I'm 21 years old with a 2 year old daughter for starters. And I have been dealing with anxiety and depression totally unmedicated for about 3 years. It recently has gotten so bad that I don't even want to get out of bed, I can't make it through an 8 hour shift where I work (at a plastic factory) without wanting to breakdown. I'm trying really hard to do it myself by drinking green tea, positive thinking, taking vitamins, and small meditation breathing counting techniques. But I fear that it's not helping as much as I need it to and I feel like it is really taking a toll on every aspect of my life.
My mom really encourages me to speak to a therapist and get on medication, but I can't stop seeing that as the easy way out and I just don't like the feeling of having someone listening to my problems knowing that they have their life together enough it makes me feel really weak and vulnerable. But things are looking pretty bleak and I don't know if I have the energy or strength to keep going like this, something has got to give.
So I was also just wondering
1 what a therapist would do for me, what a visit would be like
2 are there any medications that will uplift my mood but without any negative side effects such as insomnia, numb feeling, worsening my depression.
Talking to a therapist can be really helpful, you can tell them anything you like and they will help you work through things that are bringing you down. It sounds like you're a real fighter and doing lots to help yourself already but another perspective can only help you
As regards meds, they can be difficult to get started on but do help a lot of people. The doc will likely sign u off work for a couple of weeks to get going in them but it could be worth it. Some do interfere with sleep but shouldnt in the long run. From my experience SSRIs shouldn't make u numb but you do need to ride through the initial side effects when everything can feel a bit worse. Good luck hon, keep fighting
If you dont want to go on meds and want to try the natural route, I hear St Johns wort is good for depression, so much so your not allowed to take it while on any other antidepressant. Maybe worth a try.
Treatment really is needed, therapy is a good safe option. Meds can work for some,but its not essential. Really whatever your comfortable with. If you don't get help,the problem won't stop. Natural solutions really aren't proven to help, again it's up to you. You can be active and try to help yourself by getting the appropriate help,or you can let it sink it deeper and ruin your life. That really is the choice,and the choice is all yours.
your probllems will disapear both with therapy and by taking appropriate medication but it is your decision and it is a hard one. But don't go down the road too far and leave it too late before you are out of control of your illness.