Mental illness runs on both sides of my family. I have a lot of family members who where at one time drug addicts or alcoholics. A few had attempted suicide; a couple succeeded.
I've always struggled with general and social anxiety, i have a very introverted personality, but i can be extroverted at times and get along with most people. I have a "switch" that i can choose to be social or completely anti-social, which i prefer.
I prefer to be alone and at times in years passed i felt depressed. I know one time i felt like garbage for about 18 months and literally would not talk to anyone or leave the house.
I get very anxious around large crowds of people, i despise going to crowded places that are loud. I've been like this my entire life. Oddly enough if i drink a few beers it takes the edge off, but that's not the best way to handle things.
The one thing i learned was to ditch the meds and find an environment that you feel comfortable in. Move out of the big city and get a job that is less stressful. Most people suffer from bad living conditions and overly stressful jobs. Some people thrive in those environments, most don't.
I used to sit in traffic for over an hour every morning AND every afternoon. It drove me crazy. BUT i found that carpooling with other people made it tolerable.
You see, there is always a way to fell better or at least "improve" your situation. Like someone said above, as you get older you fill your head with stuff, sooner or later you run out of room and it bothers you. Learn to "let go" of things that do not matter.
Best advice i have are three things:
1. Learn to let go. When something happens think to yourself "is there anything i can do about this RIGHT NOW?" If the answer is yes, then do it. If the answer is no, then let it go. Most people who struggle with anxiety and depression have problems letting go.
2. Improve your environment. Live in a quiet place that suits you. Work for a person who isn't a jackass and doesn't stress you out on purpose to get more out of you. Only work 40 hours a week. It is possible to have a work/life balance in any field, you just need to shop around. Money isn't everything, you should focus on yourself.
3. Put yourself first. Always think about yourself before others, don't ruin yourself by suffering through silly things for you employer or family. You have a commitment to your family, but you have to focus on your own well being first on order to be the best provider for your family.
I've seen both sides. Worked myself into the ground. Stressed out to the max. Had panic attacks. Wanted to just run away and disappear.
But i told a bunch of people to fuck off and leave me alone, i moved to a relaxing and beautiful part of the country, i work a 9 to 5 job (90%) of the time, my boss is chilled and relaxed. My house is always clean and quiet. Nobody ever gets to me anymore, i cannot remember the last time i was actually mad about something or someone. My GF understands my "let it go" mentality and has calmed down a lot too.
Also, learn to meditate.
