Menopause: Hi! I have been struggling... - Anxiety and Depre...

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Menopause

Debbieoleary profile image
11 Replies

Hi! I have been struggling with depression and anxiety for 20 years lately I have been going through menopause and my depression has been the worst it's ever been. I just started new meds and I'm not sure if they're the right ones. If there is anybody out there that is going through menopause and depression .I can sure use your advice and /or your suggestions.

Thank you Debbie

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Debbieoleary profile image
Debbieoleary
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11 Replies
Catwoman227 profile image
Catwoman227

I am going through menopause and struggling with anxiety and depression. Mood swings, anxiety,tired. Its depleting. Medications have helped me(Trazadone,paxil) . Helps my mind to be calm and I sleep well.

Debbieoleary profile image
Debbieoleary in reply to Catwoman227

Thank you so much for getting back to me. I was just put on Prozac Abilify and Clonazepan . It's been so bad I had to take a leave of absence at work. I'm hoping this mix of "cocktails" work. 🤞🏻

Sprinkle1 profile image
Sprinkle1

Hello, I can relate to your trials. I am thru and done with menopause, but it had its go with me. For some of us women it is literally hell. For me the terror that has haunted me all my life, depression, I became suicidal and got caught. Thankfully things have improved since I went thru it. I went to a woman's support group for menopause, we checked out herbs and supplements, some worked for some women not others?!! We also tried to find Gynecologist's that listened to us. The old stand by "exercise" if your not so blooming tired that you can. Maybe some of the other ladies have some answers. You have my empathy I send you healing for your body, big hugs and love. Sprinkle 1.

Coleman24 profile image
Coleman24

I too have had anxiety and depression return in full force during menopause... my doc just added Abilify - so far so good. I take Cymbalta, Trileptal and Clonazepan. Meditation works for me too. It's bad enough getting older, but now to return to all of this! How long does menopause last? " ) I feel for you and hope that your days start getting better. Take care!

Debbieoleary profile image
Debbieoleary in reply to Coleman24

Hi ! I just started abilify and prozac. I was a little fearful of taking abilify bc I heard it causes excessive weight gain-too early to tell yet ,as I just started this week.just some head aches. How long have you been on the meds ?..and do you have side effects ?

Coleman24 profile image
Coleman24 in reply to Debbieoleary

I just started Abilify two weeks ago - the only side effects I've had so far were really wild dreams and being a little tired (prob from the busy sleep!) " ) I was afraid of starting it too - however I just couldn't go on the way I was feeling! I eat well and exercise - so I'll be keeping an eye on weight gain. It's supposed to be one of the least weight gain drugs in its class. Let me know how it goes for you and we can help each other through!

Coleman24 profile image
Coleman24

PS- I forgot, I also have some dizziness and nausea - nothing too bad though!

Debbieoleary profile image
Debbieoleary in reply to Coleman24

It's exactly what I'm feeling as we speak. Lol thank you so much. Sometimes it's easier when you can hear the same symptoms feedback. Any weight gain?

Coleman24 profile image
Coleman24 in reply to Debbieoleary

So far, no, but I'm being extra careful!

" )

GemBec profile image
GemBec

Hi Debbie , yes my doctor said I am onset menopause which has caused my anxiety and emotions to be at 10 way more often. I feel before my period is coming about a week before i start having a lot of symptoms. Im hot then cold and I cry a lot. I often get a sense of fear which had not been apart of my anxiety before. Doctor ran blood test and other things but I dont want to do daily meds. I was put on a low dose of a needed Xanax to help when symptoms get out of control. I often feel very lonely and like the worse is going to happen even when nothing is really going on. Im not sure if this is pre menopause how I will manage when I get full menopause. I have tried everything changing my diet, exercising more, I have been seeing a therapist etc. Sometimes the only thing that helps, besides the meds, is taking a very hot shower while im actually laying in the tub. The feeling of the water falling on me and the heat seems to help. I do put candles n relaxation music on before getting in the shower. This has become my "SAFE PLACE" as my therapist has found. So thats where I go when needed. I hope u can find something that helps. If u do please update me. Thanks ans best of luck

Debbieoleary profile image
Debbieoleary

When I read what you wrote to me,and that you took the time to write to me -I cried and then I smiled. I cried for the pain we are all going through and smiled bc "we" that are so messed up sometimes with this illness have such similar stories . I too have a "safe place" a bit similar to yours hot showers steaming hot showers I close my eyes and run the water all throughtout my body - there is a lavender body wash I use Dr. T it's sold in most stores it make me feel amazing( for a little while anyway) I make a cup of camomile tea and light my candles ( Preferably beach and sand fragrance ) . So I spend a lot of time in bed lately . My family has been so upset bc I can't get out not even to walk the dog for two weeks now.

My amazing husband decided to buy me comfy sheets and a beautiful soft ivory comforter with a pink cashmere throw blanket. That meant the world to me .. and at the same time made me cry my eyes out bc I wish I can be a better wife. What you said about menopause contributing to my severe Depression and anxiety?- you are so right. It feels different this time. It's unbearable ,relentless, a pain in my gut that stays with me alll day everyday. I expressed my concerns about feeling different this time to my psychiatrist that I have recently started seeing. .. "prozac and abilify" are the winners this time. I have tried so much in the past that .. I hope I don't sound ungrateful? It's just after 20 yrs how much more can be out there that will help.😢 Thank you so much for talking to me . You have helped me more than you know😊

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