Stress Center Peer Support

Hi Drksydeone,

I too have had anxiety and depression on and off for 20 years and am currently going through a bout right now. I know what you mean about feeling like you are doing okay and then it slams you and you wish you had a real-life excuse to explain the horrible feelings. I was just thinking about that in fact...that I can deal with real-life events, as horrible as they are, because they are real. What I can't deal with are the monsters in my head.

I agree with grandma loves arielle. Everyone is different. Some people can heal through cognitive therapy alone but others, I believe, are also struggling with a chemical imbalance that is very biological and extremely difficult to be self-corrected with cognitive work. Ideally, medicine can complement cognitive work for more favorable results. I would love to do it without medicine but given the severity and consistency of my depression and anxiety, I don't think that is realistic. I expect to be on medicine my whole life. Nevertheless, medicine is not a cure-all by any means. I think it works best if we use it with cognitive therapy to help us learn new thinking patterns such as those taught through the Combatting Stress and Depression Program program. But please don't feel like you are less of a person for taking medicine, needing help, and going through your battles.

Paisleegreen wrote:HiDrksydeone- Hey, I'm trying to figure things out myself. I do have a reason for part of my anxiety and still am trying to figure out the best route to take. I was on anti-depressants and weaned off of them, just to have my first panic attack. Which I've read after being on Xanax or other meds like that, one can experience a panic attack. I'm done going through "panic attacks" but not all anxiety and sad feelings in the morning to where I just want to and do cry.

I am not sure whether to go back on Wellbutrin or not as I don't care for the dry mouth side effect. It has bothered me enough that when I get up to speak in front of a group or see my OB/GYN I get cotton mouth. Not sure if nerves are a part of this or what, it is a known fact that anti depressants can give you a dry mouth.

Anyway, I'm with you on working on issues that cause my anxiety as well. P

Hi Paislee,

Haven't talked with you in a while and have missed seeing your posts. If the Wellbutrin gives you a dry mouth, is there another medication you can try that doesn't have that side effect? I have now decided in addition to anxiety, I am suffering from depression. I don't have that get-up-and-go that I used to have and don't even feel like decorating my house for Christmas this year. All I seem to want to do when I get up in the morning is just sit on the couch and watch TV. I've always been a talker and have noticed lately that even when my husband is home, I just sit there and don't say anything. I also have no appetite and usually go all day without eating a thing. I've lost 6 pounds in the last few weeks. Does this sound like depression to you because I can't think of what I could be depressed about. I have a nice home, a great daughter, and a loving husband. Could it be because of menopause?