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

Hello, @vane - I wanted to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I also wanted to share with you that since you mentioned having an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), you might check out this discussion, as well https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/arteriovenous-malformation-avm-survivors-and-side-effects.

I have also suffered anxiety and depression, but the medication I'm taking currently seems to keep things fairly constant. I have flares on occasion with anxiety due to specific situations. It's a hard road, and it can be intense and eat you up inside, anxiety especially.

You mentioned that the AVM is located in your emotions area, making it even more challenging to overcome anxiety. Did your doctor recommend any special therapy, due to the AVM's impact in this region of the brain? Also, I wanted to inquire if the anxiety developed as a result of the AVM or predated the AVM?

There are those times when nothing seems to help. This is the time to ride the waves waves and not fight the tide. Still observing those Decorah eaglets on youtube.

@merpreb Still receiving help from the Decorah eagle family. Also have been watching/listening to other raptor videos. Amazing!!!! Lots of rain here. Still have not gotten enthused about flowers this Spring. Not going to house/dog sit. Just too much for me. I have enjoyed thus in the past and now it is too much for me. Really unimportant what others think. Finally realized it is time to take care of me. Selfish but vital to to my health.

I have been totally off Effexor since the end of Feb. after a year of slowly weening off from 75 mg once a day that I had been on for 25 year or more. I did well up until the time I was finally totally off, and I mean I had been down to 5 little pellets in the capsule for two weeks. Now I find myself really stressed and overwhelmed when anything goes wrong. I am a 71 yr old widow living on a farm and enjoying it till things break down. I will not go back on effexor. Any suggestions

I hear you. What I’ve been doing to my best to stay in a routine and stay as healthy and rested as possible. I am also a VERY strong proponent of meditation. If you are “you tube” savvy, looks for shirt, ten minute meditations. Or, alternatively, sit quietly for ten minutes and just observe the sounds and feelings you have as an outside observer. This is real stuff that works for the anxiety that comes with weening off Effexor. Take a walk or two each day. Stretch. And do something you love each day - what I do is smell my neighbors peonies! And soon I will look for four leaf clovers. I went through a rough patch a bit ago that lasted three or four days. I’m over it now. But going back to work Tuesday and so it may start again. Revel in and force yourself to notice anything and everything good. It’s only been a few months. Oh! I forgot! Don’t worry about crying. Let the tears come. They are a greatly needed and necessary release. Let them flow. You will get back to your normal and happy soul. You will be fine. Take care of you.

I am a 63-year-old male. I have been suffering from severe anxiety and depression for more than 25 years. During the course of my illness, I have seen many doctors and taken many medications. I am currently on three antidepressants and two anti-anxiety drugs, Clonazepam, and pregabalin. I began pregabalin in December 2018 with a dosage of 150 mg. It controlled my anxiety immediately and brought my life back to normal. But after about 10 months, the anxiety returned. My doctor increased the dosage by 75 mg, which again helped to normalise my life. But after about 6 months the anxiety returned, though less intense than last time. This happened about 10 days ago. The doctor has again increased the dosage of pregabalin by 75 mg, which seems to be helping. My question to anyone who has taken pregabalin is: Could I expect the dosage of pregabalin to stabilize at some level in the future, or will pregabalin keep losing its effectiveness with time, as has happened so far? Would greatly appreciate any advice in this regard. Thanks.

Hi! My depression started when I was about 12 years old and now I’m 60. My mind is in a very dark place. I keep thinking of the “S” word. I’m fighting, I hope that I win but I’m not sure!!!!

@smilie
Hi!
I am so sorry you are suffering so much!
You certainly have been dealing with this for such a long time.
I assume you are on meds.
I hope you are also seeing a therapist.
If you don't do either, I hope you make an appointment ASAP!!!!
The thoughts you have are dangerous and need to be dealt with immediately!

Best of luck and keep in touch!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Hello, @pankaj - I'm sorry to hear you've experienced these ups and downs with your anxiety and depression and your meds. Good that you have a doctor who is sensitive to making adjustments for you along the way. I'd like to invite @lillee @jfanesi @eburning @cdcc @yolandaf into this conversation to offer any insights from their experiences with pregabalin (Lyrica) on whether the dosage is likely to stabilize at some level in the future, or if it will likely lose it's effectiveness with time. @healthytoday and @becsbuddy may also have some thoughts on this.

@smilie - I agree with @grandmar - I'm terribly sorry you're suffering right now. You'd mentioned you have medicine and are getting professional help, and that you have an emergency crisis unit to call. You also talked about considering going to the hospital. I'd strongly suggest that you 1) call your medical professional, 2) call your emergency crisis unit, or 3) at least call one of your adult children, if you are continuing to think of the "S" word. We care and want you to be safe and helped through this difficult time.

Hello @smilie
I agree with @grandmar, don't leave these feelings to chance. Make an appointment with your physician and discuss the need for help. If you feel like you are a danger to yourself go to an ER and get help immediately. There are also suicide prevention lines where you can call and talk with someone.
Will you call and make an appointment?