HELP!!

[ambersalewske]

I have struggled with feelings of depression and anxiety and migraines for several years, and am just now able to pursue treatment. However, my depression is getting worse and worse ; I break down crying at least twice a day. I also feel anxious and uneasy quite often, and am uncomfortable around others, particularly peers. This coupled with my severe migraines, recent spells of dizziness and lightheadedness, and constant sleepiness are making life almost unbearable, and I'm worried it could be more complex then just depression. I don't have a psychiatrist appointment until November, (although I am going to see a Nuerologist tomorrow) but I need answers now. Help, please!!  

[Peter Forster]

Potentially there are a number of things that might help. My favorite list of potential self care for depression tools is -
1. Bright light - 45 minutes every day before 9 am. Either sunlight (a walk is great therapy) or light therapy (I like the 70W BlueMax light)
2. Mindfulness Meditation
3. Aerobic Activity - 30 minutes per day of aerobic activity (gets your heart rate up, not necessarily very strenuous).
4. Social Interaction - Every morning have regular social contact - Some people call this Starbucks therapy.
5. Healthy Pleasures - Do one healthy thing each day that you used to enjoy (or still enjoy - the point is you may not really enjoy it when you are depressed but that is OK)
6. Mastery - Do and notice one thing a day that you do well. Mostly it is a matter of not noticing the things that we are doing well.

[Jaquta]

How did the neurology appointment go?  Were they able to answer questions for you?

I would talk to your family doctor and discuss your concerns.  I would follow up the anemia and the cause of that.  Is it due to blood loss, malabsorption that sort of stuff.
I would also ask if the psych appointment can be brought forward.  Urgent or semi-urgent appointments should be able to be processed fairly quickly.  In my town that's about two weeks.
If you feel things are getting out of control there is always the option of going to the hospital or contacting your local mental health services.

If the problem is the anemia then treating that may also help your mood symptoms.
In my experience iron supplements have helped mood, concentration, headaches, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pain and fatigue, etc.

Have you had your period in the past week which could account for things being worse?

Talk to your doctor.  I would recommend you do this as soon as practically possible.

[Peter Forster]

I think that you need to see someone about your depression sooner than November. Is it possible to call your psychiatrist and ask for an earlier appointment?

[ambersalewske]

Is there anything I can do at home in the meantime?

[ambersalewske]

I will try. Thanks for answering my questions :)

[Peter Forster]

I think that it is quite likely you have major depression and I agree that one way or another you need to see a doctor about it sooner than November.

[ambersalewske]

I got some medicine for my headaches, and I have a MRI and EEg schedulede for later this month. I already know I have anemia and i take iron tablets for it, but it mdoesn't seem to help much.

I'm just getting off my period, actually (thank gosh.)

I don't have a family doctor because I just moved here, so I'll definitely look into that ASAP. Thanks for your help :)

[ambersalewske]

Also, I am extremely tired all the time, and if I am standing or moving I often feel very lightheaded, as if I'm going to pass out. I've always had problems with being tired because I'm anemic, but it has gotten much worse over the past week, and I don't know what's causing it.

[ambersalewske]

No that's the earliest they have. I was looking up symptoms and it sounds like I might have Major Depressive Disorder..any idea if that could be it, or something else?