PLEASE HELP

[notxub]

My problems began after i returned home from the gulf war. I dont know what to do. Any advice on how you guy's have beaten this thing?

. I also have problems with depression.

[Mark TX]

I don't know that anyone ever really 'beats' anxiety or depression.  I think there are many things we can do to minimize it and make our lives enjoyable again.

As far as doctors go... my only advice is find a doctor who believes she/he can make you better.  Some doctors seem to feel they're doing a good job if you don't get any worse.  Sorry, stagnating doesn't cut it in my book.

I've got pretty strong feelings about medication as well.  Can they help some people?   Absolutely!  Do they help most people?  I'm not so sure about that.  Can they hurt in some cases?  I'm convinced of that, too.  The bottom line is... there are no drugs that 'cure.'

Most important... develop a good support system.  And I'm not talking about doctors and therapists... I'm talking about friends, family and people who you can spend time with to take your mind off all things medical.  There's no better medicine than laughter.  That sounds really corny... but I believe that to be true.  A good long laugh with friends does more to lift your spirits than any pill ever can!

I know when we're in the pits it's sometimes hard to even face people.  But that is ultimately the best thing to do... I suffered a rather severe depression nearly five years ago.  I was living alone and that just made it awful.  When it got unbearable, I'd toss some dirty clothes on (there were never clean ones of course), wet down my dirty hair, jump into the car, and head to visit my sister and my young nieces.  Somehow once I got there I'd manage to jump in the shower, then spend time with the girls, just playing games or watching TV.  It was amazing how such a little thing could lift my spirits.

Family and friends are most important.

mark

[notxub]

Thanks for the comment. Ive been very sick ev
ery since I came home I've been looking for a support group and couldent find one. I'll check out google.   Thank you very much

[Barbarella]

Did you get any help from the VA as in therapy, or meds?  It looks like you have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.  If no VA near you are you seing a doctor/therapist?  There are support groups for Gulf War Vets on Google.