I'm new here...

[bluephoenix]

I'm here because I was searching for a support group online and found this group.

I am a 35 year old female and I am diagnosed with PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and recurrent clinical depression. Even though I was diagnosed with these conditions about two years, I'm sure I've had some form of them since I was young.

I come from a childhood that involved quite a bit of trauma and emotional neglect, which did a number to my self-concept. I am currently working on trying to repair that.

As for medications, I am on Effexor and Ativan. Recently, I found a therapist who specializes in trauma and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and been seeing her for about a couple months now. In general, I have been in therapy consistently for about two and a half years now.

In all honesty, I have come a long way from where I've been, but I still struggle a lot with my conditions. So I'm looking for places where I can find support through my struggles and I hope I can find that here.

[Hidden]

Hello bluephoenix and welcome. It sounds like you have made some amazing progress. I understand anxiety and depression does not just go away. I hope the therapy helps.

[Booklover0219]

Welcome. It sounds like you’ve worked really hard. I hope you find some positive connections here.

[NWGal]

So glad you joined us! You'll find that we are a very caring and supportive group of folks going through the same mental health issues that you are. I went through EMDR back in the 80's and the results were a revelation to me! Sounds like you and your therapist are a good fit. Good karma my friend.

[Sue84 in reply to NWGal]

Can you tell me how the EMDR helped you?

[NWGal in reply to Sue84]

I was suffering from depression and anxiety due to a traumatic event in my childhood. EMDR helped me to uncover the event so I could address it and heal from it. In my opinion it's important to understand the causes of our disorders.

[Dolphin14]

Welcome to the group. You have done a lot of work and getting great benefit

I carry the same diagnosis. I've been working at this for 5 years. I've done EMDR also. I'm in therapy twice a week and I'm on a few meds.

It's always good to come on here and read how others are coping.

Continue your good work

[Sue84]

Hello! You sound like a mirror of me except for the ativan and I am almost 59. What did you think of EMDR? How helpful was it? I've done the standard therapy which didn't help me much and saw the EMDR and was going to try it. Also interested in the ativan. I have been struggling with asking to up my effexor AGAIN and I don't want to take more of it if I can avoid it. Could you share a little about it?

Please know you are definately not alone!!!!