingston Badminton club. Following a thrashing from Angus Purden, Jason is feeling motivated and has now signed up to play Badminton once a week, ready for a rematch. In training for the big match Jason has started swimming again.

Jason also attended an evening run by Spice Scotland, a multi-activity, social, adventure and sports group that run events in Glasgow and Edinburgh and throughout Scotland. For Jason this was a chance to get back into the swing of socialising in amongst friendly people from all walks of life - always happy to welcome a new face who may be anxious about turning up on their own.

The social event at Edinburgh Zoo brought Jason together with a wide variety of people, all seeking to enhance, develop and make the most of their leisure life - a talking point to get them all started.

Further information and Links
Find out more about how to overcome low self-esteem, insomnia and anger here.
 

Last updated: 09 December 2009, 09:59