A Rookie says hello

[Catsamaze]

Hi all. I'm brand new here. Happy to be part of this community. My primary issue right now is severe depression and anxiety (what a lovely combination!). Hoping to connect with others going through it.

[kenster1]

hi welcome aboard.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to kenster1]

Thank you, Kenster!

[Agora1]

Welcome Catsamaze, you are in a safe community of caring people. xx

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to Agora1]

Thank you, Agora!

[2020needstobeover]

New here as well. Though for me it’s the anxiety that’s really gripped me. It sucks largely. Have you gotten any help with it?

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to 2020needstobeover]

Hi there. I am getting help between my psychopharmacologist and my therapist. This is as much a spiritual "dark night of the soul" as it is depression but it would sure help if my meds really kicked in.....and not just a little! What kind of help are you getting for your anxiety?

[Hidden]

👋👋👋

[modestmouser]

Been there. Done that. still doing that. What a long , strange trip it's been.

Meds help, some more than others. I took an MAO Inhibitor for a long time (Nardil) and that helped the most but had to go off of it. It's not prescribed now a days because you can't eat certain foods or take certain medications with it. Maybe your Dr would let you try, though. Right now I'm doing Lexapro and Wellbutrin and recently added L- methyl folate to that and that seems to be helping.

If certain situations make you very anxious, you could try taking a Beta blocker (propanolol) before you are going to be in the situation. Other things that help are antihistamines (like Benadryl or hydroxyzine).

I listen to self hypnotic CDs "Relieve Stress and Anxiety" and those seem to help.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to modestmouser]

Thank you, Modestmouser. I am on an MAOI myself......it's a patch called Emsam. Can't yet tell whether it's helping. In past depressions there was no wondering if a med kicked in. When it did, it was dramatic. I'm hoping for the same thing, of course. What helps me the most are daily hikes that involve some climbing. Music too. Trying to get into meditation but that's been hard for me for some reason. Have you tried that?

[2020needstobeover in reply to modestmouser]

Curious about the dosage of Hydroxyzine you’re taking. I’m at 40-50 mg and drowsy all the time. Along with Ativan. Neither is great.

[sunandbutterfly]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear of the struggles that you are having with anxiety and depression.

I am glad that you have found an exercise that is helpful doe you in hiking. I know that exercise, journaling (prayers), and listening to music were helpful for me.

Meditating can be a tricky one. Here is a video that may be helpful? It is about meditating on the Bible... kcm.org/real-help/spiritual...

Another thing that may be helpful is to sit in silence. It may not be classified as meditation, but it is a good practice. A counselor at my church coached us through. It was easier for me to close my eyes, but do what works best for you. I started with 1.5 minutes of silence.

My brother in law often enjoys the quiet outside. Start small and go from there.

Hope that helps and that you continue to work with the person prescribing your medication.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to sunandbutterfly]

Thank you for your insights, sunandbutterfly (LOVE that name!) I really appreciate your support.