Anxiety and Depression

[Virgo22]

New here. Have been having lots of anxiety, depression, worry and panic. Dread the mornings. Wake up in a panic. Don't want to be alone. Life is not fun right now. Stomach is in knots when I wake up. Appetite not good. Started taking Lexapro and Buspar. Also have Atarax as needed. What does anyone take for this? Meds aren't doing much yet.

[GlowingDarkly]

Hey Virgo! Welcome to the community. Glad you found yourself here.

I don’t have much experience with this meds myself, but perhaps there are some others around here that have. I have mostly struggled with my own anxiety and depression the old fashioned way (aka poorly). But I am always happy to share what mundane strategies I’ve come up with.

You’re not alone here and I think you’ll find a lot of support and understanding. If you ever need a direct ear, my DMs are always open. I try to keep an eye on them as much as I can manage.

[Mskitty21]

Hi👋 And welcome 😊 you’ve found a great community here and I hope you find some help and relief sharing and being a part of it. The meds you are on are the same ones that I take (lexapro and buspar)and unfortunately it just takes a few weeks to start getting the full benefits. Buspar can help ease anxiety and panic pretty quickly but it’s not the same as a full narcotic panic pill like clonazepam… which I assume is the same as Atarax.

Just know that it gets better… you’ll still have bad days but this is the beginning of healing. Trying doing stuff outside and/or exercising to relieve some anxiety and worry. Some breathing exercises may help, audio books, playing an online game maybe?

Mornings are tough for me too ALOT… I just try my best… have my coffee anyways 🫢, and try to keep reminding myself to just keep going.

Also maybe treat yourself…. Even tho your appetite is low go get your favorite candy or coffee. Get a large pizza with all the goodies and watch a funny movie. Have grace and patience with yourself and you will be feeling better in no time.

peace and healing vibes sent your way 😊

[GlowingDarkly in reply to Mskitty21]

I love this advice!

[Luvmyboston]

Welcome! I remember when I started my meds, everything was in a fog. It took several weeks, maybe even a few months, to start feeling ok. These meds are affecting our neurotransmitters, that's a big deal! So be gentle with yourself and give it some time. Message me if you want to talk more. ☺️

[Virgo22 in reply to Luvmyboston]

Thank you so much. During the day I feel low energy, no motivation. Start to feel better later in the day and night time. Feel more relaxed at night. So much worry and anxiety during the day. Lots of changes in my life and I'm having a hard time trying to figure things out. Lost my Mother 2 years ago and it's been difficult. We were very close and I was her main caregiver. Feel lost without her. She was always there for me. Feeling very lonely and struggling to make a new life.

[Luvmyboston in reply to Virgo22]

Holding you close to my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. And being her caregiver too, that's a lot! I'm almost 50. Lost my dad in my mid 20's after caring for him for a short time. I still feel cheated, and jealous/angry at those who have their parents.

I have 3 adult daughters, so I have a big mama bear heart and understand many of the deep pains this life brings us. You message me anytime, I would love to hear your story, your struggles, whatever you need to get off your chest. I can feel the deep pain of your loss in your post. You are seen. You are not alone ❤️

[designguy in reply to Virgo22]

Hello and welcome to the group and sorry for your loss, i'm sure it's compounded by your having been her primary caregiver and all of the changes now. You may benefit from working with a grief counselor/therapist to help you process and heal. We all heal in different ways and lengths of time so be kind and compassionate with yourself and allow yourself the time you need to grieve and heal.

[Virgo22]

Thank you everyone. 💕

[GlowingDarkly in reply to Virgo22]

Hope your doing a bit better Glad you’re here.

[Arymretep]

Hi and welcome, Sorry about your Mum, I looked after my Mum for many years so know what it’s like , I felt the same after she died, I was lost for a while too, But over time I made my own life again doing things that I couldn’t do before , it takes time but you’ll get there , we’re all here for you

[Shunneddune]

I take buspar and just enough Klonopin to keep me from detoxing...I have a love hate relationship with my buspar as I am agoraphobic but with the buspar I can leave my house and do basic errands with less anxiety..but I have a tolerable issue with it....meds help but what works best are techines to reduce anxiety....there are many people on here you can learn techniques from but for me it's just taking small incremental steps to get comfortable....ask around or find a therapist to learn from... I hope this helps