Anxiety/Depression Support Group

mslinzyann · Nov 25, 2006

I was thinking that maybe we could start an anxiety/depression support group here at VB for all the people out there dealing with these conditions. I would like to start it up and sticky it, Eat to Live style. I have a lot of problems with my anxiety and I just thought it would be nice to gave a group to help one another deal with these disruptive and difficult conditions. So, if there's anyone out there who would like to do it, I would too. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

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everydayperils · Nov 25, 2006

I have an anxiety disorder with major depressive episodes, in addition to other mental health labels. I'm new here but I think it would be a really good idea. It's helpful to learn about other people's experiences and share one's own. Doing that gives some people, myself included, the sense that they are not alone, something that its hard to remember when you're feeling depressed or anxious.

soilman · Nov 26, 2006

While I think this may be a good idea in re to anxiety, no matter how depressed I might get, I think I'd rather be around cheerful people and avoid depressed people. Other depressed people only make me more depressed, no matter what they say they are intending to do.

soilman · Nov 26, 2006

I find that relaxation exercises are helpful to reduce anxiety. They are easy to learn and do. 
if you have depression do NOT try to sleep it off like you might with any other illness. Force yourself to stay awake, even if you feel you have nothing to stay awake for. Then leave your normal location, and go anywhere.

DoveInGrey · Nov 26, 2006

I'm up for it too .

steinbock · Nov 26, 2006

yeah, i think it's a great idea. Although sometimes you want to be around cheerful people when one feels depressed, sometimes it might help to tell someone who has an idea of where you're coming from, or someone who you don't have to face on a daily basis <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

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jmho

shaved_women · Nov 27, 2006

I used to have terrible anxiety....I was on Xanax.....I worked as a canvasser for an environmental organization (NYPIRG) and had to ask people for money every day and I was terrified. I only stayed because I needed a job, and loved my co-workers. I don't get much anxiety these days, but I'm still pretty depressed sometimes where I can't even do anything but just lie down. 
I think we should have a part of VB for us to share our issues and help each other out. That would be a really positive addition!

peacecat · Nov 27, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by shaved_women <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I used to have terrible anxiety....I was on Xanax.....I worked as a canvasser for an environmental organization (NYPIRG) and had to ask people for money every day and I was terrified. I only stayed because I needed a job, and loved my co-workers. I don't get much anxiety these days, but I'm still pretty depressed sometimes where I can't even do anything but just lie down. 
I think we should have a part of VB for us to share our issues and help each other out. That would be a really positive addition!</div>
</div>
 
OMG!!! That kind of work would give anyone anxiety. I hate that kind of door to door stuff too. 
I think it's a great idea to have a support thread; depression is and has been an issue in my life. I will try to be supportive thouigh my visits to VB tend to be sporadic...

Thalia · Nov 27, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by shaved_women <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I used to have terrible anxiety....I was on Xanax.....I worked as a canvasser for an environmental organization (NYPIRG) and had to ask people for money every day and I was terrified.</div>
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I totally understand. My first day with OPIRG, I left a resignation note on a tree and walked to my mom's work because I couldn't take it any more. It seemed like a dangerous job. 
I've been depressed lately, and I used to get anxiety. So I could give and get help. Or at least let people know they are not alone.

GanyGreenBean · Dec 2, 2006

I'd love a place to share ideas on coping and places to vent. I'm Bipolar personally and not on any meds to treat it. I am doing it all through coping skills and diet. 
So, yeah I vote for it!

shaved_women · Dec 3, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Thalia <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I totally understand. My first day with OPIRG, I left a resignation note on a tree and walked to my mom's work because I couldn't take it any more. It seemed like a dangerous job.</div>
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I thought about quitting. I only averaged about the quota (130 dollars), but it was sporadic, I'd get a lot of 70 dollar days and then a couple 300 dollar days......one day I got a 1000 dollar check and was the star of the office. 
The worst is if you are African-American. You would think in the New York City area people are more open to diversity, but many African-Americans who joined up dealt with racist comments and fear from white property owners who called the police and such. 
Once I got stopped by the police and told to stop canvassing. I just went to the Borders near my route and stayed there for 4 hours. 
Then there's always dogs......I'd go near a house and if I heard a lot of loud barking, I'd just put an X on the sheet (unless they gave previously, then I'd write come back another day) 
Still, you meet a lot of great people in canvassing jobs. I guess they have to have the charm to work in this field <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

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treefingers · Dec 3, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by GanyGreenBean <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I'd love a place to share ideas on coping and places to vent. I'm Bipolar personally and not on any meds to treat it. I am doing it all through coping skills and diet. 
So, yeah I vote for it!</div>
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so are there any specific vitamins that have helped with your moods, or have you just learned to recognize it and "overcome" those thinking patterns that come with the highs and lows (etc...)? 
i'm just curious because i am currently taking lamictal...it has helped somewhat to alleviate the lows but not too much. i don't have any side-effects and so far it has had more positive effects on my body than negative (unlike the lithium i was taking previously...).... but i just hate the idea of taking some chemical everyday that "dulls" my moods, and i feel like taking meds (since i may eventaully be put on an AD) will eventaully poison my body. 
i don't know, i feel slightly conflicted because i know that if they are helping the depressions even just a bit, then they may be worth it, because i have been way too close to the edge too many times to even count...

specialK12 · Dec 3, 2006

i just started efexor xr and i feel really shaky , got the worst headache and i think ive gained weight also my apititie is gone! has any one eles been on anti depressants and had this happen?

mslinzyann · Dec 5, 2006

specialK12- it is a normal side effect. Unfortunatley, SSRIs cause a lot of side effects, although not as many as other psychiatric medications. Try to hang tough- it takes at least two weeks to a month for the side effects to go away. However, if it doesn't start to feel better after awhile, you'll probably want to check in with your doctor to adjust your dosage or switch medications. May I ask who prescribed your medication, a family practitioner or a psychiatrist?

WonderRandy · Dec 5, 2006

my shrink and I are discussing medicinal options for my anxiety issues. I was on Prozac for depression once and it made me psycho, so I'm afraid of meds... we're gonna talk some more about it my next session... my last session was NOT a good time to talk about meds. I was in a full-blown anxiety attack, and it scared me silly...

Hang~Ten~Honey · Dec 5, 2006

I think this this is a great idea. Sometimes talking to people who are where you are is very comforting. You don't have to feel so alone in a sea of 'normal functioning people'. 
I've been dx'd with quite a few things over the years and have take a whole lot of meds. I'm not on much of anything right now and I have been going through a really rough time this year.

specialK12 · Dec 5, 2006

my local dr did , after the first time of seeing me alwell , how did she know what type to give me there are so many!

Vera82 · Dec 6, 2006

I've been diagnosed with vulvodynia just recently and my lifetime mild depression is just increasing, I'm afraid it will turn into major depression. My painkillers for vulvodynia are tricyclic depression drugs, because there is practically no other types of drug for chronic pain. So, maybe if I continue taking the drugs, my depression will go away. However I already feel slight side effects after two days of using them (mouth is dry, feel sleepy) and I'm taking just 25 mg. Next week I'm taking 50 and after that 75 etc. until I will be taking 100-125 mg. 
Good that I have drugs, but I feel so suicidal nowadays, that I keep thinking about killing myself. And with drugs it's so much more "easier" if you know what I mean. So, I'm actually scared that I now have these drugs here at home, because what kept me from doing it before was the fear of painful dying. Luckily I have first meeting with my psychologist tomorrow, so hopefully she can help me. Life feels just so hopeless, dark and gloomy place. I don't want to see my family anymore, or anyone at all, but I still yearn for communication with someone. I just keep having flashbacks of my horrible childhood and those things (as well as my chronic illness that perhaps cannot be cured by anything, which means I cannot ever have children, intercourse etc.) are the only thing that I think about, it's like obsession. I would just love to spend the whole day in bed, crying against someone's shoulder and hear them saying that I didn't deserve all this, that I'm a good person and that nobody should have a childhood like that and that I have hope in the future.

Jinga · Dec 6, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by specialK12 <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
i just started efexor xr and i feel really shaky , got the worst headache and i think ive gained weight also my apititie is gone! has any one eles been on anti depressants and had this happen?</div>
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Did your doctor have you out on the 'starter pack' with the lower dose, 37.5mg pills? Effexor is one of the stronger meds. I had horrible side effects when I was on a 'full' dosage, including blurred vision and loss of appetite. If you are already on low dose, you may want to ask your doctor about other options like Wellbutrin, Cymbalta or Lexapro. I didn't experience any moderate (or worse) side effects on those three. Good luck and I hope you find something that works well for you <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

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Jinga · Dec 6, 2006

Vera, I'm glad you have an appointment with a psychologist soon. It sounds like you're definately in need of someone to help. Hang in there! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":hug:">

Anxiety/Depression Support Group

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