anxiety
anxiety disorder
counseling
death
depression
depression
disability
living on disability
medications
mental health
therapy
Has anyone else here dealt with depression and anxiety? How?
By lalav1
@lalav1 (1052)
United States
February 12, 2007 3:06pm CST
I found out I inherited a predisposition towards anxiety and depression. I worked for years, but am now on SSDI, (disability) due to my anxiety disorder. Lots of stress and issues in my life were dealt with by seeing a great therapist. But after I dealt with all my past issues I increasingly grew more depresssed and anxious. I was laid off from 3 jobs within 5 yrs., due to company cutbacks and my sister became terminally ill from cancer. Sadly, she passed away. Still I kept going and working, though I constantly felt like crying and had so much anxiety I could barely breathe and talk. I now talk Zoloft, Wellbutrin and Neurontin daily. Still, I can take up to 50mg valium and I am still anxious. Happily, I am not depressed. I tried the generic Zoloft recently and had to go back to the brand due to side affects. It has been trial and error with medications for about a 2 year period now. I am lucky to live with my best friend and have a good doctor. I gave up my apartment and recently my car since disability does not pay that much.
2 people like this
4 responses
@lifeis2good (1183)
• United States
12 Feb 07
Oh yes most definitely as I am a Rapid-Cycling Bipolar with Severe Anxiety as well as other issues too!!! I am currently taking Ativan, Risperdal, Lexapro & Vistaril - and so far so good - but that can always change with meds!!! That is wonderful to hear that you are able to live with your best friend and that you have a Great Doctor - Having a Doctor who truly listens and understands the best way to treat you is so important these days!!!!
There are so many docs these days that shouldn't be working in the mental health field - alas I know that for a fact - due to many misdiagnosis and so many meds later!!! I am so thankful I finally found a doc who takes the time & effort to listen knowing that the patient can be very helpful in determining the best treatment that works for them!!!
Sorry to hear you lost your sister!!!! That is really sad to hear!!! Sending you a Great Big Smile and some Good Vibes!!!
@lalav1 (1052)
• United States
13 Feb 07
Thanks for your comments. I know what it is like to go through many doctors who have no idea what is wrong with you and going through the side affects and withdrawls of trying different meds is really rough.
@lifeis2good (1183)
• United States
13 Feb 07
Oh that is nice to know that you too understand what that is like!!! It can really be such a pain when you are seeking the help you truly need and have to struggle to find the right one!!!
I find it also helps to have others who understand and can talk about these kinds of issues that we go through - there's nothing better than someone willing to take the time to share and listen!!!
1 person likes this
@Trinka26 (171)
• United States
24 Feb 07
Sorry you had to give up your car! That is my "freedom". I've had panic and anxiety attacks, and chronic depression since I was a child.
I very clearly remember my first panic attack. I was thirteen. For years, I was not diagnosed, and made many trips to the ER thinking I must be dying, only to be told nothing was wrong with me and be sent home. Finally, in my thirties, I read up on all types of mental problems, and finally got a doctor to agree with what was causing all my crazy, scary symptoms. I went for in-house therapy for two weeks, started medications, and found a whole new me!
Things aren't always perfect, though Given enough stress, and worry, I still get depressed and can still have panic attacks. This winter I even went through a period of mild agoraphobia.
I guess when it's a chemical imbalance, you are never really "cured".
@Willowlady (10657)
• United States
13 Feb 07
Am at a loss for saying to you about depression and anxiety. All those medication just can't be good for you. I feel that you have not mourned your sister. Am sorry for your loss. The medications alone are worth what you could pay for an apartment I think. A pet could do you wonders! So glad that you have a best friend. I would think you would find a new job!? Would hope you could see a complementary medicine doctor to see if maybe he/she could help you.
Hope I didn't harm and that I gave you a couple of ideas.
1 person likes this
@lalav1 (1052)
• United States
23 Feb 07
My mom used to feel the same way. There is a difference between situational depression and anxiety and a chemical imbalance. I dealt with all my issues in my life with a wonderful counselor. The disorder I have and was born with is different. When you feel like crying every minute of the day and you are so anxious you feel afraid of people and you can barely speak you're so nervous even if life is going well you have a chemical imbalance in your brain. It is a mental illness you need medication for to straighten out those chemicals in your brain.
@linda345 (2660)
• Canada
13 Feb 07
I have mixed state bipolar. Right now I am in a high state. I used to have an anxiety disorder and I did a group therapy session on it. It worked wonders. I still sometimes get panic attacks put I do alot better than I used to. I am in the process of changing my meds for my bipolar now. It is really hard on the body because it is causeing me to flip states. I hate when I am in mixed state because I am actuatly flipping between depressed to manic all day long. Try to get into a group therpary group. It helps alot. Trail and error with meds goes along with any of these disorders I am afraid.
1 person likes this
