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Posted 11/8/2005 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Over the past few days I have become increasingly unstable and depressed. I've long wondered if I had something wrong with me where anxiety was concerned and it has shown up recently in the form of panic attacks and social anxiety. It is getting ridiculous to deal with the panic attacks and the depression. I have been trying to find work and ended up having to quit a job over this. I have never had such a problem being around people and this anxiety stuff really scares me, literally. Even doing simple things sometimes seems overwhelming. My girlfriend does not understand or maybe it is she does understand and feels helpless. Either way I know I am burdening her down. I think she thinks I am just lazy at the heart. She was getting panic attacks too about a year ago, but I haven't heard anything about it much since then so I wonder if it goes away. Will this go away? I know the depression is here to stay and at least I know how I can start meds on that again, but I am scared that this anxiety won't go away. This crap is frightening me into the house, if that makes anysense, and I feel pushed into a corner.
As much as I do not want to use medication again, I will talk to my doctor about going back on Lexapro. It worked the best of what I've tried. The thing that gets me in this is that I feel I really can't win. I felt on meds that I was a different person, but when I go off them for a while to try to feel who I am again, I fall apart. I wish there was some other solution then medication, but I think I should get back on it again.
Until I see my doctor I ask this friends:
How do you deal with life when things get like this? What do you do? Is there a natural remedy that anyone has found that works good? How do you deal with the shaking-frightened feeling toward life?

Post Edited (MindsEyeOpen) : 11/8/2005 9:17:00 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/8/2005 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
<Is there a natural remedy that anyone has found that works good?>

Well what I try to do is have at least a couple of hours of pampering time each day.. aromatherapy works as part of it, I use scented candles so you can have your chosen scent and the comfort of a flickering candle flame to help you chill out. And at the same time, listen to some of your favourite music or readings/dramatizations of your favourite stories or maybe read some of them whilst listening to the music. This will remind you once you get into the habit of doing this regularly, that there are really good things in life as well as the things that get you down, and that you can enjoy them whenever you want to.

Have a tray beside you with your favourite drink and food on it to snack if you wish. Don't feel guilty about any of this! Why should it only be children who get rewards?
Posted 11/8/2005 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the insight Sunshine! I have been so stressed lately that sometimes I forget or have forgotten how to chill like that. I'm glad you've reminded me of it.
Posted 11/8/2005 5:53 PM (GMT 0)

MindsEyeopen said...
Thanks for the insight Sunshine! I have been so stressed lately that sometimes I forget or have forgotten how to chill like that. I'm glad you've reminded me of it.

 

I'm pleased to meet you yeah and glad to be able to help. Its just as well that hopefully you can start on these suggestions now and keep your cool like scool  so that when the rapidly approaching Christmas arrives with its artificial air of 'happiness but only if you spend money' and 'if you don't buy for people you are nothing' and 'smile smile smile' phoney friendliness you won't feel worse.

And the weather doesn't help much does it? Dark grey skies cold and lots of rain....

Get the candles in and some music and a good book and your favourite food and drink and give yourself some private and regular quality time. Keeping a journal is another thing that could help 'specially if you keep it positive yeah So no gloom ok? nono   and don't listen to devil planting negative thoughts in your mind he is just a smurf with a bad attitude due to really bad toothache tongue so

all the best and see you soon

Sunshine Superman (Den)

Posted 11/8/2005 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
SS has some very good points. The mind is a very powerful "muscle". I know that as I look for positives in my life, and concentrate on eliminating negative talk, my outlook is much better. Hang in there and let us know how you are doing.
Posted 11/8/2005 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I started to get like this too..I never had a problem being anxious around people or any kind of social anxiety disorder, and then I started to get severe anxiety going to work, or just walking to my desk or even talking to someone. I would feel dizzy and get a "floating" feeling. At the time I was on SAM-e which was doing great for my depression. SAM-e is an over the counter natural and safe dietary supplement that you can buy in a drug store. I am like you, in that I hate being on antidepressants, but I guess it is better than the debilating can't function depression. Right now, I have seasonal Affective Disorder..."SAD" - and that might be something you are going through.

I am taking Remeron (30mg) for anxiety and depression and it is doing wonders for my anxiety - I can talk to people without feeling anxious and social situations. Unfortunately, it is not doing much for Seasonal Affective Order and depression I don't think. Have you tried Klonopin or Xanax for the anxiety and panic? That might help you take the edge off until you find something more permanent. Talk to your doctor and see what they think.
Posted 11/8/2005 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
PS - Kava Kava, St. Johns Wort, GABA and Valerian Root are also natural remedies for anxiety. They can be bought at GNC or any drug store.

Posted 11/9/2005 1:45 PM (GMT 0)

I'm sorry that your going through such a tough time. I know how that can be. I've been there too. Here's some thoughts:

When you're alone, are there any songs you like that also relax you. If so, listen to them often. This might help you, each time, to get to a place in your mind where you can get better perspective.

In terms of being around other people, my mentor taught me that there are only about 9 or 10 miserable, evil people in this world. Now they move around a lot. And you might come across them. But you can handle that small a group by knowing that most people try to be nice, and like you are doing the best they can with what life throws at them.

Ed

Posted 11/9/2005 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
You mentioned doing the simpliest things overwhelmed you, and that is what I went through as well. When I went to my Psychiatrist, she said this is a form of anxiety and anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. I was prescribed Remeron which is an anti-anxiety/antidepressant. I had no side effects with it, except for increased appetite. Sometimes I take a Klonopin in times of severe stress...for example, I am getting ready to start a new job. I hope that you can talk to your doctor about some of the meds to help you function and cope better.
Posted 11/16/2005 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your advice it has helped. While I still struggle with the anxiety I have talked to my doctor (and will again in 2 weeks or maybe sooner if I bump up the appointment) and gotten prescibed to Xanax which helps with the attacks. I have taken SS's suggestion and started a journal in an old composition book. I have found listening to music with a positive message (311 in my case) has helped as per suggestion. I have been taking SAM-E and 5-HTP to ward of depression. I have been taking the SAM-E in the morning and the 5-HTP in the evening. At first I thought this was a good idea but I wonder if I am overwheming my body so I am going to just start taking the SAM-E without the 5-HTP and see how things go. I have meant to do this for a few days, but I have delayed for fear that more depression would follow. Holy Basil seems to work great in conjuction with the SAM-E, but I am starting to be wary of all these herbal remedies I am using, in case there might be interactions I don't know about. Anyone know if I am overdoing it with the SAM-E and the 5-HTP?
My girlfriend has been dealing with panic attacks for some time and so talking to her helps since she can relate, and talking about my feelings in general and in conjunction with the journal helps. If things don't change by the next time I see my doctor, I may have to consider medication, especially Remeron if it allows me to retain my normal emotions, most importantly love. Thanks again friends!!
Posted 11/19/2005 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi - I am glad to hear SAM-e is helping you.  It is a great supplement.  I took it for three years, and found that I did not need to take anything else with it.  I took 400mg once a day about 45 minutes before a meal.  I have heard people who also take Holy Basil and say they don't need anything else.  You can research the dot holybasil site to get more info on it, or do a google search.  I guess it all depends on the individual, but I think you are right in saying not to overwhelm your body with too many supplements.  SAM-e is a dietary supplement and works very well for depression.  It is an amino acid that our bodies produce naturally but  can decline as we age.  It is very safe and is in respected Medical Journals and has been extensively researched and used n Europe (prescibed by Doctors there for depression) since the 1970's.  It is new to the US and was introduced here in the 1990's which is why many Doctors or people have not heard about it.  The Remeron has been working really well for me.  I have heard St. Johns Wort also works well for depression and anxiety, but it sounds like you are doing well with that you are taking and I am glad to hear you are feeling better!  Thanks for writing, and keep us posted!

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