Depression, Anxiety Disorder, and other psychological issues

ladyofivy · July 2010

Hi all,

I was just wondering.... I can't be the only person here who has these psychological disorders (for lack of a better word). I think it makes it an even bigger battle for those of us on this journey. It's hard as it is to work on losing weight, and then to have to deal with the depression or anxiety or OCD or any number of other psychological disorders out there, it's like you're starting the race from half a mile behind everyone else.

If anyone is interested, I'd love to start a support group for the people who struggle with these issues. There are days when I don't feel like working out at all, so I have to p-u-s-h myself every inch of the way. In fact, today I'm having a really depressed and anxious day.

I'll help support you if you help support me, too. :flowerforyou:

PS, if you're reading this, and you feel "funny" about posting or "admitting" that you have this issue, I just want you to know that I feel really uncomfortable about it, too. It's not something that I'm really open about, so this is a big step for me.

sexylonglegs · July 2010

Hi. I suffer from depression and anxiety too. It's very difficult to talk about when others don't understand what you are going through. Thanks for posting this! ♥

Amber030583 · July 2010

Hello, I am right with you guys also. I suffer from anxiety. I am currently taking Citalopram and xanax. I am always here if anyone wants to chat.

halfpint75 · July 2010

I suffer from Bipolar Disorder and Depression. I know this is going to be a tough journey not only fighting the mental issues, but also the side effects of some of my medications. I just joined MFP yesterday, but have been working on this for about 6 weeks so far. I have lost 10 lbs towards my goal. Good Luck to ya'll! I look forward to chatting with you.

tgh1914 · July 2010

Hey, I appreciate you posting this as well. I don't suffer from it, but my wife has depression & anxiety and I know she has a very hard time reaching out at all when she's going through it. She just doesn't have any will to. Kudos for reaching out. :flowerforyou:

I'm wondering for anyone here, how much does exercise help you with depression & anxiety? My wife has never been one to get into exercise at all until recently. We started P90X about 6 weeks ago and she seems to be doing a lot better. She will actually get ready for our workouts before I'm even ready now. I've been so impressed with how she's taken to this.

IrishChik · July 2010

Major reoccurring depression
generalized anxiety disorder
post traumatic stress disorder
panic attacks

and the list goes on and on. It is something I have been battling for many, many years. It got so bad I was literally bed-ridden for 6 months some years ago. Life is hard and it is a struggle, and like you I have to push myself to exercise. Heck, I often have to push myself just to get out of bed. I was in remission and doing very well. In the last year I have had a major relapse. I am working towards a better me, on all levels. It is hard when people around you do not see you coughing or sneezing so they don't think you are really sick. You are not in a hospital so you must not really have an illness. Makes getting healthy that much harder when you feel very much alone. Thank you for starting this post.

Chrys

ladyofivy · July 2010

Hi everyone. I'm so glad that you each had the courage to say something. It's really comforting not to feel so alone in this. People who don't deal with these issues so often just think it's a matter of just "getting over it". And, as you guys know, it's totally not like that. We'd "get over it" if we could. Who would *want* to live this way?

I was on Zoloft for a while, but I just don't like taking medication. I know, stupid reason to quit, but I really dislike it.

I hope that each of us is able to support one another on this journey. Thanks for stepping forward, each of you.

FunkBunny · July 2010

You are definitely not alone! I have general anxiety disorder and am currently on Cilatopram with Ativan for the here and there panic and nervousness. I never had depression diagnosed, but now on the medication therapy I can see a big difference in my mental stand point and think depression is also an issue of mine as well. This all runs in my family and isn't a huge shock to me, really. Although it was still hard to get help.
The thing with anxiety is that it does hold you back an dit's impossible to explain to anyone who doesn't have it how it feels. For a long time anxiety kept me from doing any cardio because I had a panic driven thought that if my heart beat that fast, I would pass out. This was after I used to work out daily. This thought just hit me, stuck and held me back physically for over a year. It takes a lot of work, therapy and sometimes medication to move forward and get to a balanced place mentally.

FunkBunny · July 2010

.

FunkBunny · July 2010

sorry, multiple post on accident.

LongMom · July 2010

I am so happy to see this post! I don't suffer from any psychological issues myself but my mother did (bi polar dissorder and then skitzophrenia) and so I'm well versed in the struggles you're all facing.

Asking for help and finding people who are in a similar situation is so empowering you have no idea. Kudos to you all and I hope you guys get a good support network going on.

My mother refused to ask for and even accept help when offered. She became more and more isolated until she finally took her own life. Loneliness is a huge battle you have to face and here, you can help keep it at bay.

Keep up the great work you're all doing!

ladyofivy · July 2010

I just have to say that I'm crying right now. I was really feeling down and alone. I feel so much better hearing what you all have to say, and hearing you each say that you understand... that I'm not alone... that you know how it feels. Thank you all so much again.

gingerra19800 · July 2010

Hey, I appreciate you posting this as well. I don't suffer from it, but my wife has depression & anxiety and I know she has a very hard time reaching out at all when she's going through it. She just doesn't have any will to. Kudos for reaching out. :flowerforyou:

I'm wondering for anyone here, how much does exercise help you with depression & anxiety? My wife has never been one to get into exercise at all until recently. We started P90X about 6 weeks ago and she seems to be doing a lot better. She will actually get ready for our workouts before I'm even ready now. I've been so impressed with how she's taken to this.

to tell u the truth it has helped me alot since i have suffered from depression and aniexty problems..even ocd..i am still struggling with the ocd part..but idk its like for that moment (exercising) in my life im "free" there is times when i loath gettin my *kitten* up and doin it..for many reasons really...some days its like ugh who cares or its cuz im swore..others is cuz i dont see the scale move...BUT..im noticing a different mind set...and thats what keeps me going..its the competition that i have with in myself that gets me back on that treadmill..or do my circuit training...so tell her congrats and keep it moving!!!
ginger :flowerforyou:

gingerra19800 · July 2010

I just have to say that I'm crying right now. I was really feeling down and alone. I feel so much better hearing what you all have to say, and hearing you each say that you understand... that I'm not alone... that you know how it feels. Thank you all so much again.

trust me ur really not alone!!! and your gonna get this done!! and this will for sure help the depression...keep it up!! and dont cry ur gonna make me cry!!

:flowerforyou:
ginger

Phoenix_Rising · July 2010

major depression.

We're trying meds now to see if I'm bipolar. The anti-depressant for major depression won't treat bipolar depression, so we are trying a new mix to see what works.

My therapist is working diligently with me to pull me out of my negative cycle. I've started forcing myself to get a full night's sleep and exercise daily. I only started that on Tuesday. So far, it's been helpful.

To the OP, I'd think if you stopped taking your meds because you didn't like them, it simply wasn't the right med for you. Once I saw the improvement from my pills, I loved taking them because they helped me so much. (Then another major depression was triggered, another negative cycle began, but I still take my meds because I can only imagine how much worse I'd be without them, even though I have days where I really can't imagine being any worse than I was.) Have you thought about looking into a different med?

EKarma · July 2010

I'll admit that I do have my anxious moments when I feel like something horrible is going to go wrong and I want to lock myself in my bedroom, but I smoke weed.. It helps. God Bless Oregon and their medical marijuana laws!

jdsouthernbelle · July 2010

You are definitely not alone out there. I have suffered from depression and anxiety/panic attacks as well.

It IS hard when people in your life don't see that you are not *cough cough* sick, but yet there IS something going on with you mentally that makes you ill.

I currently take Symbyax for my depression and it has helped me tremendously. There was a time in my life that I cried literally every day for no reason.

amy1612 · July 2010

Depression. Im no longer on medication

I also find that exercise and working out makes me feel really good. Ive been working out alot lately and have hardly had any "episodes".
Well done on stepping up, its nothing to be ashamed of.

tgh1914 · July 2010

bump!

luly727 · July 2010

Generalized Anxiety Disorder & Panic Attacks.

Been dealing with this for 27+ years more or less. Still on Meds and doing better although I do have my days

when I cant even go for my walk cuz I fear the "dizzy lightheaded gonna pass out in the road feeling"..or leaving a grocery cart loaded with food and getting the H*** outta the store as fast as possible to my 'safe' car!!! I know the feelings

I am here if anyone needs to talk or form a group, that would be good.

halfpint75 · July 2010

I know for me the exercising helps alot. I can definitely tell when I miss a workout. I love my workout time. It is my "ME" time. Although, there are days I feel like I could care less about it or anything else. I force myself to anyway and typically feel better afterwards. It is so nice to know that I am not alone in this. It is so uplifting to have a group that really understands how I feel. I have family that don't understand that you can be sick without having visible symptoms. Glad I am not the only one that has to fight those battles. I hope that everyone is having an "UP" day!!!

adamsojh · July 2010

Depression, PTSD, insomnia, and anxiety.

Im right there with you guys. I now realize that I was depressed in high school and my parents never recognized it(possibly from being blinded by there own depression) and never asked for help. I then joined the Marines when I graduated. I was deployed to Iraq twice and lost several of friends and saw some horrible things, which then added to my depression, along with PTSD, insomnia, and some anxiety. I got out in 2005. Im seeing a VA psychiatrist when I can get an appointment, they're so busy with other young vets like me and others going back to veterans from Vietnam and even WWII. I have found a personal technique called self-talk helps me alot with anxiety and depression. The key is being self aware and honest with yourself though. Just take a few deep breaths(or count to 10, whatever you find works for you) and try and find your center and clear your head. Then logically think and ask yourself "Why am I thinking/feeling this?", I've found most times I have no logical answer to myself and it's easier to get past it from there. Another eye opener for me was when I took Intro to Psych in college. My proffesor was really informative and open for any questions. Spent several hours just talking with her in her office. Although a few weeks ago I was feeling really depressed and just wanted to stay in bed and I didnt go to the gym for several days. Once I got back to working out it helped and I was like, "why didnt I come all those days? I just wasted that much time." I could go on and my post is getting long. If anyone wants to message more feel free to send me a message. I always respond.

ladyofivy · July 2010

Everyone here is so nice to offer their own stories and even private support. I genuinely appreciate that. I'm of course here for anyone who needs support as well. I'm having a tough day today with anxiety and depression. It's actually worse than it's been in a while. I'm just taking the day moment by moment. I had a couple of "episodes" when I was doing yoga earlier where I felt like I was going to pass out. This isn't the norm for me.. my symptoms have never included a fear of passing out. I think it may have had to do with my knees sort of being locked, and I was especially trying to focus on deep breathing today (more than usual).

I hope that everyone here continues to come and share their support and stories. I'll keep this thread going for a while, and hopefully we'll get a good sized group going. (((hugs))) to everyone.

JennaGermain · July 2010

Depression
Panic Attacks
PTSD
to name a few issues

I'm on two different meds right now but I'm not always consistent at remembering to take them, which I know adds to the problems. I also have sleep apnea so I often don't get enough sleep (even when using my CPAP) and that just makes things even harder.

IrishChik · July 2010

I was on Zoloft for a while, but I just don't like taking medication. I know, stupid reason to quit, but I really dislike it.

I was on it too. I have been on and gone off about 8 different medications and combinations. The side-effects for me are worse than just dealing with the issues on hand. I am now taking 400mg a day of SAM-e for the depression. I use Rescue Remedy spray for anxiety and panic attacks.

TammyK777 · July 2010

you are soooo not alone! I didn't take the time yet to read what everyone has said so far, but I think you know that you have a lot of support here already. I'm coming out of depression. Thought about taking my life about a year ago actually. Last October I started having palpitations and had a heart-to-heart (no pun intended) with my doctor and he put me on Zolofoft and I have Xanax on hand just in case. I also started talking with an elder at church and met with a friend who prays for me and checks in on me. I know I wouldn't be as well as I am now without the Lord, who uses medication sometimes. You are loved girl!

oEmmao · July 2010

i suffer from anxiety, self-diagnosed, not on any medication, was for one year, but was weaned off them

im here if any of you need to talk, today was a good day and i am grateful for that :flowerforyou:

i go to counselling which helps, but i have a long road ahead of me and lots of work to do emotionally to get back to the fun-loving person i once was

best wishes to you all xxx

marlouise · July 2010

Hello all, I am just learning that I too have some kind of depression going on. I have an appointment to see a doctor, so when that happens maybe I'll be a bit more informed on the trouble. I just get very depressed, self distructive, (not violent or harmful) but well I feel no one likes me or I had better not bother with anyone.
Exercising is the best thing I can do for me, however like I have read yes it is hard to get to the gym. Now I am realizing that it is more important that just losing a few pounds, it means helping my body repair and combat the depression. I eat very healthy, drink lots of water, sleep is good mostly.
I'm looking forward to chatting with all of you and hope with you that we can fight this thing together.

Marilyn

ladyofivy · July 2010

I am so glad that so many have come together to fight our illnesses and to be a support group. Thank you each for being here for me, and I really am here for you all, too. You each made my day a little easier, feeling less alone and very loved and supported. (((hugs))) to each of you!

Phoenix_Rising · August 2010

Check in!

How are all my fellow nut cases doing today?

Even though the weather is gray and rainy today, I'm feeling alright.

I went into a slight manic episode this weekend. Mine are pretty mild. It was enjoyable. I was out of it, back to 'even' by yesterday.

dumb_blondes_rock · August 2010

I myself do not suffer from anything major(get the blah's every now and then) but my mother and sister are both bipolar. My sister actually is the worst kind of bipolar because she has highs and lows inbetween the day. My mom always tries to be extreme with her diet, then if she isn't 100 percent perfect she completely sabotages herself and goes way on the deep end. My sister is morbidly obese and is the same way. So I have grown up with "If you don't do it perfect, you can't ever do it" mentality wth my mom and "eat whatever you want and how ever much you want" mentality with my dad, and I had to train myself that there can be a balance. I can't even imagine what you guys must be going through, but I am proud of each and every one of you!

Depression, Anxiety Disorder, and other psychological issues

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