How to get rid of Depression+excessively irritating+Panic?

Question

I am very depressed, sometimes feel very low. I become very irritating and sometimes, especially when I wake up in the morning, I get panic as well. My doctor has referred to me to the counsellor and I am waiting for the appointment.
1) Do think there could be any medicine that do not make me drowsy during the day time and that does not affect driving?
2) Is there any method to treat depression, anger, etc. other than medicines?
3) If you had gone through such problems in the past and been better, please let me know your suggestion.

Answer 1

I have had depression for many years and have tried many things. The counsellor is very important and necessary. As far as medications go, it takes a while to find one that will work for you. If you are not suicidal, I would try other means of treatment if you do not want to take medications.

I have had good results from accupuncture and vitamins. Unfortunately neither are covered by my medical plan.

If you go see a naturopath, they might be able to help you find some vitamins and other supplements that would help.

Exercise is also very important as it releases natural endorphins, and helps burn off stress. Try to get your heart rate up for half an hour at least three times a week.

Try avoiding chemicals in the food you eat, as this can throw off your brain chemistty.

Try not to sit at home and watch TV a lot. Get out and do things because this will help take your mind off things.

If you don't go to church, try to find one...studies show that people with religious beliefs tend to be happier than those without them.

Also, do you live in a northern climate, or a place where it rains a lot. I live in Vancouver, BC, and it rains most of the winter here. My depression is worse in the winter because of the lack of sunlight. If the lack of sunlight is a factor for you, get yourself a SAD light (SAD = seasonal effective disorder). If you do buy one, make sure that the light that comes out of it is white. Many products say that they are a SAD light, but they have an orange light. In order for the product to work, if has to be a full-spectrum light, which is white.

Okay, I hope I have been some help. I wish you luck.

Answer 2

First, you are headed in the right direction by seeing a therapist.

1) Yes, there are many medicines that do not make you drowsy in the day. I have taken different meds off and on for more than 20 years and I drive, I work, I write and I experience no drowziness. Now, we all have different reactions to medications, but if you have just started one, it may be only an initial side effect that will go away in a week or so. If not, there are others you can try. You can also try taking it at a different time of day.

2) Yes, therapy can address depression and panic without medications. Current research though, specifies that a combination of medications and therapy provide the most positive long term benefits.

3) I have had both therapy and been on medications. Both have been extremely beneficial for me. I am not CURED...I am living a good life.

Answer 3

There are a lot of factors to consider. How long has the depression been going on? How old are you? How severe is it?

Generally medication isn't the only answer, but combined with counselling it can be a great help. Most of the medications won't make you drousy. You may have to try several meds before you find the right one for you, so don't get discouraged. Once you find the right one, you wont believe the difference it can make in your life.

Answer 4

I know that many people would like to treat their depression without medications. Unfortunately, if your brain chemistry is off, meds are usually what is most helpful. I work in a mental health clinic and have spent many hours with patients and in doing research. Antidepressants do work for most people. And the good news is that you might not need to be on them forever. We usually say to stay on them for a year, then wean off of them and see how you feel.
I like Cymbalta. It is a dual reuptake inhibitor, meaning it works on serotonin and norepinephrine. It is less likely to make you drowsy and is usually effective for anxiety. Wellbutrin is a good one for not making you tired, but it may aggravate the irritability. The key is to find one that works for you.
Counseling is definitely a positive step and I would recommend you continue it even if you take medication. If you are still irritable after starting an antidepressant, you may want to at least temporarily add a mood stabilizer like Lamictal.
Good Luck!

Answer 5

Ithink the best possible thing you can do is look for a group in your area called GROW or one that goes by the name of AWARE both of these groups are self help groups for people who suffer from depression and related problems like panic attacks they do a wonderful job

Answer 6

I always find a Good Walk/Hike or a Cycle Ride (Taking in the Fresh Air)Always helps!
Every one is Different!
Not sure what will work for You,but Exercise and changing the View(Daily) always Helped me!
What's to loose?

Answer 7

CBT is the best solution to your depression/anxiety and is at least as effective as medication. Counselling might help, depending on what time of counselling it is. Try and avoid medication if you can as it rarely sorts out the cause of your depression (neither does CBT but it is a wee bit more holistic). Explore the causes of your depression/anxiety with your counsellor.

Answer 8

Different meds are available..I use a combination of Prosac, Tradone and Amatriptaline. Check with your councilor (psychiatrist) is the best for monitoring these meds.

Answer 9

These could just be symptoms of an underlying cause.

Try to determine what makes you feel so bad.