Lyme brain

Anyone here had psych issues prior to lyme? If so, how did lyme affect your moods & emotions?

I ask because I've been experiencing anxiety and depression- my moods are all over the place and I am struggling with the fear of going out (extreme social anxiety). I have had anxiety and depression issues throughout my life, but this is the the worst it's been in years. I haven't worked in months and I'm tired of feeling stuck inside. I want and need to get back to work and to being social, but I feel like I'm losing my mind. Plus, I think being holed up in my house all day is not helping the depression

I suppose I'm confused about the symptoms I'm having because they feel like ones I've experienced before lyme- depression+anxiety and gastro issues. If it weren't for the weird bite I got last fall and my positive DNA Connexions test, I wouldn't think myself as someone with lyme. I'm just uncertain what is lyme and what's not.
In the past I've taken lexapro (and xanax as needed). As for the lexapro, I did ok on it in the past, but got off of it almost cold turkey 3 years ago and had brain zaps for about a year after (sometimes still get a few at night). I tried taking 1/2 a xanax yesterday and had a weird reaction to it- took it at noon and felt ok, but at 7pm started having anxiety, pounding heart and headache. I wonder why I had that reaction when I did fine with xanax in the past.

Any suggestions on how to proceed? Are there lyme literate psychiatrists in California? Also, I'd love some more recs of LLMDs or LLNDs in CA. I tried going to two counselors of late, but they just don't get what I'm going through and I'm searching for a new LLMD because he doesn't take my symptoms seriously. Any suggestions, tips, etc. are appreciated. Thank you!

Hello, good question. Psyche issues if the form of Depression and Anxiety hit me like an anvil when my symptoms began at the beginning of 2015. Prior to this, I would say that I experienced sadness and apprehension, but no more than what an average person would. The difference between that and what I experienced is that it came in an extreme form. That, and the anxiety and depression is debilitating, unlike anything I've felt before. So much so, that I didn't know that dark, disturbing feelings like this even existed!

Like you, it's transformed my personality and of course mood. I too am all over the place.

I've avoided psychiatric medication and been suffering. It's improved since 2015, anxiety lingers in the background but the lows of depression creep, it's scary because I genuinely fear that I'm going to loose control.

Unfortunately, I haven't seen an LLMD for these symptoms, so I can't recommend anyone. I'm in Los Angeles where I had an integrative doctor who specializes in infectious diseases assess me. He gave me St.Johns wort for the depression. I never took it though. The anxiety creates a fear that stops me from taking anything.

Lot's of psych issues pre-treatment. Anxiety and paranoia were the worst. My husband almost had me committed!! I always thought I was an anxious person, but now, after treatment, it turns out I'm quite zen. It was the bugs!!! I feel like Lyme robbed me of my real potential in that area. I hope you find some help.

I have a great therapist who would probably skype with you if you don't find anyone. She really saved me from a dark place when I was diagnosed. Email me if you want her info.

I managed to get off the Xanax by just taking smaller and smaller portions. I do take some calming herbs, mostly because I'm menopausal. I find that Motherwort is amazing. Also, Lemon Balm, Passion flower and Valerian are helpful too.

I'm also recommending the book "The Inner Matrix" by Joey Klein. My kids are so sick of me talking about it but it's changed everything for the better. A big part of coming down with immune-compromised diseases is the way we let stress affect our lives. This book helped me discover the unconscious belief patterns that were dictating my thoughts in a way that didn't serve me...taught me how to meditate too.

Good luck.