A question about depression/anxiety and counseling/medication.

NativeFloridian

Does anyone have firsthand experience with being treated for depression and/or anxiety?  I saw that there were free screenings being done because I guess it's depression awareness month (October is a busy month, yo) and I went ahead and did a screening.  I was told I show strong signs of both depression and anxiety, which doesn't really surprise me.  I mean, every time I roll up on August 2011 I'm, like, the biggest Debbie Downer ever.  It really bums me out.

I've been trying on my own to practice techniques I've read about for counteracting all these feelings, but I'm just getting stressed out and angsty because it's really hard.  I guess it's time to contact a counselor but I have NO clue where to start or what I'm doing.  I don't even know how it all works out with insurance.  I've also been urged by friends and family not to take antidepressants because apparently they'll make me crazier.  I'm also terrified of how my network of IRL peeps are going to treat me or what they'll think of me because of this.

All I know is I'm sick of being bitchy, sad, tired, scared of damn near everything, and of micromanaging everything.  Can anybody tell me about their experience and maybe help me get going in the right direction?

JaysonandKristin

Well, @CrashIntoMe pretty much nailed everything I was going to say.

I totally agree that you're in a strenuous situation in every.single.aspect of your life (at least that's how it seems sometimes). You need a break from just treading water. You need positive support and you need some people in your life you can trust to help you juggle some of the balls you have in the air.
Take Crash's post to heart, definitely try to get a counselor and I hope you experience some stress/anxiety relief. In the end, if meds are going to help, that between you and your medical professional... Nobody else.

melissa0726

Two thumbs up to everything Crash said.

I strongly urge you to seek counseling.  Call your insurance about coverage, and ask for them to recommend a local doctor (if you don't want to ask friends/family for recommendations for a therapist).

I was in therapy twice in my life (for depression), and both times it was a huge help.  Not only do you get the chance to unburden yourself about everything that is stressing you, but you get the constructive feedback as to how to manage that stress. 

Meds are another story.  I would start with counseling.  Give it a few sessions, and then ask the doctor's recommendation based on your situation.  A lot of times, therapy alone can help you to manage your problems.  But if you have a chemical imbalance, taking an antidepressant can absolutely help.  And it's not like you are stuck taking it for life.  In my case, I took an SSRI (Effexor) for 9 years and then stopped when I wanted to get pregnant.  I probably could have stopped long before, but timing was never right for me to try.  But I have been med free for nearly four years with no issues.

I am more than happy to talk to you about this more if you have questions or need support.  Seriously, feel free to send me a PM.  I hope you can figure out the best course of action for you, and get some help.  Good luck!

MandiNewMommy

I have both.  I have done all the above.  I have been on Zoloft for almost 8 years (tired a # of them before this one.  Some that work for me might not work for you)  I also take Xanax (smallest does) at night to help me sleep.  I think meds can help so I would not write that off just yet.  Depression and anxiety runs in my family.  My mom has both as well and so did my grandmother.  My Aunt and so on...  

I agree it helps when things are planned out.  My problem is I do not want to do anything, plan, cook, leave the house when in my depressed stages.  I would much rather stay in bed all day.  Then when I start feeling better and things arent planned because I have been to blah to plan I freak.  It sucks!  I have learned to plan even if I don't want too.  

Also saw a counselor.  This was after my first husband passed away.  It was nice to have someone to talk to, but at the same time I had a $2000 delectable and didn't feel like "talking" was worth $150 a pop.  I know for this stage in my life it was for a little dif reason grief/depression.  I found a support group of people going though the same thing and it REALLY helped me, more so than just the counselor.   

As for IRL friends and family they do not need to know what you are doing behind closed door.  If this is something you really need help with I would hope your close friends and family would be supportive.  If not there are a # of us ladies here we could support one another!  

You can also message me if you would like.  I am glad to see people talking more open about this though.  I think people feel like they have to hind it and you don't!  

fancefpp

In my early 20s I saw a shrink and was on antidepressants. Both helped me a lot but I think I needed the combo of the two to get better. My therapist taught me how to change my way of thinking about things that caused me anxiety (that would then lead to depression), like comparing how i felt on the inside to how people are portraying themselves on the outside. She called it comparing my insides to their outsides. Stuff like that. I still struggle and could probably use a therapist but I'm still able to use the stuff my old therapist taught me. It's hard to take that first step, especially if you are feeling down and don't have a lot of support. My therapist said the medicine would just help get me where I wanted faster than talk therapy alone. It levels you out so you can focus on improving. I'm a big believer in the right therapy with the right therapist. My weekly appointments were like getting a mental massage. Eta: typo

NativeFloridian

This has all been incredibly helpful, ladies.  And thanks for the article, AND your previous replies as well, @CrashIntoMe1!

It felt good just to get it out, even better to know I'm not alone (I mean, I knew that but it's nice to have it reaffirmed), and fantastic to see so many tips that hadn't occurred to me.  I'm also really glad to have folks to talk to about it.  Thank you guys!

amywalt1684

Do you have a university nearby? Many offer free to very cheap counseling with students. The students are highly backed up by their teachers. I also really love Kimbus' advice on the importance of meshing well with the individual you are talking too.