Ive had anxiety for years am on medication but my hubby thinks it's more depression or as well as, I do have very low moods but I put this down to the anxiety. Does anyone suffer both and how do I know if it's depression ?
Hi Amber
Anxiety and depression tends to go hand in hand so its possible you have both. I certainly do. I.also have panic attacks and feel stressed or tense daily. Its inevitable that anxiety would cause some depression as its a burden to live with and exhausting. When you think about the symptoms of anxiety...headache, palpitations, irritability, fear, over thinking...etc etc its no wonder you feel low. Anxiety falls withing a group that consists of anxiety disorder / panic disorder / stress / depression...its not uncommon to have all four or two or three at the same time x
I can concur with all you say but how can we get rid of this life affecting diagnosis? I try really hard to push myself but feel Worse on the medications. Did you find anything that helped?
Hi
To be honest I dont think we can 'get rid' of anxiety. I think we just learn to manage it better and cope. I have been on Citralopram in the past and that works brilliantly for me. I am not on any meds currently as the side affects which last about 2-4 weeks are awful and I have just had a baby and dont want to feel ill whilst looking after her. I wish there was no side affects as I would definately take meds again and possibly will in the future. I appreciate though that meds arent suitable for everyone.
At the moment I am taking each day as it comes. Some good some bad. My anxiety is health anxiety predominantly and having been to get blood pressure taken last week and this week, it being slightly high doesnt help...135/85 was last reading.
I am trying the following and it might help you also.
I have cut out processed food, salt, sugar and caffeine from diet. Also sweeteners as they contain a chemical that makes you anxious (I work for mental health services and a colleague Psychiatrist told me this)
I am trying to exercise more...even a 30 minute walk each day. Easy when you have a baby to push around lol
I try to laugh every day....at anything! It releases a feel good chemical and reduces stress.
I am trying to not over think every headache or stomach ache. Everything is worst case scenario to me so I am trying to not over react. Its very hard.
Also there are some great meditation on YouTube that you can listen to to relax you.
Its early days for me with this new waynof living and thinking but hopefully I will start to feel better in myself soon. I also plan to get in touch with Talking Therapies or MIND as they can give some support.
Dont give up Ann....dont let anxiety/depression win! x
Anxiety is difficult to treat because everyone's make up is so different. For some a more natural approach is sufficient. I've read fish oil, magnesium, and B-complex vitamins can be helpful. There's breathing exercises, yoga, cardio activity, therapy...you can see a naturopath or even Google many suggestions. But others may need medication. Any treatment chosen will take time. I truly believe it takes at least 2-4 weeks to know if what you're doing is effective. I've chosen therapy, breathing exercises, and medication. I wasn't eager to take meds but for me it seemed like a good fit. I do plan to incorporate physical activity and the supplements in the near future. But again, you'll need to give it time. I know this condition is difficult. I hate feeling panicked all the time. It takes away the joys of life but I have it and I have to keep fighting as you do too. Anything is worth a try and don't be afraid to try. Keep at it. You will find something that works for you.
Hi Amber it can be a mixture of both because I suffer with both with my anxiety I get very irritable and agitated and paranoid at times with the depression its like having a black cloud following you all the time, you are very tearful you want to sleep you have no motivation and you want to shut your self away with me I have negative dreams too I had a really bad bout around two years ago I couldnt stop crying I was convinced I was going to die and allm I wanted to do was sleep. I have suffered on and off for years but this was the worst I had experienced even having to have cbt. I was then told by my doctor i had anxiety depression and the peri menopause. well, I did come out of it and felt fantastic the best in years until about two weeks ago. Now its back the dreams, the black cloud, the tearfulness I am trying my hardest to fight this and wont let it get me to the point I was two years ago. My doctor seems to think this is something I am predisposed of as I have had it for years but I have the support of my family and work colleagues which help me get through this and I will and it sounds like you have a loving partner who will do the same you will get through it my lovely
Oh dear i am having a terrible time. I did as psych said and increased mirtazapine from 7.5 to 15 last week. I have had the most awful nausea and migraines with aura and depression is terrible. I will have to down it again as i cannot go on like this. I can hardly function. I am at a loss, tried so many, never get to a therapeutic level. Just feel worse and worse. Maybe i should stop them slowly and see if i can do without. At the moment my mind is jumbled and feels like brain fried. Today, i dont want to go out but how can i get through?
Hi Amber, as Jen says the two go hand in hand, it's rare that you just have one condition. I have a predisposition to depression and anxiety and had a number of "bouts" since my mid 20's I'm now 51.
i find the medication works best for me together with certain coping strategies which I find difficult at times, I'm reading mindfulness atm.
There are plenty online depression tests you can take if your not sure.
The cycle of anxiety feeding depression and depression feeding anxiety needs to be broken and I find the meds help a lot to eventually give you hope and strength to start to take over your own recovery such as going out more, socialising, exercise and some positive thinking.
Take care, you will get better!
Neil