What options for anxiety & depression have worked for you?

You might want to look into Ketamine Therapy or CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy! The former has worked well for me, so much so that I've elected thus far not to look at CBT. Ketamine has made my depression a whole lot more bearable and has given me more energy and zest for life. Good luck!

Thank you. I have not heard ketamine therapy. Definitely want more energy and the zest part!

You're welcome, and good luck! Remember that you find your lost car keys in the last place you look. Likewise keep looking for a solution to your problem. If you stop looking, you won't find a solution!

That's a good analogy. Thank you!

Thank you very much. Alternatives to taking prescription medication are always worth considering. I am taking DEPAKOTE 250mg 1 tablet daily and venlafaxine 37.5 mg oral capsule 1 tablet twice daily. My alternative approach is from 25 years of yoga practice. Particularly focused on the eyes and breathing. After a life time - I am 77 this July 4, I am thoroughly enjoying my life. Whether this improvement is due to the medication, yoga, or a general attitude makeover I don’t know. All I know life is really wonderful.

Thank you for your help! I know doing any type of exercise helps me some. I'm not good at yoga, but it's something I can retry. But I'm happy for you and your success!

I see tremendous value helping anyone challenged by mental illness. There are millions of people who suffer from the stigma of mental illness. I am talking about people who are diagnosed with such afflictions as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or ADHD. I believe these types of mental illness can be treated. If I had a recommendation to give to the medical field I would recommend finding another way to describe mental illness for what I will describe as “lesser included offenses”.

@kuma Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I see you have been a member here for a while, and recently made your first post. No doubt you have read many experiences from other members, and isn't it amazing when we are prompted to share ourselves?!

To me, mental illness covers such a wide range, a true spectrum as it were. It is similar when we hear the word cancer, how it can cover like a blanket! And in my mind this morning, I see even when we speak of a color, like purple for example, what would be described as purple can take on so many shades, and still be called that. The big difference is the stigma attached to a word or condition, just like you mentioned..

If you feel free to share, what diagnosis were you given, and how have you worked with it over the years? Congratulations on just about 77 years to celebrate!
Ginger

Hi Ginger

Just received my medical records for a period in my life when I was experiencing significant personal turmoil. Separation and divorce from my first wife after 18 years of marriage, separation from our 2 daughters. Work that kept me traveling extensively between Seattle and the Far East.

I just read my records for this period. From what I see I was not given a diagnosis per the DMS 5. Irregardless, I know the anger I was experiencing, an anger that began as a young boy only to truly manifest itself as an older person.

Fortunately, I’ve been able to address that anger. It’s still there but I’ve been to manage it using the techniques I’ve discovered.

I wish you the best. Please stay in touch.

Namaste

I completely agree with you. The stigma is strong against anyone that falls under mental illness and not enough teaching to the "avg Joe" either.
I feel like we all get swept under the same rug even though our diagnoses could be different.