Newbie Here

[Speakeasie]

Hello, just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm a 34 year old woman out of South Carolina, USA, and I suffer with undiagnosed Depression and Social Anxiety. I went to a counsellor once but was frightened away by how quickly they wanted to put me on high-profile psychiatric medications before really even talking through my individual case. I am afraid of peoples' volatility, my social skills are quirky at best and I had to learn them from books, and I see most of what are supposed to be life's little pleasures like eating and sleeping as unenjoyable burdens and chores. I also need to work on my faith in self and fear of failure and risk.

I have had three major episodes of Depression that at their lowest depths even presented me with hallucinations (I hope to never have another), and most of the time between I have suffered what I call Frequent Funks despite having no reason to be so discontent.

I'm hoping that by being in this community, I can learn things from my peers about how to cope and soldier on, while sharing with them what little things have helped brighten my experience for a moment or two, so it can do the same for them.

[Sprinkle1]

Hello I also live in Sth .Carolina up near the border with N.Carolina. I am 77 and have battled depression and anxiety all my life. Do not give up, shop for another therapist, or a psychiatrist. I have a wonderful lady she specializes in dep/an, and has helped me a lot. I do take drugs, been on them most of my life. I am coming out of a 3 year struggle. I am on Cymbalta had my Dr. try me on it, and it works. So now I am feeling human again. So sorry you had hallucinations, they are awful. You need help with both your depression and anxiety, I take med's for both of them and do it gladly if it is going to keep me sane. As your anxiety diminishes your social skills will improve, that is also something a good therapist can help you with. As your depression fades, you will find eating a pleasure again, I lost almost 20 pounds, now I am cooking for myself again and my Dr. is pleased I am gaining weight. I love my sleep, I take med's for that too and melatonin they give me a good nights rest. I have energy again and am enjoying life.

You are young, please do not give up, keep on fighting, it takes time as you know depression is a time eating illness. Write to us, we will offer love and support. I send you love and hugs, strength and courage, peace and joy....Sprinkle 1......xxx

[Speakeasie in reply to Sprinkle1]

I'm also on the SC/NC line. Cherokee Co. beneath Charlotte, NC, etc. I'm glad things have improved for you.