Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Oct 14, 2016
I was in denial so many years about my anxiety. I felt that I couldn't tell my physician how bad things really were. My depression was really bad, and I didn't even tell the counselor the true extent of the effects. I guess I thought they would throw me in the loonie bin if they knew how bad off I was. I felt I had to be strong for my children's sake. I also felt that my husband was fragile, having endured Crohns Disease for many years. I didn't feel I had enough support from him. During this time I held down a full time job, and suffered from severe Fibromyalgia. Faith in God helped me through.
Hello everyone. I am only just now learning the true sources of my anxiety and depression. I have had both since I was a young child. I wanted to run away from home, and had a plan on how to do it. I wanted to kill myself, and I had a plan for that too. I only recently learned that those circumstances have a distinct link to child abuse .I was abused early on but I have blocked out much of what happened. What I remember is enough. I have been on antidepressants for years. I do believe there is a hereditary link to chemical imbalances and they do seem to run in my family. I finally started on a low dose anti anxiety med this year, and it really helps. Memorizing Scripture of s positive nature helps too, as well as associating with people who build me up instead of tearing me down. Gratitude in all things helps. Talking to God throughout the day helps. Playing the piano, singing, and cleaning my house helps. Eating low carb helps. Reading inspirational literature helps. Sunshine and fresh air helps. Nature helps. Helping other people helps.
I have both bipolar and social phobia. I have, for years, used Propanolol (a beta blocker) for the social part. It is well known and used by people with fear of public speaking, so I decided to try it at Dr.s suggestion. I only use it when I really need it, mostly when I know I will be with a group of people. It works surprising well. You may have to fiddle with the dose a bit to find what works for you.....too many and and your blood pressure will drop and youll get dizzy. My Dr. prescribes 20 mg tabs. They work fairly quickly, so if one doesn't do it I'll take another. Talk to your doc about it. I've used it for 15 years, and although I still deal with not wanting to be in public much, when a party, a get together, a holiday dinner is unavoidable, it has really helped me. Good luck.
Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Oct 14, 2016
My doctor gave me the lowest dose possible of Xanax, which I take before I have to go out and "adult.". It helps tremendously when combined with realistic self talk. I also have ADHD and Aspergers, which is no longer called Aspergers. So I refer to myself as either on the Spectrum or Autistic. Most people think I am just sensitive or creative or artsy. They have no idea I am on the Spectrum unless they are on Facebook, where I outed myself. I hear off the charts, which becomes unnerving after awhile. Therefore I carry noise reducing ear buds with me at all times. I also think of my Aspiness as both a blessing and a curse. If one does not accept ones' true state of being, one cannot grow or deal with life properly. The truth really does set you free.
I was in denial so many years about my anxiety. I felt that I couldn't tell my physician how bad things really were. My depression was really bad, and I didn't even tell the counselor the true extent of the effects. I guess I thought they would throw me in the loonie bin if they knew how bad off I was. I felt I had to be strong for my children's sake. I also felt that my husband was fragile, having endured Crohns Disease for many years. I didn't feel I had enough support from him. During this time I held down a full time job, and suffered from severe Fibromyalgia. Faith in God helped me through.
@mamasitalucita Your thoughts and concerns are more common one most will admit. The doctors and counselors know the difficulties that you must be going through so it is part of there responsibilities to help you through your feelings to get to the route of what you need. Discussing ones concerns to a stranger or someone that you can feel to be completely open is a normal process. Talk as much as you like on any topic you like and slowly hopefully you will be able to open up to your counselor. If you still you can't I suggest to preach this concern with your counselor and that can be explored. I understand your thoughts of being strong for your children. But sharing a little bit with them will surprise you how they will take it and how much they will be helpful. Children as well as adults fear more of what they do not know or understand than if it is explained to them. You might be surprised. The important thing is for you being comfortable. You could discuss your childrens concerns with your counselor and that may give you more comfort to talk to your counselor about your concerns. I am glad you found faith to help you through your troubled times. Open up your self to others, families and relatives. I think it will take some of the weight off your shoulders.
My doctor gave me the lowest dose possible of Xanax, which I take before I have to go out and "adult.". It helps tremendously when combined with realistic self talk. I also have ADHD and Aspergers, which is no longer called Aspergers. So I refer to myself as either on the Spectrum or Autistic. Most people think I am just sensitive or creative or artsy. They have no idea I am on the Spectrum unless they are on Facebook, where I outed myself. I hear off the charts, which becomes unnerving after awhile. Therefore I carry noise reducing ear buds with me at all times. I also think of my Aspiness as both a blessing and a curse. If one does not accept ones' true state of being, one cannot grow or deal with life properly. The truth really does set you free.
I was in denial so many years about my anxiety. I felt that I couldn't tell my physician how bad things really were. My depression was really bad, and I didn't even tell the counselor the true extent of the effects. I guess I thought they would throw me in the loonie bin if they knew how bad off I was. I felt I had to be strong for my children's sake. I also felt that my husband was fragile, having endured Crohns Disease for many years. I didn't feel I had enough support from him. During this time I held down a full time job, and suffered from severe Fibromyalgia. Faith in God helped me through.
You are so strong to be able to take care of kids, a husband, and to hold down a job, I can't do much of anything if I get really sick which hasn't happened to me in a long time. Thank God!
I'm sorry you're going through this. And please excuse my delay not responding sooner.
I know what you're going through. Although I am not bi-polar, I too battled a long time ago with depression and anxiety. Most anti-depressant medications had little to no effect, but for anxiety, at the time I found Clonazapam 0.5mg worked for the social aspect since it had few side effects and started working within minutes. Now please don't take my word, speak to a doctor (which I'm sure you have so many times).
In the end. A good diet, meditation once a day, changes in my behavior and a strong support system from my family and friends helped me to rebuild my life.
Diet:
Energy is essential
Meditation:
Learn to relax the mind and heart (outdoors / social events)
Support System:
Someone to talk to and who's always there for you providing that boost needed daily.
I love what "Ro" @twptrustrek wrote. Small little things daily can help to turn your life around. It's not an instant fix, it's a long term solution to help change your historical thought mechanism. Just like habits, it takes some time and practice to help make true positive changes in our lives.
Take baby steps once a day. Write down all the "small" things that give you anxiety on a sheet of paper, also write down all the "thoughts" that initiate your depression. Knowing your triggers can help NOT to avoid them, but to do something positive to change the behavior.
For ex: Anxiety
Trigger:
Bus stop, silence, people
Reaction:
Nervous, sweating, panic attack
Things to try:
Read a book while waiting, keep yourself occupied with something, drink LOT's of water, say hello to someone instead of silence, give someone a smile and say good day 🙂
Small things make a HUGE difference.
We here at the Mayo Clinic discussion group are all here for you. Please share and connect with us anytime you need someone to talk to. Click on our "names" and send private messages if necessary.
I'm sorry you're going through this. And please excuse my delay not responding sooner.
I know what you're going through. Although I am not bi-polar, I too battled a long time ago with depression and anxiety. Most anti-depressant medications had little to no effect, but for anxiety, at the time I found Clonazapam 0.5mg worked for the social aspect since it had few side effects and started working within minutes. Now please don't take my word, speak to a doctor (which I'm sure you have so many times).
In the end. A good diet, meditation once a day, changes in my behavior and a strong support system from my family and friends helped me to rebuild my life.
Diet:
Energy is essential
Meditation:
Learn to relax the mind and heart (outdoors / social events)
Support System:
Someone to talk to and who's always there for you providing that boost needed daily.
I love what "Ro" @twptrustrek wrote. Small little things daily can help to turn your life around. It's not an instant fix, it's a long term solution to help change your historical thought mechanism. Just like habits, it takes some time and practice to help make true positive changes in our lives.
Take baby steps once a day. Write down all the "small" things that give you anxiety on a sheet of paper, also write down all the "thoughts" that initiate your depression. Knowing your triggers can help NOT to avoid them, but to do something positive to change the behavior.
For ex: Anxiety
Trigger:
Bus stop, silence, people
Reaction:
Nervous, sweating, panic attack
Things to try:
Read a book while waiting, keep yourself occupied with something, drink LOT's of water, say hello to someone instead of silence, give someone a smile and say good day 🙂
Small things make a HUGE difference.
We here at the Mayo Clinic discussion group are all here for you. Please share and connect with us anytime you need someone to talk to. Click on our "names" and send private messages if necessary.
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
I was in denial so many years about my anxiety. I felt that I couldn't tell my physician how bad things really were. My depression was really bad, and I didn't even tell the counselor the true extent of the effects. I guess I thought they would throw me in the loonie bin if they knew how bad off I was. I felt I had to be strong for my children's sake. I also felt that my husband was fragile, having endured Crohns Disease for many years. I didn't feel I had enough support from him. During this time I held down a full time job, and suffered from severe Fibromyalgia. Faith in God helped me through.
What works for one may not work for another. But so many things are tested<br>and proven helpful. It's worth a shot.<br><br>
I have both bipolar and social phobia. I have, for years, used Propanolol (a beta blocker) for the social part. It is well known and used by people with fear of public speaking, so I decided to try it at Dr.s suggestion. I only use it when I really need it, mostly when I know I will be with a group of people. It works surprising well. You may have to fiddle with the dose a bit to find what works for you.....too many and and your blood pressure will drop and youll get dizzy. My Dr. prescribes 20 mg tabs. They work fairly quickly, so if one doesn't do it I'll take another. Talk to your doc about it. I've used it for 15 years, and although I still deal with not wanting to be in public much, when a party, a get together, a holiday dinner is unavoidable, it has really helped me. Good luck.
My doctor gave me the lowest dose possible of Xanax, which I take before I have to go out and "adult.". It helps tremendously when combined with realistic self talk. I also have ADHD and Aspergers, which is no longer called Aspergers. So I refer to myself as either on the Spectrum or Autistic. Most people think I am just sensitive or creative or artsy. They have no idea I am on the Spectrum unless they are on Facebook, where I outed myself. I hear off the charts, which becomes unnerving after awhile. Therefore I carry noise reducing ear buds with me at all times. I also think of my Aspiness as both a blessing and a curse. If one does not accept ones' true state of being, one cannot grow or deal with life properly. The truth really does set you free.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsThat's right SallySue. Thank you for directing Dorothy to the unsubscribe in the bottom of the email notification.
@mamasitalucita Your thoughts and concerns are more common one most will admit. The doctors and counselors know the difficulties that you must be going through so it is part of there responsibilities to help you through your feelings to get to the route of what you need. Discussing ones concerns to a stranger or someone that you can feel to be completely open is a normal process. Talk as much as you like on any topic you like and slowly hopefully you will be able to open up to your counselor. If you still you can't I suggest to preach this concern with your counselor and that can be explored. I understand your thoughts of being strong for your children. But sharing a little bit with them will surprise you how they will take it and how much they will be helpful. Children as well as adults fear more of what they do not know or understand than if it is explained to them. You might be surprised. The important thing is for you being comfortable. You could discuss your childrens concerns with your counselor and that may give you more comfort to talk to your counselor about your concerns. I am glad you found faith to help you through your troubled times. Open up your self to others, families and relatives. I think it will take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Well said mamasilalucita. I hope I got the name right.
You are so strong to be able to take care of kids, a husband, and to hold down a job, I can't do much of anything if I get really sick which hasn't happened to me in a long time. Thank God!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHow is your hip doing? Hope refered me to talk to you. I broke mine last aug. And still can't walk without walker. Faith @123 i am 81
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am in bones and jointd