Psycho-Babble Social Thread 27799

Shown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Just don't like people anymore...

Posted by libbyh on August 1, 2002, at 21:57:27

My third major depression seems to be mostly in remission with my daily meds: Ritalin SR, Wellbutrin SR, & Prozac. The one lingering, nagging problem is that I don't like people anymore.

I don't DISLIKE them and I'm not AFRAID of them. I relate to them well enough and can usually find something in common with anyone I talk to... It's just that my interactions remain consistently on a very superficial level... When I am thrust into a new group situation, on the surface, I seem to function just fine. At the end of the first couple of meetings, you might think I was popular because most people like me immediately. However, as time goes on and the other people in the group become more intimate with each other, my problem surfaces. It's not that I couldn't go further. Its' that I'm not motivated to go further. It simply isn't worth the trouble to get to know others beyond the most superficial level. It's not because I think I'm better or worse than them... It's that I feel-strongly- that friendship is more trouble than it's worth. Friends don't mean anything "good" to me anymore... only more demands on my time & energy...

I wasn't always this way... When this round of depression started, I had lots of close friends. Now there's only the slightest resemblance between that person and the hermit I've become.

I am bothered by my problem to some extent, obviously- or I wouldn't be writing this... But the thing that bothers me is that I "know" it isn't normal. There isn't any real desire to change, but I do have a morbid curiosity about why...

Is this too strange for ya'll to relate to?
Any ideas about what's going on? Will it ever change back? If I don't venture out into the world of friendships again, what are the long term consequences of that?

L.

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh

Posted by mist on August 1, 2002, at 23:51:22

In reply to Just don't like people anymore..., posted by libbyh on August 1, 2002, at 21:57:27

I feel much the way you do about friendships. I'm sorry to say I don't have any answers to your questions. I wonder the same things.

-mist


> My third major depression seems to be mostly in remission with my daily meds: Ritalin SR, Wellbutrin SR, & Prozac. The one lingering, nagging problem is that I don't like people anymore.
>
> I don't DISLIKE them and I'm not AFRAID of them. I relate to them well enough and can usually find something in common with anyone I talk to... It's just that my interactions remain consistently on a very superficial level... When I am thrust into a new group situation, on the surface, I seem to function just fine. At the end of the first couple of meetings, you might think I was popular because most people like me immediately. However, as time goes on and the other people in the group become more intimate with each other, my problem surfaces. It's not that I couldn't go further. Its' that I'm not motivated to go further. It simply isn't worth the trouble to get to know others beyond the most superficial level. It's not because I think I'm better or worse than them... It's that I feel-strongly- that friendship is more trouble than it's worth. Friends don't mean anything "good" to me anymore... only more demands on my time & energy...
>
> I wasn't always this way... When this round of depression started, I had lots of close friends. Now there's only the slightest resemblance between that person and the hermit I've become.
>
> I am bothered by my problem to some extent, obviously- or I wouldn't be writing this... But the thing that bothers me is that I "know" it isn't normal. There isn't any real desire to change, but I do have a morbid curiosity about why...
>
> Is this too strange for ya'll to relate to?
> Any ideas about what's going on? Will it ever change back? If I don't venture out into the world of friendships again, what are the long term consequences of that?
>
> L.

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh

Posted by Tabi T. Ha :-) on August 2, 2002, at 0:10:27

In reply to Just don't like people anymore..., posted by libbyh on August 1, 2002, at 21:57:27

Hi Libby,

I've gone through similar phases where it seemed like socializing just took too much energy. When my depression was bad, even making simple chit-chat like "Hi, how are you doing" seemed draining. It comes and goes.

I also withdrew from people when I was focusing a lot of my energy on my mental health. I didn't exactly want to tell people all about it for privacy reasons, and it seemed like it dominated my life, so that left me without much to say.

I wouldn't worry about feeling withdrawn for a while, you may just need to save your energy for your own healing.

Tabitha

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh

Posted by barbaracat on August 2, 2002, at 1:35:00

In reply to Just don't like people anymore..., posted by libbyh on August 1, 2002, at 21:57:27

Well, nothing too strange here. First of all, your meds are responsible for alot of this. Welcome to SSRI induced apathy. Prozac is infamous for causing this. Secondly, depression by it's very definition implies that you're empty, bored and disinterested, or utterly fatigued, or in anguish and despair over your terminable loneliness. Once you start enjoying others company again, you can no longer call yourself a card-carrying depressive. Or possibly you'll be able to take 'em or leave 'em with the realization that your own company is far more fulfilling than people who are not your kindred spirits. Thirdly, not all, but a good deal of people are jerks. They're stressed out, unhappy, and desperate, and compassion for all is greatly needed in this world. But they're still unconscious self-serving jerks. I'm amazed how anyone can work all day in a public service job. That's not to say that there aren't many wonderful, precious souls out there, but they are not so brash and obvious as are jerks. Perhaps you could use a break from inanity for a bit and develop a love affair with yourself?

> My third major depression seems to be mostly in remission with my daily meds: Ritalin SR, Wellbutrin SR, & Prozac. The one lingering, nagging problem is that I don't like people anymore.
>
> I don't DISLIKE them and I'm not AFRAID of them. I relate to them well enough and can usually find something in common with anyone I talk to... It's just that my interactions remain consistently on a very superficial level... When I am thrust into a new group situation, on the surface, I seem to function just fine. At the end of the first couple of meetings, you might think I was popular because most people like me immediately. However, as time goes on and the other people in the group become more intimate with each other, my problem surfaces. It's not that I couldn't go further. Its' that I'm not motivated to go further. It simply isn't worth the trouble to get to know others beyond the most superficial level. It's not because I think I'm better or worse than them... It's that I feel-strongly- that friendship is more trouble than it's worth. Friends don't mean anything "good" to me anymore... only more demands on my time & energy...
>
> I wasn't always this way... When this round of depression started, I had lots of close friends. Now there's only the slightest resemblance between that person and the hermit I've become.
>
> I am bothered by my problem to some extent, obviously- or I wouldn't be writing this... But the thing that bothers me is that I "know" it isn't normal. There isn't any real desire to change, but I do have a morbid curiosity about why...
>
> Is this too strange for ya'll to relate to?
> Any ideas about what's going on? Will it ever change back? If I don't venture out into the world of friendships again, what are the long term consequences of that?
>
> L.

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh

Posted by allisonm on August 2, 2002, at 8:07:51

In reply to Just don't like people anymore..., posted by libbyh on August 1, 2002, at 21:57:27

I certainly can relate. I'd rather be a hermit and work with plants, but from my therapy sessions I know that deep down I need to reach out and have human contact. Trouble is, it can cause a lot of discomfort.

In my opinion, which isn't worth the cyberspace it's printed on, your depression is not in remission if friends don't mean anything good to you anymore and just seem like a whole lot of work. You mention the drugs you are taking. Do you see a therapist? Treatment is a lot more successful if you avail yourself of both drugs and therapy.

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore...

Posted by mscrane on August 2, 2002, at 11:07:39

In reply to Just don't like people anymore..., posted by libbyh on August 1, 2002, at 21:57:27

Not strange at all for me...I have always been "unsocial"..I can go out and have a good time, but I am happiest at home, with my family, and my cats. In fact, I relate better to the cats than people...and I don't think it's strange. Cats are much more predictable than people.

I have one good friend who've I've known since high school...she is non-judgemental and understanding. I can say or be anything I want with her. Other folks find me kind of odd...and not being bitchy, but...I really hate drama..drives me nuts! I don't drink, so that puts a damper on the general population's idea of socialization.

Don't get me wrong, I love to travel and meet new people..I just don't like them around me all the time..heehee.....I do "superficial" friends and acquatiences...and I do care about people..I just really enjoy having my dance space....and not too crazy about people entering it when they aren't invited..know what I mean??????

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore...

Posted by Mashogr8 on August 2, 2002, at 11:19:30

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh, posted by allisonm on August 2, 2002, at 8:07:51

I can definitely relate to not liking people anymore. It is scary, isn't it? I am tired of smiling and saying nice things that are supposed to be said. People do like me because they say I am a good listener. However, I may not be speaking, but I'm really not listening to them either. If they talk too long and ask me a question, I often do not have the answer because I have gotten lost in my own thoughts or empty head. I have thought of all sorts of ways or reasons to miss activities so I didn't have to communicate with people. I don't worry about breaking down in front of them. I don't cry anymore and haven't cried for at least 89-9 years. I just find it exhausting to be on the "alert" around others. I don't want to have to be good ole Mary.

This summer has been a godsend. My husband has been away a lot. I went to visit my parents right after he came back. Now he has to catch up on all kinds of work and he isn't asking what/where are doing/going and with whom? Things will slow down though and I'll have to face it again.

I'm trying to work on some cluttering problem (disaster) I have and I don't know which friend to trust and beg for help. We're discussing it in therapy but there sure is a lot garbage that is standing in the way.(No pun intended).

MA

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore... » mscrane

Posted by BarbaraCat on August 2, 2002, at 12:33:32

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore..., posted by mscrane on August 2, 2002, at 11:07:39

> Not strange at all for me...I have always been "unsocial"..I can go out and have a good time, but I am happiest at home, with my family, and my cats. In fact, I relate better to the cats than people...and I don't think it's strange. Cats are much more predictable than people.
>
Amen to that! You always hear 'I like kittens, but unfortunately they grow up to be cats'. Not a problem for me. I generally like babies and kids, but unfortunately, they grow up to be adult humans. And my goodness, humans do multiply quickly!

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore...

Posted by Ctrlaltndel : ( on August 2, 2002, at 15:48:31

In reply to Just don't like people anymore..., posted by libbyh on August 1, 2002, at 21:57:27


Sorry to hear that...

I don't like or dislike people , just never wanted them around me..

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore...

Posted by LibbyH on August 2, 2002, at 16:07:34

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh, posted by allisonm on August 2, 2002, at 8:07:51

I do see a therapist in addition to a psychiatrist.

When I say my depression is in remission, what I mean is that I don't feel sad all the time, I don't cry for no reason, I don't throw temper tantrums when I'm exhausted anymore, I sleep ok, eat normally, can get to work every day, and function normally. It still takes a LOT of energy but it's important to me that I be able to function, so I put a lot of effort there. For a long time, I couldn't do that much, so this is major improvement for me. This episode has (so far) lasted three years. I'm told that I will have to live with depression for the rest of my life to some extent.

My therapist says that with the people in my life, it's not surprising that I find relationships more draining than fulfilling, so we're working on how I can manage the relationships I already have in a way that's not so draining, but progress is so slow I have my doubts.

It just seems so much *easier* to stick with the status quo than shake things up. Frankly, I'm not sure I'd like how they'd fall out.

The thing that puzzles me is that the way my current relationships are never bothered me until recently, but now... no one - and I mean NO ONE - I know is worth the effort it takes to spend time with them. That's not quite true. I kind of enjoy talking with strangers.

Someone else mentioned apathy. That's a really good description of what this feels like... I know it's a problem and I wish I cared enough to change. What do you do about a state of mind like that?

L.

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore...

Posted by LibbyH on August 2, 2002, at 16:21:37

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore..., posted by Mashogr8 on August 2, 2002, at 11:19:30

MA said...
>> I can definitely relate to not liking people anymore. It is scary, isn't it? I am tired of smiling and saying nice things that are supposed to be said.<<

This is it exactly.

>>If they talk too long and ask me a question, I often do not have the answer because I have gotten lost in my own thoughts or empty head.<<

Me, too... Last weekend, I was talking to a woman who was all excited about getting new drapes for her dining room and I couldn't listen for the life of me... I wasn't thinking, "who gives a crap" but on some level, that must be how I feel because I just can't listen to chatter... and if you asked me now, I'd tell you I'd rather be home alone than chattering about some stupid drapes.
That's a real negative attitude... but like you said... I don't cry anymore... My moods are stable... I don't feel unhappy... I just don't get excited about much anymore...
>> This summer has been a godsend. My husband has been away a lot.<<

My husband also has major depression and we have lots of stress to deal with - long-term stuff that isn't going away anytime soon. I love him so much and we used to never want to be apart, even after years together. Now I find it taxing to even talk with him. He wants to know why I've changed so much, why I'm not the social person I used to be. But when I tell him why, he can't understand.

>> I'm trying to work on some cluttering problem (disaster) I have and I don't know which friend to trust and beg for help.<<

I don't have this problem anymore. I've pretty much alienated all my old friends by not returning their calls, turning down invitations, making excuses not to see or talk to them... Now there is no one to trust OR distrust. There's just me & my family.

Please post about your progress in therapy. I'm curious what the solution will turn out to be... I sure would like to think there is one... I don't want my husband to live with a hermit forever...

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh

Posted by ShelliR on August 2, 2002, at 18:03:43

In reply to Just don't like people anymore..., posted by libbyh on August 1, 2002, at 21:57:27

Libby,

Like BarbaraCat, I immediately thought about prozac. After my sister's divorce, she was really bent out of shape and talked often about getting married again. (This was her second marriage.)

She went into therapy and started taking prozac. With prozac, she wondered why she was in therapy, and she dropped out. Also dropped the whole man thing. She's very close with her daughter and she has a few close friends (which mostly developed with other moms who had little kids). She goes to at least two/sometimes three movies over the weekend, often alone.

She's also gained about forty pounds and definitely looks like a different person. But she doesn't care enough to do anything about it. So I do think that prozac does cause a lot of apathy.

Does it matter? She says she happy and when her daughter goes to college she'll get a dog. She's not depressed;. says she's happy with her life this way. On the other hand, I've had tons of depression, so who am I to judge?

Her good friends though are very very important to her; They are all married or in long term relationships, but they do come through for her when she's needed anything, or just to pass fun times. So I wouldn't underestimate the value of good friends, and I think if this stage doesn't pass for you, it may hit you that you are all alone.

Shelli

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh

Posted by Gabbi on August 2, 2002, at 18:47:23

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh, posted by ShelliR on August 2, 2002, at 18:03:43

I haven't come to a conclusion whether its "healthy or not "healthy" LibbyH I feel the same way myself. I've talked to people who are not "depressed' they too feel drained.
After working (and most of us aren't thrilled by our jobs) Exposing ourselves at Doctors and Psychiatrists appts, trying to make a simple trip to the store and being overwhelmed by the 480000 types of deoderant, making what should be a 2second phone call and having to listen to 5 different automated choices to direct your call: being _inundated with e-mails, cell phone calls, I certainly think its an understandable reaction.

It frightens me because I used to always make myself able to listen to the lonely person,or the "underdog" but now its like Geez I cannot FORCE myself to do one more thing. And I feel like I'm becoming as superficial as everything I dislike.
I really don't know how anyone can find the energy to do all that is required of to simply exist on this "treadmill" and then be eager to socialize if its not something absolutely captivating. or with a friend whose known you long enough they understand if you just aren't up to talking, or having them "drop by." In my life those are precious few

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore... » Shelli

Posted by libbyh on August 2, 2002, at 22:36:26

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh, posted by ShelliR on August 2, 2002, at 18:03:43

It has already hit me that I'm all alone but it's impossible to work up the enthusiasm or optimism to do anything about it. I miss the person I used to be - fairly often - and although I'm reasonably satisfied with my life now, I wouldn't say I'm happy. Apathy is a crummy way to live. Maybe this is simething I could mention to my therapist & psych. If it really could be as simple as the meds, then why not try to change it? It's just that it took so long to get to stable in a reasonable frame of mind, I was so grateful that I've held on to t=my meds for dear life - so to speak. Changing is scary, but I guess you guys do make a point - this is no way to live either.
L.

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore... » Gabbi

Posted by libbyh on August 2, 2002, at 22:41:33

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore... » libbyh, posted by Gabbi on August 2, 2002, at 18:47:23

Your post hit so many nerves with me... Edxactly. I don't want to spend any more of my precious time or energy doing *anything* I find less than appealing... and socializing to meet new people is such a chore - it's NOT fun! I love being with 3 of my old, old friends because beign with them is so easy. Unfortunately, they are all living in other countries right now... so I get to see them each about once evey two years if I'm lucky.

I dunno - maybe it is just normal to feel this way. You've all certainly given me something to think about even though I'm still about as confused as ever, I have a couple of avenues to look down...
L.

 

Re: Just don't like people - I propose a deal

Posted by Gabbi on August 3, 2002, at 1:33:27

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore... » Gabbi, posted by libbyh on August 2, 2002, at 22:41:33

I know, my friends have moved recently and I'm just stumped, lonely, but stuck...
So as I have no answers and you have no answers, if one of us comes up with anything other than further questioning we have to holler to each other... Deal?

 

Re: People and the treatment of anxiety » libbyh

Posted by jay on August 3, 2002, at 15:54:51

In reply to Just don't like people anymore..., posted by libbyh on August 1, 2002, at 21:57:27

Hi:

Well, after many, many years, I have only started to *really* notice that my irritation level and 'disgust' of many gets really bad when my fragile balance of anxiety and depression aren't treated. Every time I have either stopped meds, or neglected one of depression or anxiety in my med treatment, then the apathetic disgust sets in.

It took me a heck of a long time to realise this, and I honestly think it proves a few things:

1)You have to stick very vigilantly to a med combo (For med it is antidepressant + medium dose benzo)..and I am talking years here...cycling on and off medications just seems to ruin any positive long-term effects of both of these meds. I now recognize my contempt for people, and irritation by them, is a true sign both my anxiety and depression are not being treated properly.It's taken me almost 8 years to realize this.

2)We are a fair bit unconscious to the positive effects, and that is why it is of almost dire importance to both keep a daily journal of our feelings, and 'chart' our moods.

3)If either depression or anxiety are not treated concurrently, we are bound to not do well on either med alone. My very good doctor always emphasized to me the 'dire' importance of taking both benzos and my antidepressant *together*, and I finally see why he is right!

4)You *must* attend to some of the 'larger' problems in your life before you can move on, and get some good relief from your medications. Whether it is in relationships; financial; job/careers; health...etc...anything. Sorry if it sounds cliché... I am just speaking from my experience, and some of the research

OK..sorry if I went on a bit too much...but really they are things to think about. It really seems to be about treating the 'whole' person, as well as every symptom that appears.


Best wishes.
Jay


> My third major depression seems to be mostly in remission with my daily meds: Ritalin SR, Wellbutrin SR, & Prozac. The one lingering, nagging problem is that I don't like people anymore.
>
> I don't DISLIKE them and I'm not AFRAID of them. I relate to them well enough and can usually find something in common with anyone I talk to... It's just that my interactions remain consistently on a very superficial level... When I am thrust into a new group situation, on the surface, I seem to function just fine. At the end of the first couple of meetings, you might think I was popular because most people like me immediately. However, as time goes on and the other people in the group become more intimate with each other, my problem surfaces. It's not that I couldn't go further. Its' that I'm not motivated to go further. It simply isn't worth the trouble to get to know others beyond the most superficial level. It's not because I think I'm better or worse than them... It's that I feel-strongly- that friendship is more trouble than it's worth. Friends don't mean anything "good" to me anymore... only more demands on my time & energy...
>
> I wasn't always this way... When this round of depression started, I had lots of close friends. Now there's only the slightest resemblance between that person and the hermit I've become.
>
> I am bothered by my problem to some extent, obviously- or I wouldn't be writing this... But the thing that bothers me is that I "know" it isn't normal. There isn't any real desire to change, but I do have a morbid curiosity about why...
>
> Is this too strange for ya'll to relate to?
> Any ideas about what's going on? Will it ever change back? If I don't venture out into the world of friendships again, what are the long term consequences of that?
>
> L.

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore... » Gabbi

Posted by BarbaraCat on August 3, 2002, at 16:16:51

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore... » Gabbi, posted by libbyh on August 2, 2002, at 22:41:33

I went through many years retreating from people. Stopped all newspapers, didn't watch TV for years, cancelled all classes and appointments, didn't return phone calls or letters. Just couldn't get up the energy or patience to be with draining people, even if they were nice and perky. I just couldn't think of anything to say. It all seemed so superficial and I had so little energy to do much of anything. People seemed exasperating and wearing and so full of themselves. It really was time to retreat and reevaluate.

A few years ago I kind of woke up to the fact that I was lonely and disconnected after hibernating for so long, and was ready to start reaching out again. I'd see all these poignant examples of groups of friends out having a great time and I'd feel the apartness in my heart and gut. It went slowly because I had to decide who I really wanted to reestablish a connection with again. I began calling them. Once a week on some designated evening I'd pick one or two and just call and say hi, I've been away and would love to talk to you, even it meant leaving a message on their answering machine (I hoped I'd get their answering machine!). It was very awkward at first. I felt embarrassed and my social chatting skills were very rusty. But those who are my real friends came back quickly and others fell away. I'm now ready to find my clan, my pod, whatever. I dearly long for a close group of kindred souls who know me and I know them. Slowly, slowly, I'm developing a new group of friends based on discernment and how I feel around them. But while I was in retreat, that's what I needed. You can't force it.

I think the prozac is definitely contributing to this malaise and you should talk to your doctor about it. It's a pretty common side effect of SSRIs. But maybe you need a breather from the hoi polloi to hear your own thoughts for awhile.

 

I like your ideas, Jay (nm) » jay

Posted by BarbaraCat on August 3, 2002, at 16:18:30

In reply to Re: People and the treatment of anxiety » libbyh, posted by jay on August 3, 2002, at 15:54:51

 

Re: I like your ideas, Jay me too, thanks. (nm)

Posted by Gabbi on August 3, 2002, at 18:27:46

In reply to I like your ideas, Jay (nm) » jay, posted by BarbaraCat on August 3, 2002, at 16:18:30

 

Re: Just don't like people anymore Long... » BarbaraCat

Posted by Gabbi on August 3, 2002, at 20:46:22

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore... » Gabbi, posted by BarbaraCat on August 3, 2002, at 16:16:51

BarbaraCat

That was really interesting, and much appreciated, I could relate to so much of what you said, especially the part about "hoping to get the answering machine'

It does get so confusing, because I do yearn for friendships, but my world has turned upside down the last 2 years, and my previous friends I met very naturally, whereas now I would have to go out and "make friends" which is a foreign concept to me especially because I'm not one of those people who enjoys "mainstream" things.
I wish I didn't have to clarify, but I certainly don't think its better, just different, and it makes it more difficult to bond with people.
I had no idea about the SSRIs possibly enabling this, but I do have "moments" perhaps one day or just a few hours where I suddenly recall how I used to just do things, and I get excited, and see things as a challenge not a horrifying struggle. So I know I'm capable of feeling differently, and I have scoured every possible reason for why this "awake" feeling might have happened but I've never found anything consistant to attribute it too and it inevitably dissappears.

Sorry this is so long,
I really appreciate your input, especially because I didn't HOLLER for it, that was really thoughtful, and useful to boot.

Gabbi-Gabbi

 

Thanks Gabbi..BarbaraCat :-) (nm)

Posted by jay on August 5, 2002, at 2:34:25

In reply to Re: Just don't like people anymore... » Gabbi, posted by BarbaraCat on August 3, 2002, at 16:16:51

 

People and the treatment of anxietyjay

Posted by libbyh on August 7, 2002, at 0:30:35

In reply to Re: People and the treatment of anxiety » libbyh, posted by jay on August 3, 2002, at 15:54:51

JAy, BarbCat, etc.
It occurred to me after reading your post that I've actually been having panic attacks lately... They're always in the middle of the night wheezing, hyperventilating, etc. That and all the comments about the Prozac made me think it wouldn't be a bad idea to talk with my doc about it. He prescribed Xanax (light dose) just before bed and upped my Wellbutrin by 75 mg and I feel lots better. Was actually talking to my daughter tonight about starting a new water aerobics class AND a pottery class... Thanks ya'll... The xanax is especially nice because I sleep peacefully & wake up refreshed now... I even cleaned the pool filter today and I haven't done that myself in three years!

Just wanted to let you know... I don't hang around heremuch, but I've found it's a great place to get answers...

Thanks again...
L.

 

Re: People and the treatment of anxietyjay » libbyh

Posted by BarbaraCat on August 7, 2002, at 12:29:14

In reply to People and the treatment of anxietyjay, posted by libbyh on August 7, 2002, at 0:30:35

Great, Libby! Xanax is a wonder drug for people with panic disorder. I've had very severe Panic disorder in the past and it's got to be the most terrifying debilitating condition going. The fact that you're feeling well enough to be out and about and doing enjoyable things will just feed upon each other in a nice way, I'd think. I'm beginning to believe that what I've needed all along has been a nice benzo regimen rather than the sledgehammer antidepressant one. Extreme stress ALWAYS leads to either major depression or to bipolar mixed states (which I fear like the demons of hell), so heading off the stress at the pass seems like a logical choice. Good luck to you and check in - if you're not too busy having a great time! - BarbaraCat

> JAy, BarbCat, etc.
> It occurred to me after reading your post that I've actually been having panic attacks lately... They're always in the middle of the night wheezing, hyperventilating, etc. That and all the comments about the Prozac made me think it wouldn't be a bad idea to talk with my doc about it. He prescribed Xanax (light dose) just before bed and upped my Wellbutrin by 75 mg and I feel lots better. Was actually talking to my daughter tonight about starting a new water aerobics class AND a pottery class... Thanks ya'll... The xanax is especially nice because I sleep peacefully & wake up refreshed now... I even cleaned the pool filter today and I haven't done that myself in three years!
>
> Just wanted to let you know... I don't hang around heremuch, but I've found it's a great place to get answers...
>
> Thanks again...
> L.


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[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, bob@dr-bob.org

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