Depression and anxiety please help??

Question

im not to good at writing stuff like this but hear goes....i just dont no wat 2 do i suffer from depression and anxiety my head just feels so mixed up i feel like theres no hope at the moment every day i wake up its a battle 2 get thro the day my anxietys gettin so bad im becomin agraphobic i can barley go to the shop im seeing a phyciatrist at the moment he put me on effexor about 4 weeks ago 75mg witch seemed to be helping at first iv bin taking 150mg since last week and its only slighly helping im alson on the waiting list for cbt theropy aswell but i just dont see how it will help me..i feel like i have no one to turn to i have so many people sayin to me just stop takin your medication it only makes you worse i dont really no what im askin mybee some one could tell me a few personal stories my head feels so messed up..thanks for reading (and sorry about the spelling i no im not the best speller)

Answer 1

im feeling the same way. i just posted a question about 5 below yours.

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...

Answer 2

Well first off, Effexor doesn't work for everyone, (just like all medications)...  I have went thru depression & anxiety, but it didn't usually get bad unless I let it get bad.  In other words, I know this sounds hard, but you have to try and control the depression/anxiety instead of letting it control you.  (Easier said than done, I know).  

Some things that really help, are

1). changing to a healthy diet

2). getting some exercise (because complacency & laziness only intensifies the depression)

3). take a vitamin B complex (which is suppose to help neurologically)

4). buy a self-help book on depression, (you may gain lots of insight there).

5). surround yourself with good ppl. who you have a good time with, (and avoid hanging out w/ negative ppl. - they can put a damper on your mood)

6). If you believe in God, turn to Him in faith

I'm sorry if some of this was self-explanatory.  I wish you the best.  It will get better in time.

P.S. If and when you do get off medications one day, ween off of it very, very slowly.  You can research more about withdrawal effects from anti-depressants online.

Answer 3

I can totally understand where you're coming from. I have problems with anxiety too but the good news is don't give up hope.  I found what has helped is to learn a lot about it, the symptoms etc so that they don't freak you out.  One website that I found particularly helpful is www.anxietycentre.com.  They list all the symptoms etc but there is no doubt countless websites.  I could also recommend that you read "Feel the fear and do it anyway".

I've been doing the CBT for a few weeks now and it has helped amazingly, it is the first thing that really has helped me to feel better.  I also force myself out and none of those bad things that you're afraid of ever happen.  The more you do the more you will see how the anxiety is totally irrational.  I've also learned to practice mindfulness which helps you how to live in the moment and stop worrying about all the what ifs.  I did try Effexor at one stage but they made me nearly suicidal because they really heighten the anxiety first.  The antidepressants will usually take about 8 weeks to 12 weeks before you will notice a big difference.  Don't give up hope, I know you must feel really c**p right now and I can totally relate but try and make a plan for your day and take each day at a time and try to have a positive attitude.  That is half the battle.  Good Luck!!