Any MFP people who have Mental Illness?

EleanorWightman

Depression, parnoid personalisty disorder.

salsera_barbie

I've had anxiety since I was a child. Growing up in an abusive situtation was at fault. In the last few years it has gotten much better but there are still situations that I can't deal with.

I also suffer from depression. I've been on meds before but have gone off them because I dont' like the side-effects. So now I mostly deal with it day to day. Not easy.

woodsk67

Anxiety here- Keep everything in and alot of preasure on myself. Need to learn to relax!

YummyTpn

I've had a couple of major depressive episodes, and intermittent anxiety. I do control it with meds.

rmwinters

post traumatic stress disorder, add, depression, anxiety and panic attacks...I take effexor and its worked pretty well.

mbertagnolli

Bipolar here too. I have been symptom free for a long time - largely due to some major improvements in lifestyle. Making dietary choices that are not processed, that are lower in fat and sugar and higher if fibre and nutritional value (like fruits and veggies) in combination with regular exercise keeps my mental health in check. If I find I'm having a tough day, going for a run really helps - even if I'm not initially motivated to go.

The question of kids that one of the previous posters brought up is a tough one for me. Even though I've been on the level for about 7 years, it wasn't always that way and I wouldn't want kids to trigger another episode. Also, hereditary studies also show that there is a strong genetic component to bipolar disorder, and it's not something I'd like to pass on. Adoption was something I'd considered in the past and may again, in the future.

If anyone on this thread - living symptom free, or not - would like to add me as a friend, I'd be happy to reciprocate!

kappy_hollowell

manic depression and anxiety attacks and ADHD... I'm just all out crazy

boobee32

Battled Depression all of my life. May have a touch of Bipolar goin on as well, that I am not sure about. Makes the emotional eating end of things pretty difficult. Am currently on meds, and things seemed to have evened out for me lately. Things are good.

lorib75

I have Multiple Sclerosis and along with that comes some depression. I've been on Zoloft since 2006. Tried to do generic Prozac but couldn't tell any difference so I went back to generic Zoloft. I'd love to be off of it, but for my family's sake I'll stay on it.
You know the old saying If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!!
Hoping MFP will help all of us suffering!

UpEarly

I have generalized anxiety disorder (with strong healthy anxiety tendencies paired with a doctor phobia, a blood phobia and a needle phobia - it's an awful combo - I often believe I have serious illnesses, but am too terrified to actually see a doctor about them) and panic attacks. I have used medication in the past, but do better with cognitive behavioral therapy.

Brook70

I suffer from Anxiety and Depression. I am on meds. When I exercise I do feel so much better.

mrdalton

I have had BiPolar disorder for 20 years now. And only the last few years has it been undercontrol. I live a fairly normal life now. But I understand how hard it is. Especially trying to loose weight on anti-pyscotic medications that cause weight gain. But it can be done. If you suffer from bipolar also feel free to add me. I have never known anyone else with this disease and would love some new friends and support.

AmyJo54915

Bipolar, on Lamotrigine and Geodon and (believe it or not ) Fish Oil!
Anxiety, on Lorazepam
Meds seem to be working...now if only I could sleep...was on Ambien for that, but now trying Melatonin.

Punkedpoetess

I suffer from depression. I am not on medication for it though, but easily could be.

This is me also along with social anxiety, exercising keeps me from needing anti depressants at this point. Sometimes on rest days I feel more depressive due to lack of the "exercise high" and winter time is harder for me than other times of the year. Also recovering from disordered eating and am working hard to not binge and emotional eat or undereat. I am finally balanced eating wise most of the time, but I work on it everyday.

TrailRunner61

Recovered anorexic currently on happy pills to help cope with the death of my father, 2 aunts, my grandmother and my mom's alzheimers. With the addition of walking 1,000 miles this year for charity, I'm taking fewer happy pills.

deethinks

bi polar, eating disorder, anxiety

butterflyliz32

Depression & Anxiety, for sure. The doctors suspect bipolar, but I do not have the same behavior as a"typical" bipolar patient - Mostly because I have lived with both bipolar mother, exhusband, and roommate and don't want to exhibit the same behaviors I have seen from them.

There is also a suggestion going around with my docs that my former marriage (psychologically abusive) may hae caused some PTSD.

I have also been REALLY sick for the past several years. Like in the hospital a minimum of once a month for 2 years. They finally told me that it was all in my head and that I should go to a psychiatric hospital next time. So, I did. They told me I didn't belong there. 2 months later, I suffered a minor heart attack due to prolonged stress. Turns out a lot of my "psych problems" were actually a heart problem.

PS - I do NOT recommend the psych hospital unless you are really at the end of your rope. I wasn't quite there, but it was the only thing I knew to do, and I would have tried anything. I also enrolled myself in an intensive outpatient program that was MUCH more suited to my needs.

mfpseven

adhd count? and some disordered eating

MomsTooBig

I suffer from anxiety and depression as well, and take medication, which I don't think I will ever go off of. I don't want to go off them, either, because I feel so much better on my meds. But - losing weight and exercising every day has REALLY helped my moods, and I think I am in a very good place now.

Same with me. I currently take Paxil daily to help manage mine. It doesn't make it go away, but it does make it manageable for me. I don't see me being able to go off of it any time soon.
The weight loss and exercise does help (I just wish it would kick in for me! - I'm still waiting for this 'benefit')

Best wishes for continued success/strides in your loss and health!

Tracy

SkinnyShadow

Diagnosed with severe depression when I was 9... started taking meds when I was 12 or 13... nothing worked until later on in life when I was re-diagnosed with bipolar 2, and OCD, and treated differently. It's hard to live with - it's embarrassing - I wish I didn't have it - med changes suck, but are inevitable. People don't understand it.. but I don't blame them - I know a lot of people with mental illness, and only a small percentage have their **** together, or get help before things get too bad... and I don't tend to hang out with others who suffer from mental illness for this very reason.

maab_connor

chronic depression, social and general anxiety, suicidal tendancies, recovering addict and all of the lovely compulsive problems that go with that. making it through without meds b/c of the addictive personality.

MomsTooBig

Not anymore, but about 10 years ago, I tried to kill myself to end a deep depression. It comes back to haunt me from time to time tho. My wife and I can not adopt because of some of things I said while I was in the hospital for it. I was scared, and not in a very good place.. And I may have threatened a few doctors, and got a little violent, it was recorded, and bam! No kids for us.

*kitten*. I mean 10 years ago, a lot has changed. And if I was that dangerous, really why the hell was I allowed out to begin with?

I'm very sorry to hear this. It's a shame that most people don't understand how mental illness works. I'm glad you are better and I hope the adoption process works out for you.

Same here...I'm very sorry about your situation. People are ignorant when it comes to mental illness. I often don't talk or share enough about what's going on in 'my head', for fear of people doing just that. I am an awesome mom, and I'll be damned if anyone is ever going to say otherwise just because I suffer with mental issues!

Do you and your wife have any friends/family who would be willing to surrogate for you?
Good luck! I hope things work out for you.

Tracy

LizJ08

Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Also I think I have Depression but have not been diagnosed. Prescribed Trazadone 100 mgs. Took Effexor XR for about five years and then got off it bc it affected my memory so badly and was making me feel lethargic all the time. Anyone on here who wants to request me as a friend is welcome too...I'd be glad to offer you support in this area as well.

karylee44

Not anymore, but about 10 years ago, I tried to kill myself to end a deep depression. It comes back to haunt me from time to time tho. My wife and I can not adopt because of some of things I said while I was in the hospital for it. I was scared, and not in a very good place.. And I may have threatened a few doctors, and got a little violent, it was recorded, and bam! No kids for us.

*kitten*. I mean 10 years ago, a lot has changed. And if I was that dangerous, really why the hell was I allowed out to begin with?

amazing.. that really sucks.. i can't get life insurance because im bi-polar..

karylee44

Social anxiety disorder and general anxiety. I've done therapy off-and-on for the last few years, and I've got a medication consult coming up in a few weeks. I have mixed feelings about the medication idea, but it's at least worth a try, I figure.

I fought the medication thing for years.. right now i take something for my bi-polar.. its not perfect.. but i feel better over all and can function better.. still needs tweeking every six months or so..

yesthistime

Mental health issues group on MFP:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/89-mental-health-issues

Krizzle4Rizzle

Although I have never been clinically diagnosed, I believe I suffer from different forms of anxiety.

floridagirl7264

Rapid cycling bipolar with extreme depressive episodes. Anxiety about, oh, everything. My meds are pooping out on me too, so it's been a fun ride lately. Been in the hospital twice. On disability for bipolar at the moment. I think mental illness brings emotional eating to a whole new level. ;P

I'm right with you. Trying to find the right meds is like looking for a needle in a haystack. I am currently on a cocktail of 5 different meds. I can't even tell you how many I tried that didn't work. Plus, one of them is the culprit for putting 90 lbs on me in the course of a year. I know exactly what you're going through.

twynzmom

I suffer from depression that I take medication for. But with the exercise I'm doing, I don't get as depressed and my confidence is building

maryj2367

i feel terrible for you and your wife! 10 years ago was then and alot has changed. others can have theyre own babies and dont get them taken away they are given the chance which is right i might add and you should be given the chance to. good luck.