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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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Try Zoloft and Wellbutrin. You might even add Buspar. They work well for me and have been taking them for years.
What is going on in this country these days is something no antidepressant is going to be effective at combating.
Try reading Heather Cox Richardsons daily column. At least she can help make sense for what is keeping you up at night. There is no drug out there that works on anxiety regarding our countries erosion of democracy on a daily basis.
Good luck to you.
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1 ReactionFirst of all let me say I am so sorry for your struggles. I particularly relate to the insomnia as I have had sleep issues since my childhood (I’m 78) and it’s even worse after my husbands passing in Feb. I finally gave up on sleep medication as many of them caused balance issues and some even vision problems. I now take melatonin (10 mg) and find it helps me go back to sleep which is good as I wake up every 1-2 hours. A friend recommended I try valerian. I often wonder which comes first insomnia or depression. I might suggest you get tested for sleep apnea if you have not as it can cause numerous awakenings.
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2 Reactions@daveshaw ....Only knowing what I have read. Mirtazapine is the one that sets it apart from the others in that it has no sexual side effects because it works in a different way. Nothing has changed so far, but then halving the Effexor plus adding the lowest Mirtazapine amt is not a legit example of it's efficacy.
@david707 Good luck but myself and my son have tried every antidepressant and they all have sexual side effects.
SSRI’s have been a godsend to people suffering from depression but sexual side effects are still unfortunately an unfortunate side effect.
Good luck to you.
I could not take Lexapro, however Celera worked fine. Have you tried anything more calming.
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1 Reaction@ancl123
Hello! Wow your situation sounds similar to mine. I feel so alone. Did you go back on lexapro?
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2 Reactions@ancl123
I have taken Remeron and trazadone too!
Is celexa
More calming ?
So sorry to hear what you’re going through. I’ve been there - sort of. No kids but anxiety and panic attacks for many years. I had it under control but lost a family member that was very dear to me during Covid. I spiraled down to a severe depression, panic attacks and agoraphobia. Zoloft had been my saving grace for over 20 years. My PCP finally talked me into switching to Pristiq. I’m better but still battling insomnia. Recently started hydroxyzine at night. Its really helped me fall asleep, stay asleep and had knocked the anxiety down a notch. Non addictive and can be taken as needed.
While I don’t have good answers for you. Some of us need medication to moderate the serotonin, dopamine and cortisol. I’ll likely be on some anti-depressant forever. Talk to your doctor. Counseling sometimes helps. Support groups and talking to people who understand (like us!) helps a lot. Helps us to realize we aren’t losing our minds and there’s hope.
The only other advice I have is to really watch your diet. Whole, natural food really helps. Junk food, processed food, sugar, nitrites and nitrates all exacerbate anxiety and other health issues. Drink water! Water. Water. Eliminate soda. Watch caffeine intake.
Best of luck to you and let us know how we can help support you and get you through this.
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3 ReactionsTry Zoloft in combination with Wellbutrin. Zoloft is very effective and well tolerated by most people. Wellbutrin is really not a stand alone drug but it works well with Zoloft. They actually called the combination Welloft.
Good luck.
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