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Posted 9/6/2016 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I have only recently found this website and forum about a week ago. I am so glad that I did.

For the pass few months, I've needed a lot of support and encouragement. I hate where I am at in my life right now. Years ago, I dealt with severe depression and I thought I had finally conquered it for good. It has only been in the pass few months that I realized that once again, I am struggling with depression and that it has a strong grip on me again.

A few years ago, I had an anxiety attack -- the first -- that suddenly happened. It was the middle of the night and I woke up because of back pain. I got up and took a Tylenol. Afterwards, when I was about to go back to bed, I had a sudden, strong feeling of dizziness. Then my heart started racing and my breathing became labored. I felt as though I was about to pass out. I though I was having a heart attack. I didn't know what was happening. I managed to call 911 and when the EMTs came and checked my vital signs, they were fine. I was still dizzy and shaking badly so I asked them to take me to the ER. Nothing physically wrong was found in the ER, but the doctor did suggest that I most likely had a panic attack. I did not believe it at the time since I never had those symptoms before and I was feeling fine before it started happening.

A few days later, I saw my doctor and he prescribed an anti-anxiety medication for me to take as needed. I have not had another full-blown anxiety attack since. I still feel the symptoms coming on at times, but I have been able to prevent them from getting out of control.

Now that I'm also dealing with depression, I feel as if I wouldn't have enough strength to combat an anxiety attack. Some days, I just don't know what to do. Help.
Posted 9/6/2016 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, PSchawl!

First off, welcome to the family you came to the right place. You are definitely not alone here. If you don't mind me asking, what type of meds has your doctor had you try? Have you tried changing your diet, exercising, CBT thereapy or meditation/relaxation techniques? This site is full of great people and information to help you deal with whatever gets thrown your way. I'm sure one of our outstanding Moderators will be by shortly to welcome here you and make sure you know where to find some very useful information this website provides.

Growing up, my parents taught me that the mind is a very powerful marvel of biological machinery. Our thoughts truly can influence how we feel day in and day out. Thinking positive may not cure us of all our ailments but it sure can help us cope much easier. When I was sick, my parents wouldn't let me just lie around all the time, they made me keep somewhat active. Many times, by mentally not accepting that you feel bad and continuing to stay active, you can accelerate your recovery. It's really no different with our mental illness's. At the end of the day, we do have a choice. Accepting that we feel bad and not fighting back will not really help us in the long run, just kick the can down the road. What else do we have to lose when we feel like this?

Again, welcome to the forums, please know that you are not alone and please continue to post often to update everyone on how things are going. You never know when another member may spot something in your posts to help guide you to better days.

Take care for now!
Posted 9/6/2016 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PS and welcome!

We are glad you've joined us...though sorry to hear of then returning depression and worries regarding anxiety. :\

Although this is disappointing to be going through again, remember there is help and hope!

Are you currently being treated for the depression...or were you previously working a recovery program that you can brush up on?

Great advice above. ..and I will echo Orange's suggestion of a healthy lifestyle, self help...and positive attitude. These are all invaluable.

You may also choose to talk to your doctor about medication and /or therapy. ..if you are not currently with a treatment plan.

For now, please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. Practicing the suggested exercises daily will make a big difference in how you feel.

Keep posting with us as well. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/6/2016 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Orange. As above this forum is a Godsend for many if us. It has really helped me feel like I'm not alone and I take so much comfort from the support here.
Posted 9/7/2016 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
we need to know what anti anxiety med your dr percribed as orange asked above. most anti anxiety meds alone dont treat depression . they were not desighned for that. however the right med can treat both. depression can sneak up on you and really drag you down and its best to get professional help for it. long term use of benzo antianxiety meds can actually make depression worse.
Posted 9/7/2016 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Just like PS, I thought I had beaten the beast for years and it came back with a vengeance this summer. I waited two months hoping it would go away and was using some left over Klonopin I had from an expired prescription (not recommended). I kept the mg's to under .05 as needed but it didn't touch the depression and racing thoughts. I finally went to see my MD and he put me back on 10mg Lexapro and within 2 weeks I was feeling much better. I upped it to 15mg per his order and at 35 days I feel about 98% great. My recommendation if all other holistic approaches cannot beat back the depression then by all means please explore an anti depressant. There's no shame in admitting that something is wrong that will require medication. Best of luck to you!
Posted 9/7/2016 7:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum you have received some good support above so I just wanted to pop in and say hi.

Keep us posted we are here for you.

Hibee
Posted 9/7/2016 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the welcome and support! My doctor prescribed Alprazolam 0.25mg. So far, I have not taken any and just carry them on me where ever I go in case I need them. Just knowing that I have something to help me calm down is a comfort. I always thought that if I started having more anxiety attacks, then I would take them on a regular basis.

I use several coping techniques. I meditate daily and have deepened my belief and faith in a higher power. I try to be as mindful as I can during those times when I'm under a lot of stress and I try to slow down, relax as much as I can and do deep breathing exercises. I had cut out caffeine and had taken up yoga, but in the past few months, I've slacked off. I would like to go to counseling, but money is tight and I don't have any insurance.
Posted 9/7/2016 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
That's all great! Keep up the good work...

...and check out our free and easily available Resources...and you'll have even more tools in your belt!.;)

Keep posting...it really makes a difference to share with those who 'get it'!

S.C.
Posted 9/7/2016 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
bringing the pills with you is a good idea -i did the same. might be a good idea to just bring one pill in case you lost the bottle somewhere. that might be cause for an attack
Posted 9/9/2016 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome...I have also suffered anxiety forever. Usually it's under control but occasionally it bites my butt out of the blue.

Good news is that you have been checked out medically and can focus on managing the anxiety/depression without worrying there might be an underlying medical condition.

That dizziness you talk about really stinks...it's usually what can send me into a panic. I've read up on many reasons for this, from anxiety itself to an overly sensitive vagus nerve that runs around your stomach and digestive tract.

One thing that has helped me (in addition to Lexapro) is riding my bike and getting my heart rate up to around 160bpm for 40 mins to an hour. Seems to be good for the ole brain.

Hang in there! :)
Posted 9/9/2016 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome!!! This site is great and everyone here is supportive and understands what you are going through, yes panic attacks are very scary I seem to get them more ar night when I'm sleeping so I know how you feel. If the meds are working that's great and if you can see somebody it will be even better.
Posted 9/9/2016 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PS. Welcome to the forum. Great people and advice here. I hope you find some relief soon.
Posted 9/10/2016 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
bike riding is also my fav anti anxiety fighter also
Posted 9/10/2016 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Anxious Texan, Pretty kittay, and Rspwed, thanks for the warm welcome and support. :-)
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