Depression & Anxiety?

Question

How much does this change you? Does it make u do and say things u never would, does it make u think that the future looks bad. Does it make u wanna give up under stress?

Answer 1

Yes, yes and yes. Those two together are quite a pair. It changes you--mood swings and all. See a doc for it--get the proper meds--makes a world of difference.

Answer 2

There are no easy answers to your questions. Depression and anxiety can make life seem overwhelming and can interfere with your ability to work, go to school, have relationships with others, or enjoy life. I am sorry you are struggling, but please know that help is out there if you need it. You didn't mention your age -- if you are a student, start with the counselors/mental health resources at your school. If you have health insurance, most plans cover some mental health counseling. See your primary care doctor first and explain exactly what is going on, how long you have been feeling this way, and give specific examples of how the depression and anxiety are interfering with your usual routine (work, family, etc.). If you don't have health insurance, there are usually agencies that provide counseling on a sliding scale according to what you can pay. You may also want to talk to a priest, minister, or rabbi, if you have a faith connection. In the meantime, there are some short-term things you can do for yourself. Try to exercise a little every day -- even a 10-minute walk. Try to eat as well as you can. Those are small steps but they can make a difference. Seek out people who care about you and who will want to help, and talk to someone you trust. I wish you all the best!

Answer 3

Usually they go hand in hand, if you have one you have the other. Do I ever want to give up? Yes, to that question. Life is hard and with disorders added on top it can be very stressful. Sometimes I can't see any thing changing, but everything does, good or bad. Good luck and know that you are not alone with these thoughts.

Answer 4

Seriously it sounds like a bipolar disorder. Bipolar people can say and do anything at any given time. It is a very severe disorder and people that suffer from it need proper meds. You need to talk to a professional about this but one that specializes in that area. Stress can make someone who suffers with bipolar manic depression do things that ordinarily they wouldn't do. The scariest part about people who suffer from this disorder is that they are not taken seriously. Often times it is too late to get help and suicide or murders have been committed by people that just need a little help. If you at all think that you are depressed or bipolar or autistic you need to find someone to help you with this. Trust me on this. I had a cousin that committed suicide and no one in the family took her seriously and I believed she would do it but lived 2500 miles away from her. Please get help for yourself or anyone that you think suffers from this. It is not a joke.

Answer 5

speaking with alto of experience with the 2 (family history of depression and currently an over comer of a severe anxiety disorder) i believe it does change you alto. Most of the change is very bad and it robs you of your life and happiness...but other times people can fight through it and learn from it. I have overcome my anxiety and learned alto about what i am made of. I also have a better idea of how special life is and it is not to be taken for granted. there have been plenty of times i wanted to throw in the towel and give up, i had even lost friends because my anxiety. it is a constant struggle within yourself and no drug can fix this. I have known many people with these problems including best friends, girlfriends and family and all who chose medication are still suffering ..while those who looked for comfort in counseling or faith have done remarkably better. I still have anxiety...it is controlled in my day to day life but it will always be with me just waiting to take over again...i believe it is up to us to fight it and always strive to love life.

Answer 6

I have severe chronic mania depression along with other things, and yes depression does cause you to do and say things you normally wouldnt do, along with other things.

Answer 7

This might be helpful
http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/

Answer 8

Depression is a common condition, 15% of the population will suffer from clinical depression at some point in their lives.

Everybody has periods where they feel low, or down. These are normal emotions, and appropriate after bad news, bereavement and so forth. However, depression – the illness, is persistent, and help is required to recover. The difference with depression is when the unhappiness is without cause, or lasts much longer and is out of proportion to circumstances, or seems beyond the sufferers personal control to manage.

Depression affects people differently. Some are mildly affected – often known as dysthymia, and manage to function despite their condition. Others may be severely depressed and find it very difficult to carry out even the most basic tasks., such as washing and dressing.

There are also different types of depression, such as the episodes of depression, followed by elation in manic depression (bipolar affective disorder, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and PND (post natal depression).

Spike Milligan and Winston Churchill were two famous manic depressives. Depression is not selective of class, status or upbringing.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms are many, varied and not all sufferers will exhibit the same problems. They may include:

Continual low mood
Feeling of inadequacy
Feeling “tearful” and “emotional”
Irritability
Anger / aggression
Anxiety
Lack of motivation
Lack of social interest
Poor personal care
Irrational / guilty thoughts
Feeling of hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts
Tired all the time
Loss of appetite / weight
Comfort eating
Inability to sleep
Disturbed sleep
Loss of concentration
Sleeping too much / not waking refreshed
Loss of libido
Avoiding people / social situations
Lack of energy
Feeling physically ill
Extreme lethargy
Bleak and pessimistic view of the future

N.B. Anxiety and depression are closely linked. Anxiety can cause depression, and depression can cause anxiety.



SO WHY DO I FEEL LIKE THIS?

Depression is a complex illness, and can occur for several reasons.

In a person suffering from depression, levels of neuro-transmitters are lowered. One of these is serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5HT).

It can be triggered as a result of a number of causes:

Social Circumstances
Unemployment, divorce or break down of relationship, bereavement, redundancy, sudden/dramatic change to personal circumstances

Physical Conditions

Glandular fever, influenza, anaemia, diseases such as multiple sclerosis, severe arthritis, and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy, resulting in PND – about 10% of all women experience significant PND. Depression presents more commonly in women (this may also be because men are more reluctant to visit their doctor)

Psychological Conditions
Sufferers of anxiety may also find they develop depression. Unresolved psychological issues also contribute. About 60% of people suffering chronically with anxiety and panic will also develop associated depression.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Each sufferer is an individual, and treatments vary. Many people combine treatments for optimum effect, i.e. medication and counselling. The preferred choice at present is SSRI’s along with CBT. The medication is to lift the mood enough to be able to take on board and learn skills needed to overcome the condition long term.

The first step is to visit your GP. They can confirm your diagnosis and ensure your depression does not have a physical cause. You must be prepared to be honest with yourself and your GP. If you have some unresolved issues, medication alone will not provide a cure, and your GP can recommend you for some form of therapy.

Therapy
This may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or counselling. All health authorities have a Community Mental Health Team, who will be able to select and provide appropriate treatment upon your referral by your GP. If you really feel you need it, do not be afraid to request a referral.
Medication
There are several different types of anti-depressants. You are likely to be offered one of the following types:

SSRI – (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), the most known household brand name being Prozac (fluoxetine) but now include a whole stable of closely related medicines
Tricyclic antidepressants
MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
Moclobemide
Different people respond better to different drugs, and different categories of depression respond better to different drugs to, so there may be a degree of trial and error before you find the right one for you. There is no universal wonder drug, and what worked for your friend may not be beneficial to you.

Before you go to your GP, you may like to make a list of lifestyle considerations to discuss the most suitable medication. For example, if you lead a busy life, or drive for a living, a drug which makes you drowsy may not suit, where if you have problems sleeping at night it may be beneficial.

There are several sites on the internet which explain in detail each type of medication, and their possible side effects.

Anti-depressants are not addictive. However, you may suffer withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly. Any withdrawal should be gradual and under medical supervision.

Alternative Medicine
St Johns Wort is a herbal remedy, which has a similar effect to SSRI’s and is commonly used in the treatment of depression. Do research this carefully before starting yourself on this. It can be very effective but can also have some severe interactions with medication you may be taking for other medical conditions so if you are on any other prescribed medication at all please do not take this without taking specialist advice.



SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS

ALL medicines have the potential to cause side effects, some of which may be unpleasant. Most side effects only occur during the first few weeks of starting to take the medication, and then disappear. If you are taking the medication and have panic or anxiety – it is not uncommon for this to get worse for a few weeks before the benefit is felt. It can be helpful in these circumstances to drop your dose and gradually increase it.

However, many people take these medicines without experiencing any side-effects.

You should also ensure you tell your doctor about any medicines you use regularly. Some medications can react with each other, for example, St Johns Wort can effect the efficiency of the contraceptive pill, and decongestants shouldn’t be used with MAOI and tricyclic anti-depressants. With the MAOI family, there are also some important food restrictions too. Your GP may need to review they way you self medicate certain conditions.



SELF HELP

Sufferers can also do a lot to help themselves, by taking positive action to help improve their lives.

Diet
Ensure you eat a healthy nutritionally balanced diet, including plenty of water, fresh fruit and vegetables, and wholegrains and pulses.

Exercise
Exercise as regularly as possible, be it a brisk walk to the shops or round the park, a swim or joining the gym.

Reduce / Cut Down on Stimulants
Review alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and any “recreational” drugs taken. Stop or limit your intake. Swap tea / coffee for water, green, black or herbal teas. Set yourself limits and stick to them. You may choose to allow yourself two glasses of wine at a family celebration. Stick to your limit, and consider swapping wine for wine spritzer to make your drinks last longer

Relax
Sign up for yoga, Tai’chi or pilates. Buy a relaxation CD. Go for a massage. Indulge in a bubble bath.

Change the Pace
Do you need to do everything you do in your life? Do you need to do it when you do it? If not, slow the pace of your life down a little. Consider taking a short holiday.

Remove Stressors
Whilst it is never a good idea to make major lifestyle changes whilst suffering from depression, review your life with a view to reducing stress. If you have relationship problems, discuss them with your partner, visit Relate. If you have problems at work, discuss them with human resources or your manager.

Some stressors can be minor, but putting them off can cause unnecessary aggravation. These may be little things, like a car interior that needs cleaning, or a wardrobe that needs tidying. Find the time to deal with any issues that “bug” you, however small.

Keep Your Mind Occupied
Read a book, watch a film, phone a friend. Try not to simply “sit and dwell”. Take up a new hobby.

Keep a Mood Diary
Note how you feel each day, what stressors are present, what activities you’ve done, what you’ve eaten and drunk. Monitor for any patterns

Don’t Bottle It Up
Don’t keep your feelings to yourself. Explain to your close family and friends what you are experiencing. If necessary, educate them about your illness and treatment. Avoid people who tell you to pull yourself together, or to just get on with it! You have an illness, and cannot help the way you feel.

Rediscovery
Write down all the things that usually give you pleasure. These can be hobbies or experiences – reading, embroidery, playing squash, ice skating, trying out new recipes. Make time to read a book, sew a sampler, book a squash court

Create a Self Help Folder
Keep any information you find useful filed together, and use it for reference. This can include articles, journals, magazine cuttings, or even quotes or pictures that make you smile.

AND ABOVE ALL – STAY POSITIVE

Remember that depression is a treatable illness from which sufferers make a full recovery. Do not set any false time scales for recovery. Everybody is different. SSRIs can take 2 – 3 weeks before any benefit is felt. Medication may need to be continued from 6 months up to 2 years. Do not expect an immediate recovery once you have started treatment.

Some sufferers find that they may experience another period of depression at some point in their lives. This is quite common, and should not cause concern. It is very likely that you will notice the signs much sooner should it occur again, and can take appropriate action.



FURTHER INFORMATION

For more detailed information about depression, it’s causes and treatment, contact:

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

www.rcpsych.ac.uk

www.medinfo.co.uk

www.sane.org.uk

www.depressionalliance.org

www.samaritans.org.uk

www.mind.org.uk