New around here? Or old timer? Please READ

[JSGeare]

One thing we've always wanted is a sort of "welcome center" for folks who have recently joined, are thinking about it, or who are just observing for now. Please be good enough to respond to this post and just briefly introduce yourself: a name or nic-name, age, where from, what brought you here, what you hope to learn, have to offer, etc. Just a couple of lines. Don't worry, we won't bite!

If you are already a member, please check here every so often to greet new arrivals and visitors. Who knows, maybe a long-lost friend or family member may drop in. One of MINE did -no kidding!

JSGeare and Greenlydia are your "Community Leaders" (CL, for short) and our job is to make this place as helpful and comfortable as we can. You'll see little purple whirrly-gigs by our names to assist you in locating us if you have questions about how the forum works.

Enough said for right now -so please introduce yourself or say "Glad you're here" to a newcomer.

Thanks!

Greenlydia
JSGeare

[gracez]

hi, i am new to this.  i have had depression/anxiety since i was in my 20s.  i am now 52 years old and have been on effexor 75 mg for 6 yrs.  i have been getting anxiety attacks weekly or more often for the past month which are relieved by xanax.  has anyone out there been taking effexor and it stopped working for you?  i do not want to tke xanax too often, i do not want to get hooked on that.  i have been able to take effexor with less than 5 pounds weight gain--really do not want to switch to another antidepressant to felp my anxiety.

[MichelleFl]

Hello, I am new here and my name is Michelle.  My husband and our 2 children live in the sunshine state, Florida.  I am 42 years old and have suffered with depression and mostly anxiety since I was 15 years old.  I have had numerous tests done over and over and many trips to the ER only to be told it was anxiety, take these pills and get some sleep, like just sleeping will make it go away.  These doctors have no clue how this really is for someone and it's the worst thing I have dealt with in my life so far.  I gave birth twice, had a hysterectomy in 1992, had my gallbladder out in Jan of 07, and my thyroid out in Dec of 07.  With all of that anxiety and panic attacks are the worst because at least with the operations they are over with.  Anxiety is never over with... Just when you think your in the clear and things are fine and life is looking good again, it strikes.  I am on Xanax as needed as I refuse to be constantly medicated and want something that works right then and there.  So far I have to only take half a Xanax to control myself but at times have taken the other half.

I have a customer at work who suffers even worse than I do.  She never met anyone before me who suffers with this and she and I have become each others support.  I certainly will let her know of this site as I think it is very helpful and thank you for being here.   :)

[misskld]

Hi my names Kristina and I live in Calgary, AB.  Im only 19 and still a little new to this site but I do find it helps me alot.  I got my first panic attacks twice 1 year ago but I didnt know what it was at the time and it never bothered me again until just over 1 month ago.  Its been pretty constant 24/7 like the chest pain and short breathe among other things but after joining this site I find im a little more relaxed then before.  So thank you to all who have been commenting on my posts its really appreiciated!
kristina-

[Melinda31]

Hi i am 31 yrs old and i am new to this site. I was told by my doctor that the the source of my vertigo, shaking hands and feet, headaches and nausea is anxiety?  I am not sure if i belive her but since i am not a doctor i will have no choice but to go with her decision for now. Has anyone ever taken topamax for anxiety and how well does it work?  

[Alleykatt34]

Hi, I'm new here..have been lurking for a while.  My name is Alley, 35, mother of 3.  Have had anxiety all my life, but have thought it was just the way people are.  My mother has mental issues too.  Agoraphobia, paranoia, depression of course anxiety/panic attacks.  I just try to make it through each day.  Had gone to a physcolgist for 2 years when it first started, haven't had talk therapy since then (1997), he told me there wasn't much he could do for me.  So, its me and my shrink.  :)   I found this website actually looking for info on seizures.  I read it alot during the day/night.  Glad I found it!!

Thanks,

Alley

[surfergirl10]

hi there....I think I just realize my anxiety but much therapy is needed. I am a bit confused about how anxiety and depression work but I will soon find out. Anyway, I am totally repressed.  I have been reading on repression and it does awful things. Anyway, I am on the road to learning and dealing. I will soon get an eval from a psychiatrist...not that I want to do meds, but I need to deal somehow. Thanks