ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

[xxAnxiousOnexx]

Hi everyone,

Im 23 y.o. female and I've been suffering from anxiety for the past 2 yrs.  If anyone can provide some feedback or any related info that would be great!
I was diagnosed with anxiety my junior yr of college.  I had couple panic attacks in one week (it was during finals).  I could not go to class, was avoiding public places due to the fear of panic attacks.  I was put on clonopin and lexapro.  I slept a lot, the meds helped; but i still did not feel like normal me.  After couple months, instead of clonopin I was put on xanax and i had to take it everytime I felt anxious.  I was never a big fan of meds and even though they helped somewhat with anxiety and panic I still felt anxious at times and not myself.  I dont wanna go out anymore and I dont want to do things that I used to do.  I stopped taking my meds in May, the withdrawals were pretty bad, but the anxiety was even worse.  I was in the hospital almost every week thinking that I was going to die or have a heartattack.  So in the beginning of senior year I went back on lexapro and zenox just to get through school.  In may I stopped taking all of my meds.  I don't have panic attacks anymore, but my anxiety and depression are pretty bad.  I feel nauseous, very dizzy, get bad headaches, tired, and sometimes I feel like I am going to faint.  I get moody and snappy at times, feel disconnected from my surroundings and cry at times for no reason. I want to feel like the old me, but I dont know if I will. My family is not very helpful, they think I make things up and tell me to snap out of it!  I dont know what to do!  I am starting my first job in 3 weeks and I am freaking out about it too.  I dont want to feel like I am going to faint in front of everyone and I dont want to feel nausious or dizzy at a work place and not be able to concentate.  If anyone can provide me with advice that would be great!
Thank you all

[skinnyfish]

Just want to chime in with my "I know exactly how you feel". I have had and continue to have similar symptoms at the same time in my life as you. Luckily I have a very understanding boss that was concerned about my mental health and well being and was very understanding when I was not feeling well... If you do have problems with how you feel at work, I would suggest speaking privately with your boss about it if that is something you would feel comfortable with.

I agree with Jikan above that finding a professional to help you and guide you down a path is key. I went on Zoloft for 6 months for my anxiety, then went off for 3 months now but am strongly considering going back on the Zoloft. Just remember that there are other meds out there that you haven't tried yet that might work for you.

[Jikan]

Namaste,

The good news is that your symptoms are treatable with a minimum of side effects or side effects which dissipate with continued use.

The bad news is that it may take a long time to find the right medication or combination thereof that will control your symptoms and still allow you to function at a "normal" level.

It took me over 6 years to find the right medication cocktail which helps me witthout putting me in a fog and causing memory and concentration problems.

I tried stopping my medications on several ocassions as a result of frustration and in each case but one, I ended up in the hospital, twice for suicide attempts.

My recommendation is that you find a qualified mental healthcare worker who can make a proper evaluation of your situation and put together an appropriate treatment plan.

"Patience and perserverence have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."    John Quincy Adams

Michael(Jikan)