Depression. Anxiety. Panic Attacks. etc
- Thread starter Quoll
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emptynester
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Quoll. bobsgirl and Fflow - Thanks so much for the support and kind words. You really have no idea how much it helps.
Mazuri, that is a great question, but I was really very surprised when I started having the attack. I had thought those days were behind me. For me, I don't really know what triggers it. I have stress all the time on the job and in other areas of my life but it doesn't lead into a panic attack. This took me by surprise and really made me angry with myself that I was allowing something so insignificant to affect me that way.
I have had the dress and heels on every evening. I decided if I wore it around the house some I might become more comfortable in it. It would be working much better if hubby was not giving me that look like I have finally lost my mind.
I took a break from it all and had a little talk with myself (in the privacy of my vehicle of course). I left work for a while, sat and just took some deep breaths. Then I made a list of everything that was causing me real stress.
I had income taxes to e-file. I had put it off until the last day since I had to pay both Federal and State this year. Not a wise decision. It was inevitable that I would have to pay. I knew the timing if I waited would be close to the wedding but I refuse to give the government my money until I absolutely have to. Well, I showed them.
I thought if I worked up until the day of the wedding it would help keep my mind off that dreaded walk down the aisle. Again, not a smart decision. I decided the company can probably run without me for the rest of the week. I already feel a sense of relief. Now I only have the wedding to focus on and things are looking much better.
The real solution to my attack came yesterday when the groom showed up in my office looking much worse than me. When I inquired as to the long face he told me the tuxes had not come in (for the second day in a row), mother of the bride and bride were upset with each other over the selection of food items for the reception and the printer had messed up the programs.
As I began my award winning mother of the year speech, I heard myself talking and as the words came out of my mouth I went into hysterics. We closed the office door and I began to explain. It was so healing for me but he was still very uptight. So, as we mothers do I told him I would spend the day today taking care of everything with him and not to worry.
Now, I am in the "I will kick butt if you don't make this right for my son" mode. It is what we mothers do best. It is amazing how much better I can breath. Now if only I could sleep. LOL
Anyway, seriously, thanks to all of you who posted. I will be tuning in from time to time in anticipation of those wise words from (and truly respected) quoll regarding his thoughts on Mazuri's question. Quoll, give that little guy of yours a few extra kisses today. They grow up way too fast.
Fflow, I really began to strut my stuff after reading your post (in my dress and heels of course). If you could put that on a CD so I could play it daily I think my self esteem would improve tremendously. You should be a motivational speaker. Thanks.
Bobsgirl, I took your suggestion of telling my son my greatest fear. He of course kept it to himself after sharing it with his bestman (my middle son) and his six groomsmen (my youngest son and all adopted sons). They are all in agreement. They are going to make a circle around me and walk me down the aisle. It was demonstrated in my front room last night. I actually think it might work! LOL Instead of mailing out invitations, I think I should have sold tickets.
Mazuri said:
Mazuri, that is a great question, but I was really very surprised when I started having the attack. I had thought those days were behind me. For me, I don't really know what triggers it. I have stress all the time on the job and in other areas of my life but it doesn't lead into a panic attack. This took me by surprise and really made me angry with myself that I was allowing something so insignificant to affect me that way.
I have had the dress and heels on every evening. I decided if I wore it around the house some I might become more comfortable in it. It would be working much better if hubby was not giving me that look like I have finally lost my mind.
I took a break from it all and had a little talk with myself (in the privacy of my vehicle of course). I left work for a while, sat and just took some deep breaths. Then I made a list of everything that was causing me real stress.
I had income taxes to e-file. I had put it off until the last day since I had to pay both Federal and State this year. Not a wise decision. It was inevitable that I would have to pay. I knew the timing if I waited would be close to the wedding but I refuse to give the government my money until I absolutely have to. Well, I showed them.
I thought if I worked up until the day of the wedding it would help keep my mind off that dreaded walk down the aisle. Again, not a smart decision. I decided the company can probably run without me for the rest of the week. I already feel a sense of relief. Now I only have the wedding to focus on and things are looking much better.
The real solution to my attack came yesterday when the groom showed up in my office looking much worse than me. When I inquired as to the long face he told me the tuxes had not come in (for the second day in a row), mother of the bride and bride were upset with each other over the selection of food items for the reception and the printer had messed up the programs.
As I began my award winning mother of the year speech, I heard myself talking and as the words came out of my mouth I went into hysterics. We closed the office door and I began to explain. It was so healing for me but he was still very uptight. So, as we mothers do I told him I would spend the day today taking care of everything with him and not to worry.
Now, I am in the "I will kick butt if you don't make this right for my son" mode. It is what we mothers do best. It is amazing how much better I can breath. Now if only I could sleep. LOL
Anyway, seriously, thanks to all of you who posted. I will be tuning in from time to time in anticipation of those wise words from (and truly respected) quoll regarding his thoughts on Mazuri's question. Quoll, give that little guy of yours a few extra kisses today. They grow up way too fast.
Fflow, I really began to strut my stuff after reading your post (in my dress and heels of course). If you could put that on a CD so I could play it daily I think my self esteem would improve tremendously. You should be a motivational speaker. Thanks.
Bobsgirl, I took your suggestion of telling my son my greatest fear. He of course kept it to himself after sharing it with his bestman (my middle son) and his six groomsmen (my youngest son and all adopted sons). They are all in agreement. They are going to make a circle around me and walk me down the aisle. It was demonstrated in my front room last night. I actually think it might work! LOL Instead of mailing out invitations, I think I should have sold tickets.
Fflow
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emptynester said:
En, I'm so glad that I was able to help you find that spring in your step. Although getting you a CD might be a challenge at this late date, you can use the words yourself as a set of aphorisms. In fact, they could be cranked up a bit more. If you want maximum benefit, stand in front of a mirror twice daily, gazing directly into your own eyes, and say something like:
I am healthy. My mind is calm and clear. I feel relaxed and energized.
I am a beautiful woman. I look fantastic in my dress. I walk with confidance.
I love myself. I am strong. I am a great mother. I am a great human being.
I am an inspiration for all who know me. I am loved and supported.
I am a beautiful woman. I look fantastic in my dress. I walk with confidance.
I love myself. I am strong. I am a great mother. I am a great human being.
I am an inspiration for all who know me. I am loved and supported.
Feel free to play around with the language, but keep your statements simple, and positive. If there's something you want, speak as if it has already been accomplished. Although some folks feel uncomfortable with aphorisms, they are a proven tool for improving the relationship between the conscious and unconscious minds. As you discovered, once you gave voice to your fears, you were able to face and address them.
Anyway, I know that the wedding will unfold perfectly, and that you will enjoy every moment.
xoxo
srw
MercyMia
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Hi emptynester,
Thank *you* for posting your worries on this thread and articulating them so completely. I agree with everything quoll, bobsgirl and Fflow said. You are definitely entitled to have your feelings and to be commended for being able to voice them out. They are valid and should not be belittled. By sharing them, despite your fears of other people judging you, you have honored yourself and your feelings. And you've also honored us for trusting that we would respect you and your feelings.
I love the image of you surrounded by your sons as you walk down the aisle. When you practice walking, maybe you can check your posture (just in your mind by focusing on whether you feel you are slouched or if your head is bent down low). If you walk the walk, you will soon feel the confidence rising. I know this to be true because I've done this many times.
Fflow, that was interesting information about the build-up of adrenaline in our bodies. I agree that walking and other physical exertion relieves anxiety. I have a tattered piece of paper pasted by my computer that says, "Action is the antidote to despair." I think part of the benefit of walking is the rhythm and also that we automatically breathe in more oxygen to our lungs. You have a smart doctor.
I've had severe anxiety attacks these past few days for a number of reasons which I at least recognize. One of them is about the recent massacre at Virginia Tech, which is not that far from the university my son is at. I live halfway around the world from him. I know if I put a fine analytical point on it, I could disprove my fears that the same thing will happen at his school. But something is programmed deeper than rational thought, at a very gut level, where logic does not work. My blood pressure is way up and my heart pounds in my chest.
I've talked about how I feel with my husband and for a change, he actually listened. I asked if we could visit our son sometime next year, perhaps during the parents' weekend. Previously, he wasn't too keen on it but now seems more open. I guess if I keep knocking on that door, it might eventually open. Something tells me that if I can see my son in his school routine and get a feel for the layout of the security system, then on a gut level, I'll be able to relax more.
A lot of things I've read on this thread also helped me. I think it was quoll who said before that when he has a panic attack he looks at his hands to remind him that his hands are right here and right now, and that helps him re-focus on the present so he can get his mind off useless worrying. This reminds me a lot of some yoga things we do that help us narrow our field of vision to one small focal point, our current sphere of control.
I also like Fflow's suggestion to tailor-make a few affirmative phrases to say to oneself in the mirror. I've read about doing that but haven't ever tried it. I'm going to, now, though. You guys had better watch out though because I'm going to turn into a really scary and beautiful woman after a while.
emptynester, I wish you much happiness and confidence on your son's wedding day. I agree that you seem to have raised some very loving children--what an achievement.
Thank *you* for posting your worries on this thread and articulating them so completely. I agree with everything quoll, bobsgirl and Fflow said. You are definitely entitled to have your feelings and to be commended for being able to voice them out. They are valid and should not be belittled. By sharing them, despite your fears of other people judging you, you have honored yourself and your feelings. And you've also honored us for trusting that we would respect you and your feelings.
I love the image of you surrounded by your sons as you walk down the aisle. When you practice walking, maybe you can check your posture (just in your mind by focusing on whether you feel you are slouched or if your head is bent down low). If you walk the walk, you will soon feel the confidence rising. I know this to be true because I've done this many times.
Fflow, that was interesting information about the build-up of adrenaline in our bodies. I agree that walking and other physical exertion relieves anxiety. I have a tattered piece of paper pasted by my computer that says, "Action is the antidote to despair." I think part of the benefit of walking is the rhythm and also that we automatically breathe in more oxygen to our lungs. You have a smart doctor.
I've had severe anxiety attacks these past few days for a number of reasons which I at least recognize. One of them is about the recent massacre at Virginia Tech, which is not that far from the university my son is at. I live halfway around the world from him. I know if I put a fine analytical point on it, I could disprove my fears that the same thing will happen at his school. But something is programmed deeper than rational thought, at a very gut level, where logic does not work. My blood pressure is way up and my heart pounds in my chest.
I've talked about how I feel with my husband and for a change, he actually listened. I asked if we could visit our son sometime next year, perhaps during the parents' weekend. Previously, he wasn't too keen on it but now seems more open. I guess if I keep knocking on that door, it might eventually open. Something tells me that if I can see my son in his school routine and get a feel for the layout of the security system, then on a gut level, I'll be able to relax more.
A lot of things I've read on this thread also helped me. I think it was quoll who said before that when he has a panic attack he looks at his hands to remind him that his hands are right here and right now, and that helps him re-focus on the present so he can get his mind off useless worrying. This reminds me a lot of some yoga things we do that help us narrow our field of vision to one small focal point, our current sphere of control.
I also like Fflow's suggestion to tailor-make a few affirmative phrases to say to oneself in the mirror. I've read about doing that but haven't ever tried it. I'm going to, now, though. You guys had better watch out though because I'm going to turn into a really scary and beautiful woman after a while.
emptynester, I wish you much happiness and confidence on your son's wedding day. I agree that you seem to have raised some very loving children--what an achievement.
emptynester
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Just a followup. The day of the rehearsal dinner I am at home stuffing Jordan almonds and mints into favor boxes and trying to tie at least 2 out of 40 ribbons alike. I have NBC on when I hear the words "panic attack". I couldn't believe it!
I quickly grabbed a pencil and paper and started taking notes. There were two stories with two different women, both who suffered from "panic disorders." According to this report, panic attacks lead to the disorder and can become so severe that as in the case of both women, the disorder narrows down the world you exist in.
These women were afraid to leave the house, could not even do their own grocery shopping and had difficulty functioning daily. Both were helped by support groups and attended meetings at least once a week and more often in the beginning. Certain medications are prescribed in such severe cases.
The program stressed that it is not known what brings on the attacks but in cases where the attacks are frequent, a panic disorder will usually develop. The disorder becomes far more difficult to deal with the longer you go without seeking help.
At the end of the program they made a few suggestions such as relaxation, eating a healthy diet and other common sense things like facing your fears and putting them into perspective. They said if you want more information you could log on to nbc.com. It was a week or so before I was able to check on it but I didn't find anything relating to it. The day of the broadcast was April 20th. If anyone looks for it and figures it out, let me know. It was a very enlightening program and very much needed that day.
I survived the dreaded walk down the aisle. My middle son (and bestman) walked me down and talked me through it all the way. When we reached our pew, he gave me a kiss and reminded me I would have to do this again at least two more times. He is such a dear.
I quickly grabbed a pencil and paper and started taking notes. There were two stories with two different women, both who suffered from "panic disorders." According to this report, panic attacks lead to the disorder and can become so severe that as in the case of both women, the disorder narrows down the world you exist in.
These women were afraid to leave the house, could not even do their own grocery shopping and had difficulty functioning daily. Both were helped by support groups and attended meetings at least once a week and more often in the beginning. Certain medications are prescribed in such severe cases.
The program stressed that it is not known what brings on the attacks but in cases where the attacks are frequent, a panic disorder will usually develop. The disorder becomes far more difficult to deal with the longer you go without seeking help.
At the end of the program they made a few suggestions such as relaxation, eating a healthy diet and other common sense things like facing your fears and putting them into perspective. They said if you want more information you could log on to nbc.com. It was a week or so before I was able to check on it but I didn't find anything relating to it. The day of the broadcast was April 20th. If anyone looks for it and figures it out, let me know. It was a very enlightening program and very much needed that day.
I survived the dreaded walk down the aisle. My middle son (and bestman) walked me down and talked me through it all the way. When we reached our pew, he gave me a kiss and reminded me I would have to do this again at least two more times. He is such a dear.
cheekygirl75
Brains of the Outfit
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Thought I'd revive this thread, as I can feel the depression that I've struggled with since high school starting to overtake me again. Though it's been going on for 15+ years, I'm just now starting to realize what triggers it, and unfortunately somehow keep putting myself in situations that trigger it (living situations that let me isolate myself too easily).
Anyway, just needed to get that out... maybe there are others around who can relate.
Anyway, just needed to get that out... maybe there are others around who can relate.
Fflow
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Cheeky, I think it is wonderful that you've begun to recognize patterns of behavior that can act as triggers for your anxiety. This one small thing will have a huge impact in the quality of your life. You can, even now, shift your behavior so that, even though you may still feel isolated, you are connected with others. These connections don't have to be deep, or profound, but they can be opportunities to afirm your value, and to see that your life has significance and meaning. Thank you for sharing your insight, and know too that, in doing so, you are breaking the emotional cycle and your thoughts, feelings, and biology are now shifting back to your peaceful, easy, centered state.
Empty Nester, I'm so sorry that I missed this post of yours. I just wanted to embrace and celebrate the positive experience you had. Thank you so much for sharing.
Peace to you all.
srw
Empty Nester, I'm so sorry that I missed this post of yours. I just wanted to embrace and celebrate the positive experience you had. Thank you so much for sharing.
Peace to you all.
srw
cheekygirl75
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Thanks Fflow for the encouraging words. And you're right, any connections help, which is why I've just started posting on here more regularly. But I am a little afraid that I'll get too caught up in an online life, and stop trying to make those connections in real life.
At least I've made this realization in time to change what I've been thinking of doing next year. I've always had this romantic idea that I would be happier in a smaller city, where everyone knows each other and accepts each other. But in reality the ones I've ended up in just tend to be clique-y and limiting. So next year, I'm going for the biggest, most active city I can find.
I hope you're right about the cycle starting to break now... I can't deal with too much more time stuck inside my own head. It's weird in here sometimes
At least I've made this realization in time to change what I've been thinking of doing next year. I've always had this romantic idea that I would be happier in a smaller city, where everyone knows each other and accepts each other. But in reality the ones I've ended up in just tend to be clique-y and limiting. So next year, I'm going for the biggest, most active city I can find.
I hope you're right about the cycle starting to break now... I can't deal with too much more time stuck inside my own head. It's weird in here sometimes
Fflow said:
cheekygirl75
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Fflow said:
Thanks, I think I do have a good understanding of what I need to do to get (and maybe someday keep) myself out of the cycle. It's just frustrating when I can see that, yet I keep putting myself in situations where I get pulled down into it again.
But I think I'm doing well this time around... it feels like the cycle's almost completely broken again, for now. I started pilates this morning with a personal trainer. Not only does more physical activity work (I've been doing taekwondo 3 times a week for about a month and a half, but that's still only about half as must as I worked out at home), but the teacher was really cool. For the first time since I've moved here, I feel like I've met someone who could possibly turn out to be a true friend, and who also lives near me.
Anyway, that was my vent for the night... if I keep this up, I won't need my journal anymore! lol
And *hugs* back at you
Fflow
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I'm so thrilled to hear that you are reaching out, connecting, and doing wonderfully healthy things with your time. With all relationships, take things slowly. Let rapport develop, and don't place all your social needs on one person's shoulders. Just like your investment portfolio, diversification is important in social contexts as well.
Keep us posted!
xoxo
srw
Keep us posted!
xoxo
srw
Quoll
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Just a few thoughts.
...it just seems to go on without end at times and then for a while the clouds clear, I often wonder why we are so surprised when the darkness returns, it happens with such regularity you think we would be used to it, but we never are.
Why?
My opinion: We reject the darkness, no matter how many times we feel it would be easier to just let it flow over and through us, no matter how often we think it would be better to embrace the darkness and simply lock out the world, to divest ourselves of any shred of decency, to believe every sordid hateful thought that insinuates itself into our minds when we are at our weakest.
We don't, because at our core that is not the sort of people we are and we know that these thoughts do not come from our hearts but from our "faulty" minds, we don't want to become the people those thoughts suggest.
It's tiring and seems neverending, but that spark within is strong and determined.
...it just seems to go on without end at times and then for a while the clouds clear, I often wonder why we are so surprised when the darkness returns, it happens with such regularity you think we would be used to it, but we never are.
Why?
My opinion: We reject the darkness, no matter how many times we feel it would be easier to just let it flow over and through us, no matter how often we think it would be better to embrace the darkness and simply lock out the world, to divest ourselves of any shred of decency, to believe every sordid hateful thought that insinuates itself into our minds when we are at our weakest.
We don't, because at our core that is not the sort of people we are and we know that these thoughts do not come from our hearts but from our "faulty" minds, we don't want to become the people those thoughts suggest.
It's tiring and seems neverending, but that spark within is strong and determined.
Fflow
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There's a mental exercise I learned some time ago that requires one to imagine one's self as whole, perfect, and complete. One is as one should be, right now, and knows that one is equipped, from birth, with all one needs to fulfill one's destiny. Also, in the style of affirmations, one does not reject those parts of one's self that are problematic, but instead embraces and loves them. The pain we experience is not bad if we use it to become better, more awakened, human beings. Recognize it, embrace it, and release it with gratitude.
What do you think of this?
If I were to rewrite it as an affirmation, it would go something like this:
I am whole, perfect, and complete, imbued at birth with all I need to fulfill my destiny. I accept, embrace, and love myself in all my aspects, and lovingly free my mind to see this truth: I, and all there is, is just as it should be. I fill my mind and heart with gratitude for this moment, and let it expand to encompass every moment, past and future. I know that this and every moment is perfect, and unfolding for my ultimate benefit.
What do you think of this?
If I were to rewrite it as an affirmation, it would go something like this:
I am whole, perfect, and complete, imbued at birth with all I need to fulfill my destiny. I accept, embrace, and love myself in all my aspects, and lovingly free my mind to see this truth: I, and all there is, is just as it should be. I fill my mind and heart with gratitude for this moment, and let it expand to encompass every moment, past and future. I know that this and every moment is perfect, and unfolding for my ultimate benefit.
MercyMia
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Fflow said:
That's beautiful, Fflow. I like the premise that we are as we should be. This is the springboard towards completeness. The beauty and cosmetic industries would suppress this philosophy, of course.
I've been giving some thought to impatience lately. For me, being impatient means I'm not at ease where I am. I dissect the moment (it only takes a couple of seconds) to figure out the source of my discomfort. Sometimes I can control it (move away from the window because the sun is glaring in my eyes; tune out the lady with the strident voice sitting at the next table). Sometimes I can't. But when I make an effort to figure out what's beneath the impatience, it usually cools down my short temper and allows me to re-focus on better things.
{{{{{quoll}}}}} and to everyone on this fine thread.
Fflow
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I think it is great that you're identifying your feelings, taking responsibility for them, and exploring their roots. Sometimes the easiest way to deal with challenging people is to find compassion for them. Maybe the woman who is speaking too loudly feels that, emotionally, she isn't heard. Perhaps, in her family, she had to shout to be heard. By reframing them, you can see them with the eyes of compassion, and more easily release your own emotional responses.
I have a question about the positive thinking.
I can see how it helps with anxiety and panic attacks and low self esteem, but I wonder how effective it is when dealing with clinical depression, it is my understanding that most people with severe clinical depression would struggle to raise their thoughts to such a high level. I could actually imagine it having an almost negative effect on them.
Thoughts?
I can see how it helps with anxiety and panic attacks and low self esteem, but I wonder how effective it is when dealing with clinical depression, it is my understanding that most people with severe clinical depression would struggle to raise their thoughts to such a high level. I could actually imagine it having an almost negative effect on them.
Thoughts?
Chicklet
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Gamine said:
when I used positive thinking (I didn't train myself well enough to stick with it) I found that even if I didn't actually think positively, if I could say it out loud in a manner that made the situation seem more positive to others, then instead of sympathy they'd give me congratulations, and treat me in a more positive way. Eventually, if I said something out loud the right way enough times, I found myself thinking it that way.
= )
Fflow
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Gamine,
No treatment system or methodology is perfect, or without risk. This is true for drugs, talk therapy, and everything else. Some people who suffer from clinical depression, when given drugs, recover just enough to end their lives. Similarly, some will not benefit from 'reframing,' or positive thinking. I don't see, though, how it would be harmful, unless one has an unfounded and unrealistic expectation about the results prior to trying it, or if they used it as a replacement therapy without consulting their health care provider.
I've never been diagnosed with clinical depression, although I have certain symptoms that make me wonder if I do suffer from it, or something similar. Still, what I've found for me is that when I choose to disconnect my happiness from circumstances, when I choose to take responsibility for all of my thoughts, feelings, and actions, I feel empowered.
Truthfully, positive thinking is just one small part of mindfulness. What many people have discovered is that, in our normal existance, we have an internal dialog that shapes how we see the world, and ourselves. This internal dialog may tell us that we're no-good shits, or that we're perfect and complete. What determines this is the state of our unconscious thought patterns. When we use positive thinking, reframing, and hypnosis we are becoming self aware, mindful of the thought patterns that exist just below our normal perception, and responsible for their content. Once we have this awareness, we can begin using our conscious minds to reprogram our unconscious thinking, thus changing or rewriting the scripts that constantly run our internal dialog.
Someone once told me that we are not robots. When we receive a stimulus we are not forced to respond in a predetermined way. In fact, we can train ourselves to pause for a moment after receiving a stimulus, and consider what response is most appropriate for the outcome we desire. When we begin to do this, our thoughts and actions cease to be habitual, and become self-directed.
Peace.
srw
No treatment system or methodology is perfect, or without risk. This is true for drugs, talk therapy, and everything else. Some people who suffer from clinical depression, when given drugs, recover just enough to end their lives. Similarly, some will not benefit from 'reframing,' or positive thinking. I don't see, though, how it would be harmful, unless one has an unfounded and unrealistic expectation about the results prior to trying it, or if they used it as a replacement therapy without consulting their health care provider.
I've never been diagnosed with clinical depression, although I have certain symptoms that make me wonder if I do suffer from it, or something similar. Still, what I've found for me is that when I choose to disconnect my happiness from circumstances, when I choose to take responsibility for all of my thoughts, feelings, and actions, I feel empowered.
Truthfully, positive thinking is just one small part of mindfulness. What many people have discovered is that, in our normal existance, we have an internal dialog that shapes how we see the world, and ourselves. This internal dialog may tell us that we're no-good shits, or that we're perfect and complete. What determines this is the state of our unconscious thought patterns. When we use positive thinking, reframing, and hypnosis we are becoming self aware, mindful of the thought patterns that exist just below our normal perception, and responsible for their content. Once we have this awareness, we can begin using our conscious minds to reprogram our unconscious thinking, thus changing or rewriting the scripts that constantly run our internal dialog.
Someone once told me that we are not robots. When we receive a stimulus we are not forced to respond in a predetermined way. In fact, we can train ourselves to pause for a moment after receiving a stimulus, and consider what response is most appropriate for the outcome we desire. When we begin to do this, our thoughts and actions cease to be habitual, and become self-directed.
Peace.
srw
Last edited:
SxRx
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Mood Disorders
All,
Just skimmed a little through this thread to get a little sense of what had been going on her sense the beginning. Let me say this that I work in a mental health center and work as a professional in assisting folks deal with their emotional health on an outpatient basis.
One of the most important issues in having emotional problems, is to first seek out your Primary Care Physician. I think a complete physical along with a base line blood study can help assess what may or may not be happening physiologically. You can find the culprit at this stage, whether it's a thyroid condition, anemia and so many other things.
Once you have had the basic physical, lab work and such, then it becomes a matter of ruling in and ruling out conditions based on symptoms. So it's very important to pay attention to things that are going on in your life and in your body.
It's important depending on your situation to find someone who is good at diagnosing specific conditions and disorders. Depending on a wide variety of factors, it may be that you have pure depression. For this condition, there are certain antidepressants that work best with individuals. Depression can have psychotic features, it can be accompanied by anxiety, and usually is, and so it is again, important to be seeing someone who specializes in psychiatric conditions. I think that starting out seeing a therapist can be helpful, but they need to be sensitive to when you might need referral to some one who can prescribe meds since some mood disorders are just too virulent to respond to 'talk therapy' alone.
If it turns out that you have more rapid mood swings, have periods of depression as well as 'highs' it may be that you have one of the versions of bipolar. Interestingly, if you try to treat bipolar with a typical antidepressant it will simply irritate and agitate the condition. So, get thee to a psychiatrist if things are getting pretty desperate. How to tell when this is so? When your so called 'vegetative states' are really getting pounded. This would be sleep disturbance, loss of interest in what used to give you pleasure, appetite disturbance(usually a lack of), weight fluctuations, loss of your sex drive, inability to function in normal activities of daily living, crying at the drop of the hat and for no reason, difficulty getting along with others and the list goes on.
If your condition is one of mood swings or bipolar, then some of the newer drugs(SSRI) can be a godsend. Lexapro, Ability and others work on more than one receptor and so can be much more effective than some of the older drugs though they still have there place. They work to stabilize the mood rather than elevate the mood. This is an important difference.
Of course, there are many ways to enhance and maximize your recovery: basic good health, nutrition and exercise. Exercise is crucial and has tons of scientific studies that show a strong correlation between exercise and mental health. Find a walking partner, ride a bike, swim. The other important considertion is to overcome isolation unless you have been diagnosed with agoraphobia or panic disorder. Then there will be specialized desenstization treatment options in addition to medicine. Get up and get out of bed. Establish and maintain as regular a routine as you can. If you are not working, take a course, volunteer or just get out and do things.
It is important to keep updating your condition, see your psychiatrist or PCP on a regular basis to see if you are getting benefit from all options. Most HMO's and health insurance plans will allow for some level of mental health care. You may have to select from a list of approved providers, but explore what benefits you have under you health insurance.
Certainly, there are a whole host of alternative care options - Chinese medicine and acupuncture, chiropractic, holistic medicine and so on.
If you have been on a certain med for a long period of time, it may be time for a change. There are some wonderful drugs out there, but all have side effects. Cymbalta helps depression and chronic pain; Effexor helps with depression and anxiety, wellbutrin helps with depression and OCD
If you don't take your meds regularly then you can't get a good read on its effectiveness so keep up with your appts, get your meds refilled and take them as prescribed. Also, for those of you who have had suicidal thoughts, please have a safe plan in mind on what to do and who to call if you feel overwhelmed and paralyzed. You may end up at the ER or in a psych ward for a few days, but it's better than the alternative.
Best to all,
SxRx
All,
Just skimmed a little through this thread to get a little sense of what had been going on her sense the beginning. Let me say this that I work in a mental health center and work as a professional in assisting folks deal with their emotional health on an outpatient basis.
One of the most important issues in having emotional problems, is to first seek out your Primary Care Physician. I think a complete physical along with a base line blood study can help assess what may or may not be happening physiologically. You can find the culprit at this stage, whether it's a thyroid condition, anemia and so many other things.
Once you have had the basic physical, lab work and such, then it becomes a matter of ruling in and ruling out conditions based on symptoms. So it's very important to pay attention to things that are going on in your life and in your body.
It's important depending on your situation to find someone who is good at diagnosing specific conditions and disorders. Depending on a wide variety of factors, it may be that you have pure depression. For this condition, there are certain antidepressants that work best with individuals. Depression can have psychotic features, it can be accompanied by anxiety, and usually is, and so it is again, important to be seeing someone who specializes in psychiatric conditions. I think that starting out seeing a therapist can be helpful, but they need to be sensitive to when you might need referral to some one who can prescribe meds since some mood disorders are just too virulent to respond to 'talk therapy' alone.
If it turns out that you have more rapid mood swings, have periods of depression as well as 'highs' it may be that you have one of the versions of bipolar. Interestingly, if you try to treat bipolar with a typical antidepressant it will simply irritate and agitate the condition. So, get thee to a psychiatrist if things are getting pretty desperate. How to tell when this is so? When your so called 'vegetative states' are really getting pounded. This would be sleep disturbance, loss of interest in what used to give you pleasure, appetite disturbance(usually a lack of), weight fluctuations, loss of your sex drive, inability to function in normal activities of daily living, crying at the drop of the hat and for no reason, difficulty getting along with others and the list goes on.
If your condition is one of mood swings or bipolar, then some of the newer drugs(SSRI) can be a godsend. Lexapro, Ability and others work on more than one receptor and so can be much more effective than some of the older drugs though they still have there place. They work to stabilize the mood rather than elevate the mood. This is an important difference.
Of course, there are many ways to enhance and maximize your recovery: basic good health, nutrition and exercise. Exercise is crucial and has tons of scientific studies that show a strong correlation between exercise and mental health. Find a walking partner, ride a bike, swim. The other important considertion is to overcome isolation unless you have been diagnosed with agoraphobia or panic disorder. Then there will be specialized desenstization treatment options in addition to medicine. Get up and get out of bed. Establish and maintain as regular a routine as you can. If you are not working, take a course, volunteer or just get out and do things.
It is important to keep updating your condition, see your psychiatrist or PCP on a regular basis to see if you are getting benefit from all options. Most HMO's and health insurance plans will allow for some level of mental health care. You may have to select from a list of approved providers, but explore what benefits you have under you health insurance.
Certainly, there are a whole host of alternative care options - Chinese medicine and acupuncture, chiropractic, holistic medicine and so on.
If you have been on a certain med for a long period of time, it may be time for a change. There are some wonderful drugs out there, but all have side effects. Cymbalta helps depression and chronic pain; Effexor helps with depression and anxiety, wellbutrin helps with depression and OCD
If you don't take your meds regularly then you can't get a good read on its effectiveness so keep up with your appts, get your meds refilled and take them as prescribed. Also, for those of you who have had suicidal thoughts, please have a safe plan in mind on what to do and who to call if you feel overwhelmed and paralyzed. You may end up at the ER or in a psych ward for a few days, but it's better than the alternative.
Best to all,
SxRx
JustSkye
Gatinha
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2003
- Posts
- 45,533
http://iyume.com/blog/2FISH_SOCIETY.htm
This was an interesting read
I hope everyone is doing well, as well as can be, and having a good weekend.
This was an interesting read
I hope everyone is doing well, as well as can be, and having a good weekend.
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