How do you cope with DAWS?

[Discopage]

While I didn’t experience the full range of DAWS symptoms, I am four months into the battle of my life with depression and anxiety, and the occasional panic attack.

I have bipolar disorder as well so my current experience is crippling. I’m currently in acute psychiatric care for the second time and I’ll soon be going to a residential mental health facility for an extended stay. I hope to get help. I don’t know how much longer I can handle my symptoms, especially the emotional pain.

I’d like to ask those of you who have experienced DAWS how you have coped with the psychiatric symptoms. Anything work for you in your journey?

If anyone is interested in exchanging emails and providing and receiving support, let me know.

[LotteM]

I an sorry, I don't know. Just want to let you know that I feel for you. I hope it soon gets better, it sounds horrible. Amazing that you can still write a sensible post. Take care and stay with us.

[Hidden]

You may not necessarily be suffering DAWS, but the dopamine withdrawal has certainly precipitated a crisis. If you have DAWS your other issues will have complicated it.

As Lotte says, you can still write a sensible post and I admire that.

The thought of having to go into a residential mental health facility sounds daunting. I imagine it will help, however uncomfortable it may be. It will help to keep in touch with people and I hope somebody comes forward for you.

Do keep in touch with the forum. It can be very supportive. If nobody is willing to share their personal email address, there is a "private message" facility in the forum through which members can correspond more personally.

[Jphickory]

I’ll gladly do what I can to help support you through this trying time in your life. I went through a period of severe depression/anxiety in 2010 so I empathize with your pain. I got better and the joy of life eventually returned. You will survive this and you too will once again feel peace, joy and contentment. Please email me anytime: [e-mail]

[Jumpey]

My heart goes out to you and I pray you receive the psychotherapy you need and deserve. Hang on in there. You will get through this crisis .I'm happy for you to private message me on this forum if you wish.I have never experienced DAWS so can't help with that.Sending love and prayers for healing.x

[DicCarlson]

You're doing fine - keep the faith that things will get better! Do take a good quality multivitamin supplement with a large component of B Vitamins. Or add a supplement called B-Right from Jarrow. B Vitamins were key to a depression episode I had (before antidepressants were invented!).

Here is the forefront of research and treatment for depression and anxiety...

hopkinsmedicine.org/news/ne...

[WideBody]

I am sorry you have to deal with this. I know how bad it can be. I am impressed you sought out and found help. I didn’t know what DAWS was andI withdrew from the world.

For me, two things helped (please don’t laugh) Iron helped supplementation more than anything. I do hope they have done a morning fasted full iron panel and tested all the standard stuff. I didn’t get better till that happened. I have read reports that iron supplementation can help with augmentation.

Second was exercise, back then it was almost addict status. (Pre-COVID) I was doing hot power yoga every day, saunas, 400km bike rides.

Final answer, iron and exercise. The rest slowly followed.

Do keep in touch, it does get better. I know it does.