Anxiety and Depression: I just want to feel normal again.

Hi @tmf0. Sorry to hear you are struggling. Have you made an appointment with your provider to talk about it?

@tmf0 , It sounds like you really are suffering a lot, I'm sorry. It is extremely difficult to disengage from negative thoughts when one is feeling this way, I know. It is at least good that you recognize some of your thoughts as irrational. And the time like this feels like forever at times. Remember that you are not alone in going through this kind of experience, there are compassionate people who know what you are going through: Are you seeing a therapist and/or psychiatrist for possible help?

@jamienolson @guener No I am not seeing anyone. I have been on meds in the past but they always cause additional problems/side affects. I just started taking cbd oil and I’m fixing to start taking b12 & vitamin d. I have read that this could help.

I confirmed recently I have ADD, I'm older, but still want to accomplish goals like passing the bar exam, and wonder what suggestions anyone might have for coping with ADD inattentiveness form of ADHD, and how, for example, to build more structure into my day and activities so I can better stay with my bar exam studies and not jump around to other less meaningful tasks, for example. I started : ) listening to the great audiobook, "Driven to Distraction." I do know that the standard Adderall and other ADD meds do not work well at all !!! with me. Rather, I take 20 mg., prescription Lexapro. Thank you. Exercise and getting enough sleep are crucial, too, I know, but need more structure, Thinking about hiring an accountability / life coach as I do better when I know I have to account to someone whether I hit my daily goals. TY

@tmf0 I am taking more traditional antidepressant medications and am taking b12 and vitamin D as well, all under my psychiatrist's recommendation. The use of CBD oil is non-traditional, as you know, and I don't know how it might be affecting you for better or not. You mentioned that you have had worse feelings in the past 10 days, so how does that correspond to your starting CBD oil? In my own experience in using any form of medication or supplements, I find it at least reassuring to do so under the supervision of a physician. as s/he at least is aware, or should be, of the effects that introducing a treatment is potentially useful or harmful for a patient.

@guener The cbd oil does seem to be helping some with my anxiety. I hope with combing the vitamins I will see more of an improvement.

@stressedmesseddepressed Being accountable to someone else has oft been helpful to those with ADD. A plan for sure!!

@tmf0 I'm glad that the CBD oil is helping out with the anxiety. I have been taking Gabapentin as a relief from it or a couple years now but find the the side-effects have become distressing and am working to taper off of it and hoping that what I have learned re: cognitive approaches to manage that now. Since I have had depression issues my entire life, regardless of circumstances, I doubt I will be medication-free on that front, at least not in the foreseeable future. We can only do the best that we can do. Your sharing about your experiences are helpful to me, so I appreciate that you reached out to this board. 🙂

Tmf0, I’m so sorry to hear you are feeling so poorly. Are you in a climate that allows you to enjoy walking? Today I felt unsettling feelings coming on, so I went for a walk and focused on the exceptionally pretty day we were having. I felt better almost immediately. Sounds like an elementary solution I know, but it’s worth a try. I’d also consider getting a second opinion on what medication you should be on and how all meds interact with cbd oil. I hope things turn around for you soon!

I have had depression also since my mid 20's, I'm about your age . I think I've been on every antidepressant with little relief. And was also using Amblify it may have helped some but the weight I gained, 70lbs. I don't know if it was worth it. I was recently put on a new one , Latuda that I think was making a difference for me but it is so expensive I can't afford it on my monthly disability check, but the psy. Doc. kept me on samples for 4 mo. Long enough to see it helped and I could not stay on it. It is a big disappointment for me . But i you have the means it might be worth a try. Cost of $ 1250 before insurance . Best wishes to you.