Stress Center Peer Support

Hello!I am an anxiety panic sufferer but lately I've been feeling like I'm heavy.It feels like it takes so much out of me to just function sometimes.I literally feel like I'm carrying a weight around.I've been depressed of course before but I never really felt like it was a problem because my biggest issue is anxiety and panic.Now I'm worried that something is really wrong because in the afternoons I fall asleep everyday and when I wake up I feel worse all evening.I just can't hardly explain the feelings.I have no one to turn to.There just like "Goodbye Susan,I can't listen to this anymore."In the mean time I feel like I'm slowly dying.I go to the Dr. and they don't do anything.They just keep writing out my perscription for Xanax and tell me to go to a phyciatrist.I don't have any money for thyrapy.For those of you who've had a problem with depression does any of this sound familiar?Thank you guys for ant support!Take care!

Susan - I can totally relate to what you're going through because I'm going through the exact same thing right now. I was actually kind of glad to see your post (not that I'm glad you or I are going through this), but at least I don't feel so alone and maybe you won't either.

I am the same. Started out with mostly anxiety and panic, and now it feels more like depression. It takes just so much to do one little activity and I'm so tired all the time. I can relate when you said you feel like you are dying. That is what I feel like too, like, this is it, I'm going to die soon. But maybe that's just the impending doom feeling that depressed people get. I think it's confusing for us anxiety sufferers that when this happens, we don't know how to take it or it can be discouraging.

Right now I'm getting my thyroid checked because recently I was told my heart rate is very fast - even when lying down. That can make a person both anxious, but also tired because your heart is working hard all the time. Did you have thyroid blood work? I'm also going to a cardiologist.

Also, be careful with the Xanax. I take clonazepam and have for 7 years now, so I don't think it plays into my current state. But a dr. recently prescribed me xanax (for the fast heart rate) and when I got the prescription back and saw that depression was a possible side effect, I said "forget it" - I'm already feeling depressed. So, just something to consider, but don't stop taking suddenly.

As for therapy, I know what you mean about not affording it. But I really am at the point where I feel like I need an objective third party to help me work through it. My husband and family are pretty sick of hearing about it too. They are supportive, but I know it's not fair to them. Many therapists offer sliding scales (lower rates) if you have money issues. I found one but she wasn't all that great and it discouraged me so much. But, I am just going to keep trying until I find someone who is good and who will work with me moneywise. Also many counties have community programs that offer free or low cost services if you qualify.

In the meantime, if you feel you need someone to talk to, you can contact me via private message. I feel pretty alone through this too, so I really wouldn't mind.

Also, I did find this helpful link for overcoming depression:

<A HREF="http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_tips.htm</A>

Maybe someone else will post with some suggestions too. Hang in there and take care of yourself.

God Bless,
Melanie

Hi there!
I know exactly what you are describing also. It can be confusing because I go through cycles of anxiety and then depression and then anxiety, and so on. I am 20 and I just saw a psychiatrist for the first time. I had been going to a therapist for my anxiety for four years now, but this recent depression has just knocked me off guard. So, I'm still debating if I want to take anti-depressants or not...

But, long story short, I DO know these heavy feelings. I get aches and pains too and it is difficult. But just know you aren't alone.

-Sarah

Hey!
Yes it is totally normal to feel this way!! Depression follows anxiety..they pretty much come hand in hand. Especially if you have been dealing with it for a long period of time. You said you dont have money for a therapist...they do help somewhat...itskinda like a pay-a-friend lol...they are there to look at the outside in. But remember..our own self is the key to recovery...the therapist are only there to guide you a little. I hope this helped somewhat!!! By the way..you are not slowly dieing...you know deep down you have a lot going for you. You are such a nice person susan. You are really helpful to other here...including me as well. Xanax is the typical drug for every doc to give...I think its fine to take in moderation..I take it every so often as needed..its gets chills me out...so take it if you need it. Who cares if you take med....thats what I have come to realize..you dont have a label on your head that says..HEY IM TAKING ANTI ANXIET AND ANTI DEPRESSANT!!! WOOOHOHOOOO! haha...so dont worry about that....I use to do hair also.and let me tell you....everyone is on something!! It doesnt make you weak either.

talk to you later! <3

I have alswys suffered with anxiety and depression. I never thought that I had any depression. Last year when I went through the program, the coach I was working with helped me to recognize that I was having some.

She explained that of course I was going to feel down and depressed when I was having moderate to svere anxiety and panic attacks. My self esteem was low because I was constantly beating myself up.

I am going through the program for the second time. I am learning that I am creating this negative, anxious,depressive mess and only I can help myself through it. I used to run to my husband and family /friends but they don't wnat to hear it anymore. My husband who has been so supportive to me recently told me that I need to start working through my anxiety/panic attacks, that he was wans't going to help me through them.

I was so furious at him for in my mind leaving and not supporting me anymore. We had a huge arguement and I hardly spoke to him for nearly a week.

I have begun to realize that by his not be available to me in this way, has forced me to step up and be my own best friend. It was very difficult in the beginning and when I am in the middle of one I want to run to him to fix me and reassure me. But I have found that it is getting easier. I journal alot. I write my anxious/scary problems/thoughts and try to pretend I am writing back to a good friend who is having a very difficult moment. It has helped me alot.

It might be helpful to see a therapsit. There are many good one's out there who I'm sure have some kind of payment options out there, especially when you have to pay out of pocket.

I see a therapist every few weeks. I discuss with her the recurring theme I am seeing through my journaling and she offers some insight into my behaviors. My therapist told me at the last session that my husband has given me an amazing gift by making me be my own best friend. I still find this diffuclt especially when I am really anxious but I am getting through it.

So it may be reassuring to you that the depression/ feeling down is the result of the anxiety. I think once you get the anxiety/panic attacks better controlled with your skills, your depression hopefully will begin to lift also.

I wish you much success in your receovery. Take care and God Bless.