![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sad and Blue on February 27, 2004, at 10:05:24
Question for everyone with depression and anxiety; With your depression where does it stem from, loss of family member, lack of self confidence, worthlessness, and a constant state of mind telling yourself you're a complete loser? Or is this depression and anxiety actually a chemical imbalance that we must endure and consume medication?
What do you honestly feel why you are where you are with your depression?
Posted by Sebastian on February 27, 2004, at 11:38:15
In reply to Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by Sad and Blue on February 27, 2004, at 10:05:24
I think my depression anxiety comes from past drug use. And events that happened.
Posted by B2chica on February 27, 2004, at 13:12:39
In reply to Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by Sad and Blue on February 27, 2004, at 10:05:24
> Question for everyone with depression and anxiety; With your depression where does it stem from, loss of family member, lack of self confidence, worthlessness, and a constant state of mind telling yourself you're a complete loser? Or is this depression and anxiety actually a chemical imbalance that we must endure and consume medication?
> What do you honestly feel why you are where you are with your depression?i think it's both chemical and environmental. I've done a lot of thinking about my past since my Dx. and there are definately demons back there that are contributing. The bad thing is either way i feel real f**ked up right now with no easy fixes. My life as i knew it (or the illusion of it) is gone. I just feel like i'm fighting an invisible enemy. sometimes i wonder if the fights worth it.
B2c.
Posted by Althea8869 on February 27, 2004, at 13:46:48
In reply to Re: Your own opinion with depression Anxiety » Sad and Blue, posted by B2chica on February 27, 2004, at 13:12:39
'sometimes i wonder if the fights worth it.'
Im sorry if it sounds trite, but Ive always believed that you fight the fights that are worth fighting. I STRONGLY believe that for each person, a solution exists. Getting to that solution may be fast for some and may take the better part of a lifetime for others. I'm in a similar boat to everyone else on this board, Ive tried and failed many therapies - But i'll be damned if im going to let this 'thing' beat me. For me, this is a fight worth fighting. I hope it is for you as well.
Posted by rainyday on February 27, 2004, at 14:19:28
In reply to Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by Sad and Blue on February 27, 2004, at 10:05:24
Or is this depression and anxiety actually a chemical imbalance that we must endure and consume medication?
> What do you honestly feel why you are where you are with your depression?I think I had several past traumatic events that "broke" me into the depression (BP II) and now I'm left with a chemical imbalance. The anxiety I think my body "learned" as a result of those traumatic experiences, and it will take medication and therapy to improve that too. I recognize that none of this happened overnight, so for me to expect a magic pill to make me all better is unrealistic. I also recognize that given how differently we react as individuals makes it unwise to expect that what works for one person will work for another.
For me, I think the journey has just started. I have been getting treatment off and on for over 5 years, but only recently have I decided to actively participate in my recovery. Up until then it was something I felt had just happened to me (because I'm a loser, because I'm defective, because I'm not smart or pretty enough, blah blah blah).
Posted by B2chica on February 27, 2004, at 14:19:41
In reply to Re: Your own opinion with depression Anxiety » B2chica, posted by Althea8869 on February 27, 2004, at 13:46:48
> Im sorry if it sounds trite, but Ive always believed that you fight the fights that are worth fighting. I STRONGLY believe that for each person, a solution exists. Getting to that solution may be fast for some and may take the better part of a lifetime for others. I'm in a similar boat to everyone else on this board, Ive tried and failed many therapies - But i'll be damned if im going to let this 'thing' beat me. For me, this is a fight worth fighting. I hope it is for you as well.
nothing said on this board is trite, i just feel this dark cape swallowing me up. I could feel it coming on last week but it's here in spades now. I have no outlook right now-it's minute by minute trying to fight off the s.ideations. i keep watching this board and reading others-it's helps to hear others. my support system has crumbled out from underneath me and it feels like i'm grasping at air to keep afloat.
B2c.
Posted by psychogirl on February 27, 2004, at 14:51:55
In reply to Re: Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by B2chica on February 27, 2004, at 14:19:41
> > Im sorry if it sounds trite, but Ive always believed that you fight the fights that are worth fighting. I STRONGLY believe that for each person, a solution exists. Getting to that solution may be fast for some and may take the better part of a lifetime for others. I'm in a similar boat to everyone else on this board, Ive tried and failed many therapies - But i'll be damned if im going to let this 'thing' beat me. For me, this is a fight worth fighting. I hope it is for you as well.
>
> nothing said on this board is trite, i just feel this dark cape swallowing me up. I could feel it coming on last week but it's here in spades now. I have no outlook right now-it's minute by minute trying to fight off the s.ideations. i keep watching this board and reading others-it's helps to hear others. my support system has crumbled out from underneath me and it feels like i'm grasping at air to keep afloat.
> B2c.
>
B2c....I've been reading the above thread. We ARE your support system. We're here because we need each other. We're here because we need to know there are others "like us". Never feel that your support system is crumbling. Come to this board, and you'll always have a friend, and you'll always have someone who believes...even if you don't.
The last few weeks have been a disaster for me too. I'm on the verge of losing my job( as a radio broadcaster) because my anxiety is so severe I can barely speak at times. I freeze when my mic comes on. .....can you believe how ridiculous that sounds? I'm a professional broadcaster who can't talk. My boss has recently become aware of the problem. I had to take a couple of days off because after my doc doubled my dosage of celexa my mouth got so dry and my tongue swelled...I actually couldn't speak properly. You should've heard me. After I cried my eyes out, I realized how funny it all was.
I sat down and asked myself....what is so frightening in my life that I can barely breathe at times? No answer.
I was recently sent to a shrink in my city who is considered the best...and he told me it's all chemical and genetic. That part of my brain just isn't getting what it needs, so that's why the medication is necessary. So I need to believe that I'm not a freak. I'm just sick, and I can get better. Everyone doc I've spoken to keeps telling me. Hang in there, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. So, I'm telling you the same. Keep fighting the good fight. Wow, that was one hell of a rant wasn't it? Hoe you have a great day. :)psycho girl
Posted by Thereishope on February 27, 2004, at 14:56:33
In reply to Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by Sad and Blue on February 27, 2004, at 10:05:24
My anxiety disorder triggered my depression. It started with feeling dizzy, then the panic attacks and then as time progressed the depression.
Where did all of this come from...well I think mine is hormonal/genetic. I had a panic attack while pregnant. Panic disorder runs in my family.
> Question for everyone with depression and anxiety; With your depression where does it stem from, loss of family member, lack of self confidence, worthlessness, and a constant state of mind telling yourself you're a complete loser? Or is this depression and anxiety actually a chemical imbalance that we must endure and consume medication?
> What do you honestly feel why you are where you are with your depression?
Posted by Thereishope on February 27, 2004, at 15:01:16
In reply to Re: Your own opinion with depression Anxiety » B2chica, posted by Althea8869 on February 27, 2004, at 13:46:48
Amen! Althea, may God bless you I needed to read your post. We all need encouragement, an I'm quite "needy" right now. Like yourself I'm determined to finish this race. Thanks for these very needed words of encouragement today :)
Thereishope
> 'sometimes i wonder if the fights worth it.'
>
> Im sorry if it sounds trite, but Ive always believed that you fight the fights that are worth fighting. I STRONGLY believe that for each person, a solution exists. Getting to that solution may be fast for some and may take the better part of a lifetime for others. I'm in a similar boat to everyone else on this board, Ive tried and failed many therapies - But i'll be damned if im going to let this 'thing' beat me. For me, this is a fight worth fighting. I hope it is for you as well.
Posted by rainyday on February 27, 2004, at 15:10:42
In reply to Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by Sad and Blue on February 27, 2004, at 10:05:24
I am very grateful for this forum to remind me that there is a community of us out there, wherever we live and whatever we do for a living. It is so heartening to read other peoples' experiences and in so doing validating your own. There ARE biological and genetic reasons why we are ill. I love to read a post and say to myself, "me too!".
So glad we can support each other this way. It really helps get through a day.
Rainyday
Posted by bill-bob on February 27, 2004, at 15:33:26
In reply to Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by Sad and Blue on February 27, 2004, at 10:05:24
In my case, I believe it is both genetic and environmental. Throughout my life I have mostly been a "glass half-empty" kind of person who can see a dark cloud in every silver lining. This attitude is definitely not voluntary, but just seems to be a part of who I am (the genetic part of the depression I would guess). Nevertheless, I have not had serious depression for most of my life (I’m in my early fifties).
Then a few years ago my job and family situation started changing for the worse at the same time and I slowly started slipping into a black depression (although at the time I didn't know that's what it was – I thought I just needed some testosterone for energy, valium for anxiety and sleeping aids for insomnia!).
I've been on Lexapro for almost 3 months now and life is most definitely far better for me now. I've just started some counseling which I hope will help allow me to come off the Lex at some point, although I am worried that I’ll slip back into the depression at that point - I’ll just have to try it and see.
Another thing happening in my case is that I’ve developed slightly high blood pressure, and so I’ve also made some major changes in my diet trying to avoid using hypertensive drugs if I can (less salt, more whole grain foods, fewer “white” carbohydrates, eating more fish, taking flax oil), and sometimes I wonder if this is also contributing to my healthier mental state over the last month or so. ???
Best of luck to you.
B-B
Posted by Althea8869 on February 27, 2004, at 15:36:57
In reply to Re: Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by B2chica on February 27, 2004, at 14:19:41
B2Chica - Last year I lost my brother to suicide. A couple months later my best friend lost his brother to suicide. I know the S. ideation is there, ive felt it all too often. It goes away - believe in that. To borrow something I learned in AA many years ago and reword it a bit, forget yesterday, its gone dont waste time thinking about it. As for tomorrow, it will come - thats a certainty in life, but dont worry about tomorrow either. Today, no matter how bad you feel, - say to yourself, 'I dont care about yesterday or tomorrow, but today Im going to fight and live on'. I know it seems silly, but its helped me and many others as well. Just make it through today. Tomorrow, when you wake up, say the same thing.
Posted by B2chica on February 27, 2004, at 15:39:12
In reply to Re: Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by psychogirl on February 27, 2004, at 14:51:55
> B2c....I've been reading the above thread. We ARE your support system. We're here because we need each other. We're here because we need to know there are others "like us". Never feel that your support system is crumbling. Come to this board, and you'll always have a friend, and you'll always have someone who believes...even if you don't.
> psycho girlThankYou psychogirl.
i don't think you know how much i need you all right now. My so-called family support is convinced that it's all in my head. Even my husband is in total denial, and thinks i'm a hypochondriac. That i'm just under a lot of stress and the doctors are taking advantage of that. I mean i Finally after years of pain.. i found out why i feel the way i feel and that there's help, and that there are others and now...now it's like that's being taken away. I'm just very confused and tired.
I'm sorry to hear about your trouble with work. You seem very strong. i couldn't even go into work at times and was written up and almost fired from no-shows or late. I wish only the best for you.
i have an appt with pdoc in two weeks, i'll try to hang on to that. I'm sorry i ranted.
B2c.
Posted by linnie on February 27, 2004, at 15:47:10
In reply to Re: Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by bill-bob on February 27, 2004, at 15:33:26
>
How much lexapro do you take? Did you feel better after 1 month?
>
In my case, I believe it is both genetic and environmental. Throughout my life I have mostly been a "glass half-empty" kind of person who can see a dark cloud in every silver lining. This attitude is definitely not voluntary, but just seems to be a part of who I am (the genetic part of the depression I would guess). Nevertheless, I have not had serious depression for most of my life (I’m in my early fifties).> Then a few years ago my job and family situation started changing for the worse at the same time and I slowly started slipping into a black depression (although at the time I didn't know that's what it was – I thought I just needed some testosterone for energy, valium for anxiety and sleeping aids for insomnia!).
>
> I've been on Lexapro for almost 3 months now and life is most definitely far better for me now. I've just started some counseling which I hope will help allow me to come off the Lex at some point, although I am worried that I’ll slip back into the depression at that point - I’ll just have to try it and see.
>
> Another thing happening in my case is that I’ve developed slightly high blood pressure, and so I’ve also made some major changes in my diet trying to avoid using hypertensive drugs if I can (less salt, more whole grain foods, fewer “white” carbohydrates, eating more fish, taking flax oil), and sometimes I wonder if this is also contributing to my healthier mental state over the last month or so. ???
>
> Best of luck to you.
>
> B-B
>
Posted by bill-bob on February 27, 2004, at 16:04:57
In reply to Re: Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by linnie on February 27, 2004, at 15:47:10
Linnie - I'm taking 10 mgs of Lexapro per day, although for the first 3 weeks I was on 5 mgs. I would say I felt improved after 3 weeks but that it probably took 6 - 8 weeks total until I reached the point I'm at now - which is much improved.
B-B.
Posted by KXo on February 27, 2004, at 18:37:06
In reply to Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by Sad and Blue on February 27, 2004, at 10:05:24
My father and my mother are anxious... I learned to deal with things in life like they do, so I became anxious too.
I learned and believe that it is wrong to act anxiously. As I am not satisfied with my acts, I became also depressed.
I think they can live well with anxiety, because they themselves don't believe they are acting wrong as I do.
KXo
Posted by psychogirl on February 27, 2004, at 18:52:37
In reply to Re: Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by B2chica on February 27, 2004, at 15:39:12
Hi B2C, It's me again. I'm so happy that you felt better reading my post. After reading what you had to say about everyone saying it was "all in your head" I can't help but think we live in parallel universes. My closest colleague is aware of my situation and constantly tells me it's in my head, too. I can't imagine his frustration in having to deal with me every day...going on the air with a person who can barely speak and covering for me and sounding like a mic hog (which he tells me he hates, and of course adds to the pressure....great). My husband is just confused by all of it, and is so worried about me that I worry about him worrying about me. I keep trying to tell him that unless he struggles with anxiety, he'll never know the daily fight involved. The fight just to ward off that shaking feeling in the pit of your stomach (I tell him it feels like my insides are turning to mush).
Anyway, now I'm ranting. But, I too am waiting for an appointment with a cognitive therapist (truthfully, I don't even know what the hell that is, but my family doctor got me on a waiting list). On tuesday, i'm going to an Ear/Nose/Throat doctor to rule out anything physical...just so I'm sure I'm crazy.But hang on, we'll get there. WE will....you'll see.
:)
> ThankYou psychogirl.
> i don't think you know how much i need you all right now. My so-called family support is convinced that it's all in my head. Even my husband is in total denial, and thinks i'm a hypochondriac. That i'm just under a lot of stress and the doctors are taking advantage of that. I mean i Finally after years of pain.. i found out why i feel the way i feel and that there's help, and that there are others and now...now it's like that's being taken away. I'm just very confused and tired.
> I'm sorry to hear about your trouble with work. You seem very strong. i couldn't even go into work at times and was written up and almost fired from no-shows or late. I wish only the best for you.
> i have an appt with pdoc in two weeks, i'll try to hang on to that. I'm sorry i ranted.
> B2c.
>
>
Posted by B2chica on February 28, 2004, at 13:20:05
In reply to Re: Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by psychogirl on February 27, 2004, at 18:52:37
Psychogirl.
This thread is just waiting to get rerouted but i wanted to comment....i'll be over at the Social board.
B2c.
Posted by Nemo2 on February 28, 2004, at 20:11:09
In reply to Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by Sad and Blue on February 27, 2004, at 10:05:24
I know I've always been very "intense" and "serious". Since childhood. I'm 54 now. I know my emotions run very deep. I cry easily when drama happens on the silver screen. Even on commercials. I've been conscious of my emotional sensitivity since young adulthood and have worked hard to be professional and successful and "controlled". Today, after falling into a true depression over the last 5 years, I am convinced that this "intensity" is a high natural level of anxiety in my personal make up (my chemical balance). The depression and increased level of anxiety made me live from day to day, hour to hour, just trying to survive. Waiting for something good to happen. Lexapro has reduced the anxiety dramatically and the depression has all but evaporated. I see this as a propensity in my chemical balance to be anxious and susceptible to depression. Seratonin as adjusted by Lexapro has changed the balance and changed me. I am different. I am better. I love it. Who cares if my orgasms are less intense. Lord God, give me a happy and confident outlook on life and I'll give up sex and alcohol and golf and a few years of my life. Hot Damn !!
What came first, the "imbalance" or the life changes. They happened together and they fed off eachother. Complicated. Same thing happened to two of my Mom's brothers and her Dad. All three took their own lives by age 60. Maybe age has something to do with male depression. Complicate. Nemo2
Posted by shadows721 on February 29, 2004, at 17:56:31
In reply to Your own opinion with depression Anxiety, posted by Sad and Blue on February 27, 2004, at 10:05:24
I remember being a very sensitive and sad child. I was a loner. I was sexually abused, but had no clear memories of it until I was around 25 y/o. I had nightmares and partial flashbacks in teen years, but didn't attribute it to anything.
Now, I am in my 30's and have fallen into the worst depression of my life. I startle with everything. I have chronic pain as well. I think this is what tipped my cup to fall over.
I do have negative thinking. I think sometimes I can't take living in constant state of hypervigiliance. It is a painful existence. Some how, I hold on to hope.
I am on many meds and I know I am some bit better with them. However, I am still not mentally right. It feels like I had some type of mental breakdown. With my history in mind, this was going to happen. It seems like I can't handle very much anymore.
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 4, 2004, at 2:17:52
In reply to psychogirl, meet in Social, posted by B2chica on February 28, 2004, at 13:20:05
> This thread is just waiting to get rerouted but i wanted to comment....i'll be over at the Social board.
Thanks for switching boards. I would in fact like follow-ups not about medication to be redirected to Psycho-Social-Babble. Is this the right link?
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040219/msgs/318522.html
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.