Feeling like I'm at rock bottom, unsure how to cope with depression.

I never particularly understood mental health issues before, however over the past month i was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I'm taking fluoxetine.

This is my first post and I'm hoping I can find some people who feel similarly to me and get some advice from those of you who have beaten this horrible feeling.

I'm 20 and in a long term relationship, living with my partner. Although we are very close I feel like alone when I get my attacks. It feels like a wave of dread overwhelms me and I can't see a light at the end. I tear up every day and often find myself crying for hours. I used to be a very active person but cannot leave the house as at any moment I could burst into tears. I can't eat much, I've lost a notable amount of weight which makes me feel very self concious about what other people will think. Sometimes the feeling gives me a tightness over my chest that feels like I'm having a heart attack, I've also been extremely dizzy and even fainted this morning. Sometimes I get panicked about aspects of my life and sometimes it comes on with absolutely no warning or cause.

I'm also overthinking a lot of things when I'm in a low mood. I find myself questioning and doubting my relationship when I had never before the depression and anxiety started, we were looking into the future together and were very happy. I get even more depressed when I think about not being with my partner, and I get moments of clarity within the darkness when we are truly happy again before the cloud comes back over.

What makes me feel better is when I have a really good cry, and when I'm held by my partner. I also feel bad for him as it is a lot to ask so,some to deal with.

Has anyone else had this story? Any advice on how to control what I'm feeling and sort out my head! I feel like I'm crazy!

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Hello Sam,

It seems to me you are experiencing panic attacks. I'm no expert but I have friends who have the symptoms you describe. You are very young and will get through his phase of your life by taking the medication you are prescribed, learning to relax and raising your self esteem.

The word 'depression' is an umbrella term for a multitude of mental health issues. There are certainly a variety of we sufferers on this site.

You are fortunately an articulate person who can describe your symptoms clearly so should be treated appropriately by the experts.

Basically, I put this down to fear and insecurity welling up and manifesting in this frightening way. It can be a sign of the times, Sam. It is a difficult world for young people these days. Seems everyone is competing with each other to survive.

Consider me a wizened old woman. In the short term I'd suggest listening to relaxing music, learning to meditate, pray or whatever you do to calm your mind. Plenty of fresh air and less technology for a bit.

You'll pull through.

All the best, Jan

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Hello Samy

Welcome to the site.

How long have you had this problem and have you worked out why you feel the way you do ?.

How long have you been taking your medication, it can take a time to work and sometimes you may need to wait for between three or four weeks.

These indications you have explained are all signs of a Depressive illness. The chest pains are generally caused by anxiety and that could be part of your depression.

Panic attacks generally are part of anxiety or if you are worrying about a loss or something related to your depression.

You have also mentioned certain problems with family and these can also affect your mood. For example my depression has been caused by Chronic illness and family problems. Sometimes when this happens it can be caused by worry of social problems, work or if something is wrong with your Partner or feelings that a relationship may end or some complications when training or worries of a private nature.

If you are suffering badly try talking to your GP and ask for talking therapy. Sometimes this can get your problems into some sort of perspective. You also need to understand your GP is in partnership with you when dealing with health issues.

We are always here to help and listen, if that is what you want.

BOB

[Olderal]

Oh dear Sam lost my reply. Will type again. Yes a lot of us have gone through this, some of us many times. It is difficult and as Churchill said I can offer nothing but blood, sweat and tears etc. Depression is bad enough but depression plus anxiety is far worse.

The fact you are here and posting says a lot about your courage. Be very kind to your partner. He is more precious to you than rubies because you sound in love . I do hope so.

If you can share your problems with him and he pulls back a bit that is OK. If he pulls back a lot it could be OK , but might be because he has no experience of this sort of problem in which case it is still OK. But beware if he becomes too remote. You sound quite in love and I hope so, and that it is mutual. In which case his support , if you can talk to him about it is more precious than diamonds. It might be asking a lot for him to deal with (it is ) but if you stay together there will be times when he has to ask a lot of you and I'm sure you will be there for him.

You will over think but try not to be over anxious. The best any human can hope for is to die in their sleep. there are plenty of worse alternatives but at your age there are so many equally good alternatives.

You don't say if you have seen your GP. That is probably almost as important as having a loving partners support .

We'll always be here for you if you need us.

Best wishes Olderal

[mariarun]

Hi Samy, I have suffered from clinical depression my whole life. It has interrupted my life too many times. It will go away I can tell you that. You really have to find a good doctor who is familiar with pharmacology. I took fluoxatine for many years and it did help. However I still had bouts of anxiety . You need to tell your doctor that you are still feeling anxious and depressed so that they can increase your dosage and give you a fast acting anxiety med that you can take when you are having attacks. If you can manage it try running. start with 30 minutes whatever you can do. It reaaallly helps. Also the flux. can make you feel speedy and will decrease your appetite initially. wellbutrin is a good med to add to the mix. I have felt everything you are describing. Its so bad you want to die. But REMEMBER this! It is a chemical imbalance that can be fixed and just hold on tight. Also see someone that does cognitive therapy. Somethings that will distract your mind. Math, crossword puzzles, and mental thought techniques.

I was diagnosed with cancer last year and completed a year of chemo. It f--ked me up, so I too am having a bought right now but its gradually getting better. ALSO IF YOUCAN, GET A DOG! They are the best therapy ever.

M

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Thank you all for your kindness and support. I am glad that I found this sight and have people in similar situations to confide in!

[loner2]

Yes, I've had depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember . Mornings are rough for me, especially when the house is quiet. I sleep most of the morning and only get up to go to my pt job. I can't find the energy or motivation to do anything. I find no joy or pleasure in life. I don't even want my husband to even touch me. I have to force myself to eat and sometimes have extreme panic attacks that can last all day.

I never pictured my life this way, not at my age 39. I don't even know where my life is headed, but I know that I have to find the strength to go on for the sake of my kids.

I've only managed to concentrate on a few things at a time, that's all that I can manage.

My meds have not been working as well as they should but has somewhat improved my moods.

I think that you might have to talk to a therapist and your boyfriend about how you feel and your dr to see if meds might be an alternative to help elevate the symptoms.

Try to focus on one thing at a time, meditate, breathe deeply and try to get some sunshine.

I can't really tell you the best coping strategies, because everyone has their own, but if you can think about positive things then you're taking a step in the right direction.

Good luck in your journey