Newbie Introduction

[Lilikat]

Hi all,

I just wanted to post a little introduction, seeing as I'm new here.

Anxiety and depression have been a lifetime struggle for me, although I was only recently officially diagnosed after hitting a breaking point with my anxiety. I've also been prescribed Zoloft, but I'm still in the very early stages of taking it. We'll see in the coming weeks if it's the right fit for me, but I'm hopeful and excited to be taking steps towards a happier life.

My family has a history of PTSD, panic disorders, depression and anxiety, but for most of us it's gone unspoken, undiagnosed and untreated. I hope in the coming months and years to be able to at least change my own scenario.

It's taken me a long time and a lot of hardship to feel like it was okay to talk about my struggle with mental illness. Although I never felt this way about other people talking about their struggles, when it came to myself it felt like I would be letting people down or that I would be viewed as weak.

I've had some realizations recently though, that life is just to short to waste it thinking about other people's potential judgements or to be judging myself too critically.

While I have yet to find a therapist or take steps outside of getting an official diagnosis and medication prescribed, I believe this community will be a good stepping stone to getting over my unwillingness to get help.

So, with that said, I look forward to learning a lot from this wonderful community!

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Welcome! We are all here to help you

[Sprinkle1]

Hello, you did the right thing talking to us, we can relate. I have suffered with depression (clinical) and severe anxiety on and off all my life. It is good to find a safe place to talk, it helps take some of the pressure off. The medication will take pressure off also. I was on Zoloft for 10 years until I built up a tolerance, it did me well, little or no side affects, helped keep me sane.

Yes do by all means find a therapist, one that deals with depression/anxiety, I have one and she is wonderful, helped me understand my illness. I am now on Cymbalta 50 mg daily, it helps with depp/anx. I also take Desyrel 100 mg for sleep, which helps with depression. I have a wonderful Dr. who has stood by me and helped me all she could. Other people here in our group will offer help and support, so please feel free to contact us. I am proud of you and wish you well, sending love/support, big hugs.....Sprinkle 1......

[Lilikat in reply to Sprinkle1]

Thanks, Sprinkle1. The support and you sharing your story help more than you know.

[Stilltrying_]

Welcome ! And well done for posting up and sharing.

We all help each other and most people on here seem to be very supportive and sensitive to other's needs.

Gemmalouise x

[Sprinkle1]

Hi, so good if I could be of help to you, it helps me to get replies as I know I am supposed to help people, I reach out and try to help heal wounds, fears, and confusion. Thank you for letting me know....Sending more love/hugs...Sprinkle 1...