Anxiety and/or depression discussion.

LegacyUser

I've been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder for the last few months. Today my doctor prescribed Citalopram. I'm just relieved that finally I'm doing something "real" about the problem.

I'd be interested in hearing anyone's experiences, good or bad, when taking this to treat anxiety?

InReality

maplesyrup wrote: »

I've been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder for the last few months. Today my doctor prescribed Citalopram. I'm just relieved that finally I'm doing something "real" about the problem.

I'd be interested in hearing anyone's experiences, good or bad, when taking this to treat anxiety?

I found a website called crazymeds today which seems to give quite good advice on different meds.

Gremlinertia

InReality wrote: »

I found a website called crazymeds today which seems to give quite good advice on different meds.

Is that a dotcom or net op what?.

InReality

Its ".us" . Its a bit whacky but I found it accurate for what I'm taking ( lamital )

Gremlinertia

Thanks - factual sites always welcome. I've been deaded by doctor Google way too many times.

I'm feeling really loopy at the minute.. Very hard to concentrate which is a pain.. Oh well..

Call Me Jimmy

I feel for you gremlin, I find it hard to describe the place I'm in. It's like purgatory or some sort of suspension between reality that I've always known and what my experience is at present. Just process after process running and running. I thought I knew what it was to be numb before. I didn't think you could get more numb than numb but seemingly you can. Everything is up in the air, it's gone so far it wouldn't even be accurate to say that it's 'bad' any more.

Strange times indeed. As I've said before, if in fact that Life Event comes along and rocks me to my foundations and bursts me open I will be set up for life. Like imagine the appreciation for simple things someone who escapes North Korea has. Having a cigarette on a step with a breeze blowing would be nirvana to them. I think I'll have that if I pop out the other side, and I won't suffer any more but it will take a Big Thing to happen.

Gremlinertia

I get ya.. I can be somewhat like that the odd time.. Mostly though I fly and crash in widely differing timelines. People don't know from hour to hour which 'me' they are going to get. It's hard on them too because I think it really can be like meeting different people..

GeneralC

Suffer of anxiety for many many years. Now in my late 20s, I want to travel abroad for one year, however, I feel I can't because of my anxiety. Has anyone been in this position?

Gremlinertia

GeneralC wrote: »

Suffer of anxiety for many many years. Now in my late 20s, I want to travel abroad for one year, however, I feel I can't because of my anxiety. Has anyone been in this position?

Are you doing anything for it, therapy, medication, or mindfulness at all?

GeneralC

Going to see a psychologist for the last 8 years or so. No meds, can't take them because they affect another health issue of mine. Tried the mindfulness before, didn't stick at it though.

Always viewed this section of boards, but never posted on it, great to see it here

Gremlinertia

GeneralC wrote: »

Going to see a psychologist for the last 8 years or so. No meds, can't take them because they affect another health issue of mine. Tried the mindfulness before, didn't stick at it though.

Always viewed this section of boards, but never posted on it, great to see it here

Perhaps try mindfulness again, though first off, have you discussed this with your psychologist, if they do cbt or other such therapies they could be of great use to you. I'm in no way medically qualified to advise, but your psych should help..

Oh yes, welcome to the thread..

GeneralC

Yes, practicing CBT, with one of the top psychologists in Ireland, made progress in the last 8 years, but still not comfortable to tackle going away for one year (out of my safety zone)

Thanks Do you guys organise meet ups etc?

Gremlinertia

It's great that you under such qualified care.. Perhaps you can work on 'controlling' your journey? Of course i'm quite stuck in a rut, very much do as i say not as i do..

There have at least been attempts at meet ups, i haven't gone.. Usually not available, and even then i think my nerves would fail me..

GeneralC

Yes, it's funny, we seem to be great at telling other people what to do to combat the anxiety, but we never seem to adapt that practice to ourselves.

I think the best advice I have been given in 8 years of therapy, is not to be afraid of the anxiety, rather to invite it in and just stay with it, don't fight against it, fighting against it will only make it worse.

Are you on any meds, going to therapy?

Gremlinertia

On meds, awaiting more therapy. Public system and myself not always getting along too well.. :-/

GeneralC

Yes, the public system can be a joke in fairness. Are you getting out and about, managing everyday activities?

Gremlinertia

Yes, i have a job, i find it a necessity, if left to myself it turns dark quickly sometimes, have self-harmed at various points.. Afraid i have to go now, past my bedtime, i work nights..

Hugo Stiglitz

GeneralC wrote: »

I think the best advice I have been given in 8 years of therapy, is not to be afraid of the anxiety, rather to invite it in and just stay with it, don't fight against it, fighting against it will only make it worse.

It can be so hard not to fight against the anxiety though.

drugstore cowboy

Hugo Stiglitz wrote: »

It can be so hard not to fight against the anxiety though.

At times it takes over my existence.

Hugo Stiglitz

drugstore cowboy wrote: »

At times it takes over my existence.

I think we can all relate to that unfortunately.

Gremlinertia

One thing that really guts me about it is that there could have been some good friends along the way but because I freeze there's no interaction and the opportunity is lost..

GeneralC

It's not easy to just stay with it, but, next time you have a panic attack or feeling anxious, stay with it and observe what happens. Your anxiety will go up and down, and you may feel uncomfortable, but over time, it will become easier, and you will soon realise it has no strength and it diminishes.

Hugo Stiglitz

When my anxiety strikes, I find it nearly impossible to ignore it. My instinct at this stage is to either try to ignore it or to think pleasant thoughts. Embracing it would be the hardest thing to do.

GeneralC

I know it's tough, but you must "embrace" it to overcome it

Roquentin

Hugo Stiglitz wrote: »

When my anxiety strikes, I find it nearly impossible to ignore it. My instinct at this stage is to either try to ignore it or to think pleasant thoughts. Embracing it would be the hardest thing to do.

anxiety by its nature is not meant to be ignored. Its fight or flight. In order to relieve the anxiety you must achieve something that makes it stop.

Of course you can use chemicals and psychologists try words, for people with severe anxiety like ocd, chemicals work best.

Anxiety is an awful feeling alright. Hate it when you cant get a good nights sleep.

GeneralC

I don't think you need "chemicals" to treat severe anxiety. However, some people may need them.

Hugo Stiglitz

For myself, I wasn't able to function normally in life (leaving the house, working etc) without medication. Medication took away the very worst of the low mood and anxiety. It's still there but to a much smaller degree which, although not nice at all, is nothing compared to what I had back when I wasn't medicated.

handbagmad

I've now reinstated my beliefe trust your gut instinct. Today someone really put that to the test. I knew in my heart of hearts I shouldn't have trusted them, I was right.
anxiety through the roof.

Gremlinertia

That's the thing there are many approaches that can be used and they can be used separately or combined - with illnesses like this it is often very individual treatment unlike a burn where there is a set procedure in most cases. No wonder it's such a massive talking point in our world. What works for one can often do nothing for another or even worsen things, even if outwardly they appear to be somewhat similar.

Hugo Stiglitz

Gremlinertia wrote: »

That's the thing there are many approaches that can be used and they can be used separately or combined - with illnesses like this it is often very individual treatment unlike a burn where there is a set procedure in most cases. No wonder it's such a massive talking point in our world. What works for one can often do nothing for another or even worsen things, even if outwardly they appear to be somewhat similar.

Nicely said there G