Anxiety and depression

They feed each other. Morning’s panic attacks have turned into deep sadness. Depression is hitting me really hard. I’m on meds but I am having a relapse. The last two days have been a nightmare. The last six months are a painful blur. I don’t remember the last time I laughed or enjoyed anything. I am cycling between panic attacks and severe depression. Does this happen to you? How do you deal with it? I am so tired and it feels like it is never gonna be over.

[jkl5500]

Anxiety and depression do go hand in hand. The good news is that when one starts to fade, the other will fade as well. The problem is that it all takes time for your brain chemistry to straighten out. It takes patience and persistence, but you will get there.

[Hidden in reply to jkl5500]

Thank you. This does give me hope. I appreciate it.

[jkl5500 in reply to Hidden]

I've been through seven episodes of major depression, so I'm not BSing you. Stay strong, and you will be victorious. You're welcome to message me anytime.

[Hidden in reply to jkl5500]

I’ve been on meds for six months now. They have been changed till the ‘right one’ was found. Things did seem a bit better in February but I just plummeted down in a week. I’m afraid to go through all that again. But I will see my doctor on Monday and talk about this. Thank you for writing back. I realize that I am not alone and that is appreciated.

[jkl5500]

My doc told me that the spring and fall were the worst times for depression. In my case, it was the spring. You might want to ask your doc about that.

[Hidden in reply to jkl5500]

Will do.

[ferris2424 in reply to jkl5500]

I always thought I had seasonal depression, and the past two years have confirmed it. Looking forward to sun and warmth!

[JLH96]

Have faith and be gentle with yourself. I suffer from similar symptoms and the most beneficial thing anyone ever said to me was be gentle. You didn’t choose to have these thoughts and worries and no one deserves them. You are strong and people care about you. Try to keep your head up and know we are here if you need support.

[Hidden in reply to JLH96]

I am trying. Thank you so much for your support.

[Sandia]

I’m going through this right now for the last 10 months. I decided to change my meds and I meditate, deep breathing exercises and talk about what I’m feeling with people I trust. Can you recall something that may have triggered your relapse? I know that something triggered mine, try and think back. Anyway good luck, stay strong.

[Hidden in reply to Sandia]

I think you’re right. Something may have triggered my relapse. Thank you for sharing.

[Eriq70]

I get it 100%. I wish I had some good advice but I'm not really making much headway (although I do intend to) although I've found that Hope is key..I've gotten excited for the future in the last few weeks by looking through someone else's eyes. It was powerful. I'm not sure how to share that in a practical way but I certainly want it for you. I'm sure you're amazing ..

[Hidden in reply to Eriq70]

Thank you for sharing. Means a lot.

[Eriq70 in reply to Hidden]

My pleasure! Looks like I need to edit before I push send though lol.

[heidijm]

your get through it . usually it can take a while but it will be worth the wait your doing great you found the forum . I found being aware helps me it might help you and using that awareness in a positive way seems to be the key for me. its kind of like cognitive behavioural therapy but a bit more advanced.

[Hidden in reply to heidijm]

Thank you for the encouragement.

[db179]

I wake up terrified in the mornings but I have a great support team. I know I have people who can help me. Plus I've signed up for a water massage program called Watsu that helps with anxiety and depression. Its amazing

[darlagosnell in reply to db179]

To me that has been the worst part of this whole experience, waking up terrified for no reason. People who have never had anxiety or panic just can't imagine how this feels. I have been going through this for the past 2 and a half years. Praise God, I feel like I am coming out of it and returning to my old self. It has been quite a journey. You will recover. If I can do it, anyone can! I can honestly say that I have learned a lot from going through this and hopefully I can help someone else. Praying for all who suffer!

[Hidden in reply to darlagosnell]

Thank you for sharing. I hope I make it to the other side.

[darlagosnell in reply to Hidden]

I know you will!! Believe me no one could be worse than I was and if I can recover so can you. I thought I would never be the same again. Are you on any medication?

[Hidden in reply to darlagosnell]

Yes. I am. But going back to the doctor to review them tomorrow.

[darlagosnell in reply to Hidden]

I take Lexapro in the am and Remeron at night before bed. I was also on Klonopin at night but have been able to wean off it. I was really against medication at first but soon realized that I could not do this on my own. I hope to wean off the antidepressants at some point but if I can't, it will be OK. I know how bad this feels right now but when it lifts it really feels amazing. I feel much stronger now than I was before all this started. You will get there, I promise!

[lalit458 in reply to darlagosnell]

Please tell me how u recovering

Thanks if you share

[Hidden in reply to lalit458]

I am pushing a big boulder of a stone up a hill. Every morning is troubling. I am reading everything that everyone kindly wrote. Trying to be gentle with myself and trying to keep busy to get thru the day. I will see my doctor today. Hope she can be a bit of help. To tell you the truth I am trying to survive and I don’t know if that is recovering.

[darlagosnell in reply to lalit458]

I have been fighting this for 2 1/2 years. It has been a long hard journey. I have read every book I could get on anxiety and panic disorders. I think truly accepting that I have a disorder but that it won't kill me has helped. Acceptance and not fearing the fear is key to our recovery. I'm not saying that I am cured because I feel that I will always have the tendency to get anxious and then panic but after 2 1/2, I'm still here and I've had every test known to man (all of which came out normal) so I am finally believing that nothing is wrong with me but anxiety.

[Hidden in reply to darlagosnell]

That is one to remember in times of anxiety attacks. It is a nightmare but it decreases along time. Thank you for sharing this.

[Hidden in reply to db179]

I will look into Watsu. Thank you for sharing.

[Lilly5]

Have you been tested for thyroid issues? Make sure it has nothing to do with your thyroid and that t they do not just check the TSH, also Free T3 and Free T4 and the antibodies. Eating less sugar and exercising might help. There is always hope. Happy Easter and God bless you.

[Hidden in reply to Lilly5]

Thank you. I have been checked but I will look into this again

[Meyerscs]

Thank you for sharing, and I can only echo the excellent replies on this forum. Keep reaching out, and don’t lose hope. I have benefited from an anxiety support group sponsored by NAMI (Natl. Alliance on Mental Health). You might want to check if there are meetings in your area. Remember that you are good and whole - just the way God made you. Happy Easter😊

[Hidden in reply to Meyerscs]

Thank you I will definitely look into the support group. Everyone has been so kind and supportive and I am grateful.

[howard327]

bluecat, have you tried meditation? It helps to get your mind off your troubles. I found it to be very helpful. It is easy to learn, simply focus on your breath and if other thoughts come into your mind just observe them and let them pass and return to your breath. It seems that you are doing a lot of thinking about your plight. Meditation can help you to minimize or eliminate those bad thoughts that are a big part of your situation.

I, as well as all of us on this forum, are with you and want to help you any way we can.

[Hidden in reply to howard327]

Thank you. I have tried meditation but too many thoughts flew in. Like you say I guess I need to observe them and let them go and not get stuck on one thought.

[howard327 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, blue cat you are on to the practice! When those thoughts come in just observe them, let them go without acting on them, and return to your breath over and over again. In time as you practice this the troubling thoughts will diminish and you will feel better. Hang in there. We are on your side!

[Hidden in reply to howard327]

Thank you so much

[Shutterbug65]

Oh yes. I know those feelings very well. I often wake at 4:00 or 4;30 with constant worrying thoughts, heart palpitations you name it. It’s often very hard to get back to sleep. And it usually doesn’t subside till mid afternoon. I take meds for both anxiety and depression so what you are experiencing I know very well.

Take care

[Hidden in reply to Shutterbug65]

Thank you for sharing

[Hollick in reply to Shutterbug65]

I know this feeling all to well.

[Whorn3351]

If anyone knows of a group in the Ocala, Florida area I'd like to know. Thanks

[Hidden in reply to Whorn3351]

Someone suggested NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness). They do have organizations in Florida and across the state in various counties. You can google them and enter you state and go from there. I think they might have a group in Ocala area. It’s worth checking it out. Good luck.

[Helen101]

Me too suffer anxiety and depression. Wake up with anxiety and want to just sleep most of the day. Yesterday was a bit better day...was able to go out and do some cleaning while on holiday. Today went back to anxiety and sleeping mode. Feeling better now and its afternoon so whole day wasted. Tomorrow starting work...should be good for me. I try to think why I so much just want to sleep... it is like I want to escape this life..and I can be grateful for many things anyway...no need to escape...would have things to do at home too to keep myself busy... seems like brain chemicals totally mixed up.

[Hidden in reply to Helen101]

I understand how you feel. I want to sleep all day too. But racing heartbeat and endless thoughts do not let me. Keeping busy helps. I wish I had a job. I am looking for one forever. Everyone tells me to be gentle with myself. I am trying. The key is to keep busy. Believe in yourself. Nothing is forever. You are not alone. At least these are the things I keep reminding myself. They are true and we must remember them. This is a good support site. People are caring and helpful. Please take care. Thank you for sharing.

[Ddorne]

Bluecat, yes this does happen to me. When I wake up, there is usually anxiety which gets worse as I get up. Though lately my feelings have been depression, which in a way is harder to take. Then my panic feelings come up. It’s like the depression scares me into anxiety. I take an anti anxiety med, klonopin and that helps. Then I try to move through the day. Therapy also helps. Are you in therapy? I’ll pray for you.LD

[Hidden in reply to Ddorne]

Thank you for sharing. Your experience is similar to mine. Depression frightens me. It turns into panic and I cry endlessly. I take klonopin as well. It calms me down. I have a therapist but I couldn’t see her for weeks. I feel so alone. My tears are my companion. I thank you for your prayers. Best.