ive been anxious and depressed for years, what should i do??

Mental health
1

I have felt like this for years, no matter what i seem to try it keeps getting worse and worse. Now the idea of leaving the house makes me feel dizzy and sick. People no longer want to associate with me because i cant act like a 'normal' person. i dont know what to do........

2

Hello Vicki

I am so sorry to read that you are not good at the moment, A few questions are you on any medications at the moment, and are you seeing a doctor regards how you are .

3

Not on any meds at the moment, i was on citalopram but they made me feel numb. The doctor weaned me off them but when i ask for further help says he is reluctant to put me on any further meds. Hes referred me (again) for CBT but says it will be a 6 month waiting list

4

Hi Vicki .

If your finding your doctor unhelpful that ask to see another as it sounds like to me you do need to be on something.

As to getting help yes it can take months believe me i have been there i currently take Mirtzaphine which i feel better now and happier i have clinical Depression so need to be on meds constant, and dont worry about friends not wanting to associate with you its because they have no understanding to how you are and dont think of yourself as being not normal i dont know of anyone on this earth who is. Go back to your doctor and tell him you need something hes there to help.

Let me know how you get on there are lots of people on here like me who are willing to listen and help if we can . Ross

5

Thankyou. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I will try with a new dr, i just struggle with people ive never met before and cant seem to explain myself properly.

It took a year for me to get a diagnosis for GAD. Then a further 6 months for a diagnosis for ehlers danlos syndrome. Just feeling a bit overwhelmed.

6

Hey Vicki

Keep your chin up you will get through this try to be positive i know thats a hard thing to be but its the first step, Remember there are always people like me who know what its like and understand what otheres are going through. Let me know how you get on. Ross

7

Thanks. Will do. Nice to know im not alone

8

Going back on antidepressants is a big decision and not necessarily the best in the long term. Unfortunately the wait for CBT is always a long time.

You could still be suffering from withdrawal from the citalopram, ask your GP if there is anything you can take short term, the options are usually propanolol and diazepam.

Propanolol is a beta-blocker and will reduce the tight chest and racing heart, but made me feel demotivated and depressed after a few weeks. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine and is very effective for anxiety but also addictive after months of use, and can be abused so many GPs are reluctant to prescribe it, so it is best not to suggest it by name.

9

hi,

thanls for your reply. i have been off citalopram for quite some time now so its not withdrawal.

im extremely cautious when it comes to medication as im a substance misuse worker.

i have applied for the cbt despite the wait. i have a drs appointment but he seems to want me to tell him what i want and i cant do that as i dont know.