The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I'm stumbling around the new (to me) world of depression and anxiety and would like to know how some of you handle it. Without meds and with - how do "they" as in Doctors figure out what is right for you?
Using the power of hindsight I have figured out my Mom went through years of depression - she would never admit it just took Valium for 20 years. So many questions so few real answers.
My own problems seem to have started this year when H went middle age crazy and his every night drinking, lies and etc etc etc wrecked my illusion of a decent marriage. We are now living apart but I'm a wreck and my teenage daughter is having a rough time also. So advice or prayers would be welcomed.
While I was living in the worst parts of my (now ex) A's alcoholism, I was a mess, crying all the time, it was affecting my work, my moods, my parenting, etc.... After a long and stubborn refusal, I FINALLY went to my family doctor, and he described my symptoms as "situational depression", and prescribed anti-depressants for me (can't even recall the name now, but they are similar to Prozac). I took them for about six months, and then weaned myself off them, as I didn't like the "cloudy" feeling that they gave me. I must admit, however, that they DID help calm me down, during the crises that seemed to be happening daily at the time.
Tom
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"He is either gonna drink, or he won't.... what are YOU gonna do?"
"What you think of me is none of my business"
"If you knew the answer to what you are worrying about, would it REALLY change anything?"
Well in the case of hubby, he is blessed with a very caring wonderful psychiatrist and he does mental health counceling on top of it. He isn't diagnosed with clinical depression but has a host of other ailments on top of his addiction: panic attacks, anxiety, OCD, spinning thoughts, etc. It's taken him a good 2 years to work out the medications. I think having a really good Dr. is the key for him.
As for me, there have been some dark times in my life where I know I was suffering. I'm not sure what really pulled me out of it. Perhaps my HP gave me a kick in the pants. I've never gone of meds for those times. I have done some counceling though. That seems to have helped. These days when I find myself in a dark place that lasts for more than a few days I ask myself is it because I have a cold coming on or is there something else going on that I'm not aware of? Have I been under extra emotional stress? Am I not taking the time for just me? If I can't snap out of it, that's when I go to the doctors for a checkup. I try and make a gratitude list or come here and try to give back some of what I have got. Somehow doing something for someone else without expecting "payback" makes me happy.
Love and blessings to you and your family.
Live strong,
Karilynn & Pipers Kitty
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
I have recently posted my story on depression. It's on this board. Called ALLY'S STORY, posted by Belle.
Please have a look at it, it might give you some e.s&h.
And Hey, I take meds and its okay. I come off them when I feel better. No addiction.
Hope you get some help in here.
We also have meetings in here twice a day. 9am est and 9pm est (10am at weekends) Also a chatroom if you get a chance please come and join us. It helps us so much, listening to other people who have sufered just like us.
Hi Orchid Lady, Over the years I have wanted to forgo the meds and just handle it - big mistake! I really needed them and was too "proud" to get help. Most of the basic ones work: Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft but I had side effects with those so I went to a psychiatrist for specialized help. It still isn't perfect but I am so grateful for medicine. You are worth it...take care, Lisa
I, too, am working with a psychiatrist to get me on the right meds. It takes time to figure out the right ones for each individual. I am also working with a therapist to deal with my issues at the same time. It also takes alot of time to work these things out but is really worth it.
At the height of my depression, I was crying uncontrollably and felt I needed to take something because the kids were still home, at that time. Within a 5 yr. period, I had tried Celexa, Wellbutrin, Prozac and Cymbalta. None really worked, as I was still depressed and getting worse. I spent loads of money on Talk Therapy, tried to drag my a-- out the door and get some exercise by walking (exercising is proven to help depression, but it made me very exhausted) Finally, a friend recommended that I see a holistic doctor, who checked my hormone levels and found that I had a serious hormone imbalance. (Antidepressants don't help a hormone imbalance!!!! ) Anyway, I am now feeling better with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy...and, I am working to control the stress in my life (with Al Anon)
In the end, even if we take antidepressents, we ultimately must work on ourselves. I had to replace some of the self-destructive patterns I developed during my depression with more positive, self-nurturing things.....like, Al Anon, meditation ( a real blessing!) and I went back to school. I also read all the spiritual/ self-help books I can get my hands on....LOL
And... I am finally beginning to discover *JOY*
Everyone is different, OL. You must follow your inner guide on this. Take the meds if it helps....they are invaluable if you need them. And, Keep coming back to Al Anon. Love, DeeDee
