How do you cope with anxiety and depression?

Question

I know that different meds work for different people but lately I've started to lose hope on what works for me. I've been through Zoloft, Lexapro, Lamictal, and right now I'm on Effexor and Xanax. I haven't really seen much effect from Effexor so my doctor is putting me on Wellbutrin. I don't feel motivated to do things anymore so I just lay around and avoid eating, talking, and all that. I just would like to know how others cope with this?

I've been going to a therapist for five years. Thank you for your answers.

Answer 1

THERAPY AND MEDICATION !!!

Answer 2

I have also taken quite a few different combinations of drugs for the same disorder, but my doctor and myself are still searching for that perfect cocktail! Oh well. Don't worry, this is not the end of the world.

You'd really have a problem if you GAVE UP on medicine and treatment. Don't EVER do that. Obviously you WANT to live a normal functional life w/out constant anxiety, and the fact that you're trying speaks volumes for your character. Eventually, you & your doctor will discover what works well for you. Don't forget though that some of these drugs take a long time to build up in your system before they work correctly. So please be patient, ok? Hang in there, kiddo.

btw... If you want to get rid of that extra Xanax lying around... lol

Answer 3

wow you sound like me.... i was on prozac, zoloft, paxil, now also I am on Effexor and xanax... i used to be so motivated and now all i do is also lay around... honey i wish i had an answer i have also been to theripists for 5-7 years. I got my medical marijuana card i do not know if hat is legal in your state (i am in CA) but that helps a bit with the depression and a lot with the side effects of the effexor- you will be able to eat and laugh a tiny bit even if only cuz you smoked--- I REALLY feel that helps me more than the xanax, all that did was made me even more reclusive and tired / lazy... Email me if you need to [e-mail] I will pray for you, dont be afraid to cry

Answer 4

Go and see a doctor sweetheart. You have a huge load on your back and your not coping. And tell your mum. Thats what they're for. You cant cope alone, you need support, help, and guidance. A doctor will give you a support network of just that, but so will your family. Good luck

Answer 5

1. Life is suffering
2. The cause of suffering is desire
3. Desire can be extinguished
4. The way to extinguish desire is the 8-Fold Path

The 8-Fold Path is the Path that leads to eventual Enlightenment and freedom from suffering, although maybe not in this lifetime.

According to the holy Buddha, there is no way to relieve yourself entirely from the unsatisfactoriness of life, except through perfection of oneself and the eventual extinction of the ego, the part of oneself that experiences the suffering.

There is no perfect drug cocktail that can enlighten you. I'm not sure whether you are saying you have a chronic chemical depression, or that you are disappointed to find that life is indeed suffering, as Buddha said.

Answer 6

I'm not on meds, nor do I know how to cope, but you're already on your way to getting better by having made the step to seek medication. I too suffer from both of these ailments, and my life is awful. Keep trying. Maybe Welbutrin will do the trick. GOOD LUCK.

Answer 7

Hang in there... It often takes a long time to find the right meds.
After years and years I am happily taking a combination of Wellbutrin and Prozac. Work with your doctor and don't give up, life is too sweet!

Peace

Answer 8

Seek professional help. The best thing you can do is talk to a professional. There are thousands of doctors who have spent years training to help people in just that type of situation. Something that helped me also was to keep my house well lit with natural light. Sometimes being in dark places for long periods of time can make things worse. Keep shades open, and enjoy the sun when it's out. Also, find an "accountability partner". Someone who will be willing to check in with you on a regular basis with questions such as "how are you doing?" to which you are expected to answer something more than "Fine." Someone you trust who is willing to allow you to come to them in times of fear or sadness. Perhaps a close friend or family member, or a clergy member, teacher, or friendly co worker.
Also, a regular exercise regimine is a good idea, as it provides a sense of improvement and goal orientation, as well as a physical release for anxieties that build up.
Paroxotine HCl (paxil) is a good anti anxiety medication, with minimal side effects. Perhaps look into that one.
There is also an orginization known as the "midwest center" which has a program that is designed to bring people out of depression and anxiety. Maybe look into their program.
Also, on a personal level, I would encourage you to seek peace through the higher power. Take hope in God and the fact that He loves you and is passionately interested in you and your fears, sadnesses, and joys.
1 John 4:16a "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love."
I hope and pray that hope begins to shine through! Peace with you!

Answer 9

first remember that this is about chemistry not character...it took many years and many different combinations to find the one that provided my family member with relief..be patient..antidepressants can take 4-6 weeks to determine whether they are effective in your case..please give yourself time to see if this combo works..and get up and get a little exercise..be proactive and do something that will help and exercise is natures feel good activity..it releases endorphins in your brain..also called the feel good hormones...good luck

Answer 10

Try excersize or being active, it releases endorphins that will help you to get a bit motivated. Also try fiddelling with your diet, try cutting out certain things like meat, dairy, sugar or wheat, and see if there is any effect. Also try being creative, like painting or writing, it will help you to express yourself.

Answer 11

Sunlight and laps.

Beween getting enough sunlight in my day and the endorphans released by running, I have depression at bay