Depression, anxiety and OCD...any help please ?

Question

Hello

I am suffering from severe depression and anxiety. I feel horrible all the time and nothing seems fun or exciting to me anymore. I am also obssessed about HIV and I am afraid that I may catch it all the time even if it was in an irrational manner. And even when I go and get tested, I am always afraid that the nurse had reused a dirty needle on me by mistake. I dont know if this obsession is creating the depression or its the other way around !

Anyway, I visited a therapist and he gave seroxat. I read about it and I was scared so I decided not to take it..but I dont know what to do now...any suggestions ?

Answer 1

In my state, therapists aren't allowed to prescribe psychiatric drugs, only a doctor can do that. So if it would make you feel more confident, you could see a psychiatrist. Make sure he/she knows that you are afraid of the meds and have him/her go thru the side effects with you and what their actual experience has been in prescribing the drug. Usually you can tell if there is a serious side effect of a drug and stop taking it before any harm has been done. Also, the doc can tell you which side effects you can expect to be very likely (like drowsiness) and if they will go away after a week or two.

Here are some things you can try that do not involve medication, but (in my opinion) you really ought to try the meds because you appear to be quite distressed, and the meds are generally quite effective for most psychiatric conditions.

If your depression seems to be more of a problem in the winter, try to get more sun. You could have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, or your depression could have a seasonal component, meaning you can get depressed other times of the year, but you tend to have more trouble in the winter. A light box is really good if you can afford one (about $300 online, don't get it at a local store, they will charge more for a light less than 1/2 as bright).

Try turning the heat up in the house or dressing much more warmly. It is hard to feel anxiety when you are too warm. I was able to cut out ativan use altogether by using this trick. Saved me big $$ too, because pills cost way more than heat. Hot baths work too, and in a pinch, like at work/school, you can try running hot water over your hands.

Avoid caffeine like the plague. Also, some cold remedies can cause anxiety. Look for the "agitation in children" warning on the box. Adults can get problems too.

Try meditation tapes like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery. They may seem silly at first, but they work!!

I give these suggestions to lots of folks, and hardly anyone ever tries them.. I have really really severe psychiatric symptoms from bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress disorder, I mean, I have one of the most severe cases you can get. And I am able to control my behavior almost 100% even when I am suffering, and able to feel quite a bit better using some of these tricks, because the meds have only been partly effective for me. If I didn't do stuff like the above, I would be in an institution for sure. so please try some of these things, there is no harm in them, and they may provide some real relief for you. Pills alone or counseling alone are not as effective as pills plus counseling, and you have to follow some of those suggestions the counselors give you.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hi, in terms of Anxiety and Panic attacks medication is often unsuccessful anyway, however medication can treat depression well, so really you need a clear diagnosis.

It is certainly an Anxiety disorder that creates the irrational fears, although sufferers have no control as such over the irrational fear.

Also Seroxat should only be prescribed for a short period of time, there may be an alternative longer term medication they could prescribe, if that's the treatment you choose to take.

If HIV is your main concern then next time you have the all clear maybe you should keep yourself safe, if you're not already doing so.

As a Registered Nurse myself i have never, ever re used a needle and i don't think you're ever likely to come across a medical professional who would do such a thing.

I've suffered with Anxiety and Panic attacks for a couple of years and they are horrendous, i empathise with any sufferer.

It's good to try to eliminate situations from your life if possible that trigger the anxiety.

Answer 3

It seems to me that you OCD tendencies are interfering with your desire to get help. Medications are really the most effective OCD treatments, even though counseling would certainly be of benefit, especially for the depression and anxiety. But, if you are frightened of taking OCD medication (which by the way mainly include antidepressants) then how will you get the help you need? I know there are lots of people totally against medication but I am in the field and have not only studied these disorders but also familiar with some of the more effective treatments. There could be a chance that you have medical problem contributing to your symptoms, and thus I would recommend a medical evalution just to rule-out any potential problems. Your symptoms are not likely to go away anytime soon unless you are willing to comply with the treatments prescribed by a qualified and licensed psychiatrist, physician, or nurse practitioner.

Answer 4

Ok....antipressants can be dangerous for young ppl under the age of 17 to take. As for medications that can help with anxiety and depression...I have had success with Effexor XR and Trazodone. Both are used to treat both symptoms you mentioned. I have been diagnosed with Clinical Depression and SAD (Social anxiety disorder). The Effexor and Trazodone have allowed me to function again. I am in sales so having anxiety about being in social situations really wasn't working out real well. It sounds to me like you need to speak to a professional about the issues you are having. Be sure to do a lot of research and get educated about the different medications available on the market right now. Cymbalta is supposed to be good for treating both the emotional & physical symptoms of depression. Also be active in your treatment and don't be afraid to seek help. You can get help and live a normal life. I am!

Answer 5

All medications have a very long list of side effects but most of them are very unlikely to happen and are mild if they do. That said, I've known people with OCD who COMPLETELY changed around by medications. They've told me the relief was worth ANY side effect.

If you want help, take your medication as your doctor has prescribed. Know the side effects and call the doctor if any of the serious one actually happen. It may take a while before the meds kick in and you feel better. If it is this specific medication you have issues with talk to your doctor about prescribing another.

FYI OCD is caused by your body/mind trying to cope with anxiety. Sadly this cure is as bad as the anxiety.

I hope you find yourself on the road to wellness soon.

Answer 6

You sound like a hypochondriac. Why did you get help from a doctor, only to not follow his instructions with that prescription?

Or do you just prefer having it to complain about?