I suspect I suffer from depression, anxiety, and mania. Can one treat all 3 of these with drugs, or...?

Question

Do you focus on the worst one? I think my main problem is the depression, because I have been stuck in life from lack of actual work getting done. So I may have to ignore the other 2 in order to solve the main problem. Or am I totally wrong? I would appreciate input from anyone with experience treating these problems.

I am planning on talking to a psychiatrist, but I want some feedback before I go so I know how to approach the questions with him.

Thanks

Answer 1

They call it "the talking cure" because you will be given a very wide berth to explain what problems you are having. I would say (s)he'll give you the same thing (s)he usually gives manic depressives,which encompasses all three conditions you name.

Answer 2

First Yes they can be treated with meds and usually you'll have sessions with psychologist. But if ur not manic, just sessions with a psychologist or mental health worker can help resolve issue. It's only when u done testing that show an actual chemical imbalance is when ur deemed maniac. I want to say the new phrase is bipolar. Sometimes even group therapy with clinical social workers or psychologist called Group Pycho therapy will be available as u progress. Some find group therapy helpful and very supportive.

Look if u suspect anxiety, maniac depression be up front with the drs. Don't sugar coat it, don't leave out things, don't try testing the waters. SEEK HELP, BE HONEST, & follow therapy.

It takes time. Hopefully, with alittle meds, therapy sessions and learning new tools of dealing with stress u'll be successful. Not everyone has to be on or stay on meds. Besides Even if u brain requires a constant mild dose of medication in order for u to have productive and fufilling life it's worth it. Stay away from alcohol as it interacts and doesn't help u.

You and professional can be extremely successful in combating this illness. Also be sure they ck your Vitamin B levels by blood test. U may also need B12 good luck

Answer 3

I suffer from anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, and panic disorder now for about 5 years. It is totally impossible to try to "self-cure" I don't care what anyone says!
Something may have triggered your illness, if this is the case, the doc will help you figure this out and help you with techniques to control the problem. On the other hand, it could be a chemical imbalance in the brain, which there are meds to help restore these chemicals. Just be totally honest with your doc so he can give you the best treatment.
Best of luck to you, and I hope this helped you a little.

Answer 4

First off.. I have clinical depression, which means I'm chemically imbalanced, MINE is also known as bi-polar or manic. I also have "social anxiety". It is all considered seperate, but, for most of my problems, the same medication has helped.

You HAVE to go to a doctor. PLEASE, for your sake, keep a journal of your highs and lows (most only think to keep the lows, but you should have both). Through your doctor you will be able to be tested to find out what is wrong. Remember, depression is an illness... it's something very easily to take care of, once it is recognized. A medical doctor should be your first step, and get some referrals to therapists or other specialists.

If you do have a prescription, do NOT drink alcohol, ever. (You shouldn't be drinking when depressed, anyway!).

For my history, after the initial 2 years of medications, I am now on my medication every 3 weeks for 1 week to keep me balanced. It has made a difference! (I'm a fairly extreme case, though, so, chances are, you will be able to get healthy with a lot less!)

Answer 5

Well actually, I suffer from depression and anxiety. I am not a healthcare professional. I just want to say drugs will help all 3 somewhat IF YOU GET THE RIGHT ONES. Be prepared to go through a few different kinds to find what works for you. Also be prepared to go to therapy. Drugs alone won't help you deal with all the problems you describe. I know, I've been there. Good Luck.

Answer 6

going to a psychiatrist is the first thing u should do.. you need to be properly diagnosed, so that all mental health professionals know how to treat u. the doctor will, if he feel you have a organic mental illness probably will order drugs they call mood stabilizers. these drugs should treat all you symptoms. being depressed can cause anxiety and anxiety can cause depression. mania , however is a symptom on its own, that is usually associated with bi polar illness. please tell your doctor all the symptoms u have and be honest about yourself. it may take a little time, but it is worth the wait, and there are good treatments out their for you. you don't have to live like that, life can get better for you good luck

Answer 7

I have never required treatment for any of the disorders you mentioned, however from I know from studying mental health issues and pharmacology, there are drugs that will treat all of those. And let's not forget, this is a self-diagnosis.

If you think you suffer from depression and mania, then that's called Manic Depressive Disorder or Bi-polar Disorder - it's not 2 separate disorders.

Good for you for trying to seek help, the psychiatrist will know better than any of us which drug would be best for you.

Answer 8

Typically, depression and mania come together in the form of bipolar disorder, but mentally you're either in one state or the other: not both.

Unfortunately, depression and anxiety come hand in hand, and each makes the other worse: it's a vicious cycle where you become more depressed because you're anxious over your depression, etc. The most important thing to do here is to be able to recognize when you're caught in it (not easy) and do something to remedy the situation (also not easy).

*Don't* assume you've got anything before you see a professional. And don't make the mistake of shoehorning the characteristics of your situation into a list of symptoms of 'depression'.

For me, my 'depressed' moods seem to coincide with a serotonin crash -- When that happens I've taught myself to do things that increase serotonin levels -- exercise is a good one, taking a daily multivitamin works for me (YMMV), and foods that contain tryptophan -- one of the precursors to serotonin -- milk, bananas, turkey,etc.

Answer 9

Unless you have an actual chemical disorder, you don't need drugs. Look at your life and find out what exactly you are depressed about. Do you have a home? Food? Allot of people now days think they are depressed because they don't have a mansion and a BMW and a model for a mate.
The best thing to do is to look at your self and make sure you are a good person, do you have faults and if you do can you live with them. Most people find out that it is "them" and the life "they choose" that is making them unhappy. If you are not happy then DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

Answer 10

yes there are treatments for all three...... although a lot of antidepressants do increase mania so definitely mention the mania to your doctor if you go in for depression...... anxiety can greatly increase depression so do get some help for it too....

good luck, i hope it all works out for you....

i am on 7 psych. meds took a while to find the right combination..

so don't expect the first drug to necessarily work in your case just keep trying til you get it right.. work with your psychiatrist...

Answer 11

Just write down all the questions you just asked here any others that come to mind and then take them with you to the docs office. You may want to consider seeing your regular doc first to rule out any other causes of your problems as he may be able to help you without the need for psychiatric help. He may be able to figure out what is going on, get you on meds and suggest no psychiatrist or just a psychologist or therapist. See your regular doc first to rule out other causes of your problems.