Severe social anxiety and depression...☹️

[Firecracker52]

Hello. I am new to this and hoping to find someone who is going through similar problems. I am a middle aged, educated female with severe social anxiety and severe depression. I try to hide it and it gets more difficult as years go by and more so the last few months. I have had this my whole life. Zoloft and Paxil worked wonders but unfortunately don’t work anymore. I have tried everything and Can’t seem to find relief. It is maddening. I have always loved socializing and being the life of the party. It’s to the point, I have difficulty going out anymore. This also affects my job. I am a supervisor in the healthcare field. I could have gone much further in life, but unfortunately my social anxiety sets me back. Depression is so bad that I cry for no reason. I always have suicidal thoughts, but would never be an option. I want so bad to feel normal again. Anyone with similar issues?

[Hidden]

Hi, sorry you are going through this. I also could have gone further in my career but suffered a breakdown. I can’t say it was all anxiety, I had issues I needed to deal with and have since that time. Long story short, I went on Lexparo which helped me through a bad period during a divorce 10 years ago. Lexapro helped pull me out of depression and calm anxiety. I also cleaned up my eating habits and started exercising again. I joined some support groups in my area and attend meetings twice a week. I also see a therapist weekly. I know it’s hard to climb out of the pit, but one day at a time.

[Firecracker52 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lynn,

Thank you for responding. Sorry to hear what u had to go through. I have been on lexopro before. It made me irritable unfortunately. I just started Viibrid. I’m hoping this one helps. I would like to find support groups in my area. I’m in Rochester, NY. 😊

Lynn Ann

[Hidden in reply to Firecracker52]

Hi Lynn Ann, nice name:). Support groups have helped me a lot. I tend to get in my head and analyze a lot, talking in person with others is much more therapeutic. I attend Celebrate Recovery and Codependents Anonymous

[bridder01]

Howdy! Welcome to our humble abode! I know I feel the same way a lot, and there are days that are really hard to cope. Coming here was the best thing I ever did. The people here are wonderful and supportive! Come in, make yourself at home, and say hi! After all, a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet.

Your friend,

Brian

[Firecracker52 in reply to bridder01]

Hi Brian,

Thank you. Just having u reach out makes me very comfortable and happy. Sometimes I feel all alone. Just knowing there are others with similar problems puts me at ease. I will definitely keep in touch and talk soon. 😊. Lynn

[bridder01 in reply to Firecracker52]

Anytime Lynn! We're here if you need us!

[Hidden]

I'm on propanolol, it's performance enhancing drug . It helps the physical symptoms of anxiety. I'm not on depression meds because none of them worked.

[Lizardlover2]

Hi Lynn,

Thank you so much for reaching out. My heart breaks for you. I know the real pain of dealing with depression and anxiety. I think healing comes when we are willing to talk about it and ask for advice. So thank you for doing just that. I do not have any advice, but wanted to reassure you that there are people who care and know how you are feeling. I know its so easy to feel alone, but you are not. I am hoping and praying the new medicine that you are on will be helpful. Hang in there.

[Ladybug9]

Yes, I can relate to everything you said. Unfortunately for me, I am unable to take any medications for the depression or Agoraphbia. I do take Xanax for my panic attacks. The other day I was watching the Animal Planet and whether the program had a sad or a happy ending, I would start crying! I'm super sensitive, an empath and a Virgo. That combination can be a gift and a curse all at the same time. Do you have any idea what makes you cry out of the blue? Some of us are just more sensitive than others and it doesn't take much. My sons use to tease me because I would cry over TV commercials! I have more days than not that when I go out, I wear headphones and listen to music to keep me calm. I jump at a car running over a grate, etc... I have always been outgoing and more an extrovert, but lately, I'm finding I prefer to be a hermit. So I CAN relate to what you are going through. Sending hugs.