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How to Help Myself with Depression, Anxiety and Panic Attacks
I have had depression most my life. I have took medication for it but I do not stay on it long because of being scared of the side effects or the withdraws from coming off of it. I do not want to become addicted to medication. I have never been addicted to anything so not sure why I feel that way. I have my ups and downs like most people do with mental health I guess. Its hard to talk about it to doctors because I do not trust them either. So how do I get help for myself. I always feel alone even though I am not. I was blessed raising my granddaughter 3 years ago which has helped me stay focused off of me and on her but I constantly feel alone. I live with my ex husband because he helps me with my granddaughter both raising and supporting her. I never want to go anywhere. I have no friends. I have siblings but they have their own life. I do go out once in a great while just to get out and I do enjoy it when I am out but then I come home and right back not wanting to go anywhere. I feel guilty all the time about my life for one reason or another. I have panic attacks, anxiety, along with the depression. I have tried talking to doctors that just want to talk it out but I don't stay long with that because I feel guilty talking about me and my problems and my past. So can someone tell me what they do for this that works if anything? Thanks for letting me vent this.
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Hi! I recently joined this group. It has helped listening to other people talk about what they are experiencing. I am a 59 year old female. I and have been on antidepressants since I was around 20 or 21. I started them in college. I have been on almost every antidepressant that is out there. We have lived in a few different places and have not kept my medical records. Therefore, I don’t know what I took when and how long I was on it. I know I should really try to locate my records. I am currently really struggling trying to adjust my medication. I am not suicidal just so tired. I have been on three antidepressants for about 17 years. I currently take Lamictal, which is for bipolar but it all also can be used as a mood stabilizer, which is why I am on it. I just started Auvelity to replace Wellbutrin and ViiBryd. I have been taking it for a couple of weeks and already not sure it is going to work. I also take meds for fibromyalgia and arthritis. The arthritis has affected my neck, hands, and even my jaw. I take Gabapentin for the nerve pain. I can not take anti-inflammatories because I have severe gastritis and constant IBS. I stay tired almost all day. These other issues intensify my depression and that in turn return does not help my gastrointestinal issues!! I know these are not life threatening issues, but it has recently been so overwhelming to me! I really needed to vent. I know my family and friends get so tired of hearing me. Thank you!
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2 ReactionsLexapro masked my long covid symptoms of fatigue. When I stopped the Lexapro, I found the first day and each day after, I felt better and better.
I took Prozac before off and on for years and it worked well. I felt I had become immune to it and that was why I stopped. I no longer take an antidepressant, but I am open to it again should I begin to spiral.
I also have sleep issues and have found gummies purchased at the health food store, Delta 9 derived from hemp have helped me tremendously with anxiety and sleep. wishing you the best.
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2 ReactionsI have been on anxiety meds for a long time. However, I have also been to therapy and different programs to learn new skills or deal with childhood issues that create the anxiety, Pills are not going to fix you, The pills are supposed to help manage the symptoms while you work on your issues. There are numerous groups online that are very helpful. Coda is great, AA, Alanon are also helpful just to name a few and they are online. One on one therapy can be invaluable. You are just treating the symptoms, not the problem. Going to therapy for your son and possible with him would work a lot better than pills. This way you can help him and find out what you could be differently that is also a part of the problem. It is never just one person who is the problem. There is no pill that will fix your issues alone. You need to do the inner work for change. Life is just very hard and there are lot of ways you can get help.
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1 Reaction@ancl123 Age will not fix or change anything. If you worry now, you will worry when you are older. The meds are great to manage symptoms while you get help in therapy or online programs.
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2 ReactionsSome persons are born w too low of serotonin levels, and need to have med to treat them chemical imbalance, much the same way a person born w diabetes needs insulin.
@srqqd thanks for sharing!
@tiller hang in there! Sounds like a lot! ❤️
@ancl123 how are you doing now? You mentioned another sleep med maybe with a D? I can’t find the comment…
@ancl123 nvm just found it, Doxepin. Have you tried this one? I feel like I was getting some sleep and then tried to go down on Lexapro and then still don’t sleep so I need to just stay on the same dose for a while and not change anything until my system hopefully levels out and my body gets used to 5 mg again. How’s the Prozac going for you so far? Hope you’re getting some rest!
@ancl123 I was afraid to try Remeron because it supposedly increases appetite. Do you like this one? How’s it work for you?