Anyone with Depression and Anxiety?

I have had to deal with anxiety issues in the past couple of years and the thing that helped the most is cognitive behavior therapy. I dont take any medication and by using some of the practices of this type of therapy I have seen an improvment in myself . I learned about it thru books from the library. there is a really good one by Linda Bassett that you can find. Dont worry you are not alone and with a little time and a bit of help you will get thru it.

Hello, I have to deal with depression and anxiety also. It seems that sometimes when something stressful happens it is like a domino effect and more stress is added which them feeds the anxiety and depression. I am reading a book called the Secret by Rhonda Byrne and it has changed me so much, and has helped ALOT with my depression and anxiety. It also helps me to not harbor on the bad that I am depressed and anxious and focus on all the good things that has happened or what i want to happen. I know it is easier said than done.
It says that you are with a wonderful man that loves you and your family so instead of pushing away because of what you are going through, latch on to him for support I am sure he will be there for you more than you think.
I hope this helps
Candice

My daughter is bipolar and we are keeping her off meds with yoga and deep breathing, if you have controled this for so long without meds now is not the time to start unless you and your doctor think that it is needed. I have three children and I know that it helps me to have some time for myself each day, I get up before my kids so I may have coffee, read the bible and talk with God before I even try to get through each day. Find a place of peace for you either before the hectic day starts or to calm down at the end of the day.Remember that God will provide, talk with Him and listen closely for his reply. Try to find gratitude in each little thing that happens today, like the water was hot, or you didn't have to wait in the ling line at the store, or the baby said a new word. There are millions of small wonders right in front or you, appreciate each one and then the big wonders will appear more easily and the good of each day will find you. You have some much in you life that can outnumber the bad, just keep those things in the front of you mind and the mind will make thie good out number the bad before long. I have just gotten a divorce from a verbally abusive man and am raising three kids on my own, so I know that life seems unfair at times, but I have to get up and find the good so that my kids learn this trait from me. Talk to your doctor about this and God bless you!

I, myself, have also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and things were very stressful after a very problematic and expensive pregnancy and delivery, unemployment issues, a move, etc. I have a good friend that is entirely holistic in everything and I tried EVERYTHING she could recommend. I went through acupuncture, acupressure, the gamit of vitamins, diet changes, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't find success in any of those things and continued to slide.

Eventually, I gave in and am now on a combination of two prescriptions. I am finally "normal." I just got tired of fighting it. I got to the point that I decided my son needed a mommy that could take care of him. I couldn't stand the thought of him looking back and having my current state being his memory of me. I know medications aren't the answer for everyone, so if you find anything else that does work, I'd love to know about it. But, in the mean time, I do love that I am again able to attend social events, go weeks without crying, and I leave the house :) I play with my son. I get exercise. I'm happy and pleasant. I went a long, long time without being able to say any of those things. Good luck. Again, let me know if you find any alternatives. I'd love to try them. In the mean time, you have my empathy. I'm sorry I don't have more answers.

Dear A.,
Hi I am very fimilair with the whole bi-polar thing it really can get overwhelming. I take my meds but I have met other people with the same desire not to take meds and they do herbal supplements and I have always heard good things from them. I have a three year old and even on my meds I have to use my support system alot. So make sure you give yourself some time away from all the noise and relax.

Good you realize things are a little off. Make every atempt to put on clothes that make you feel good every day... Wear a dress... Do your hair and make-up.... Make the effort to smile... These little things can bring your mood up.

I too dont like to take meds... Although I am not Bi-Polar... I just get PMS once a month... I take Prozac for about two weeks each month and it sure helps!!! I strongly reccomend that you speak to your doctor about some of the new meds available. Much advancement has come along in recent years.

I have also found that getting involved with a group such as bible study or church womens group helps. Having close friends pray for and with you.

Hi A.,
I have a question for you.
If you had diabities, would you take insulin for it?
If you had cancer, would you recieve chemo to get rid of it?
If you had high cholesterol, would you take meds to lower it?
All of these conditions effect your quality of life as so does bi polar disorder. Whether it effects the body or the brain is irrevelent. YOu are a very young person with an entire life a head of you. Why not be the best you can be and enjoy life to its fullest potential? Taking your meds that your Dr. has prescribed on a regular basis can change your quality of life. Help you become a happier person, better mom and better partner to you boyfriend. Taking your meds, a regular exersize routine and planting yourself and family into a good church is my recipe for a 'pick-me-up'.
Take care of yourself. God loves you and wants you to enjoy life and be happy. Heidi

Hi A....

You are not alone my dear. This time of the year it affects everyone. Take a deep breath and look at the positive things in your life. Your babies, being able to wake up every morning to a new day. Count the blessings, the joy your man brings to you and your childrens lives...Sweatheart, can I ask...do you have a church home?

I have a daughter who is your age, with two children the same age...She belongs to a group of moms (called MOPS mothers of pre-schoolers)
She goes once a week, and she receives encouragement, love and the ability to share some of the same things you are going through, plus participate in activities centered around family ideals. Please look into it. Southeast Christian Church is a great place to receive Gods blessings...Plus they have a MOMPS group.
If you need someone to help you get through each day...there is no better person than Jesus, and being around those who love Him.
Please e-mail me if you would like to chat.

Blessings,
C.
Have a beautiful Christmas, and remember "joy" comes in the morning...

I pray. I let it all out to God. Sometimes I just say,'help'.

This time of year gets to a lot of people. Try getting out and taking a 15 minute walk in the sunshine. It'll boost your seratonin levels and make you feel better. Honestly, sex will help. So will a good massage, they release endorphins and lowercortisol levels (stress hormone). Try going out with a friend or on a kidless date with your man. A little chocolate, especially dark. Try flylady.net it's a free service to help you organize and overcome obstacles in your life. She stresses getting dressed everyday and that you can do anything for 15 minutes. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed and think positively!

A.,

I went have been very depressed along with other things since I had my son four years ago. I just had my thyroid checked and found out that I have hypothyroidism. I go to a natural doctor so I take natural meds. Maybe you should look up thyroid problems. They say alot of woman have this but dont even know it because doctors just chalk it up to depression. Hope this helps.

A.,
You have alot of courage to put yourself out like this. I am not a shrink or a md, but I know myself pretty well. I belief my body responds to situations my mind cannot or will not handle. Look at the underlying conditions of what is driving your depression. I once had someone tell me that depression was anger turned inward. Pick someone safe for guidance and support and you will be able to relax in your life and be loved as you truly deserve, by your children, this wonderful man & yourself.
Peace,
Pam

A.,
if you were diabetic, there would be no social stigma attached to your taking medication. Mental Health needs are also bio-chemical in nature. I was functionally depressed for at least 10 years before I sought help. It's great to manage mental health issues without medication--as long as it's working. If it's not, it may well be time to seek other treatment, keeping in mind that you'll still need all the behavioral tools you're already using.
Also... you have the most difficult-and rewarding-job on the planet. It will benefit all your children if you are able to get medical care, and counseling if possible.
Take care.

I was very depressed for (luckily only) 6 months. I agree excercise is great, but also, if you need medicine for awhile, so what. I went on antidepressants and it really worked for me. I started to see things more clearly and not focus on the negative. I also was much more laid back.....less up tight or nervous. I felt better and realized that the world would not change if I went off the medicine. I went off of the antidepressants after 4 months or so. It was hard to go off them, but I was sure to keep busy and be with people that make me happy during that time. After the first week.....all was back to normal.

A., I feel for you and I am sorry you doing through a bad patch. Millions of people suffer from Depression, it seems only a small portion get the help they need. I am curious, why not medicine? Bipolar is quite serious, and Medicine would make your life so much better and easier.
If you are set on not taking meds, there are different ways to deal with your depression. One, everyday you should keep a journal, write whatever you are feeling, meditate on it a bit, close the journal and walk away. This is a super way to feel like you are releasing all these mixed emotions and feelings.
Then a week or month later, go back and read what you wrote and you'll see whatever you are feeling anxious about, wasn't as bad as you thought and things probably turned out quite well.
If you can, Exercise, there is something about exercising that releases certain something (not a medical person sorry), but anyways it's like a Natural Mood Booster and will balance everything out so you will feel better.
Something I started doing recently is, after I wake up, I have to mentally name 5 things that I am thankful for and after naming the 5 things, I truly realize how blessed I am.
For instance, I am thankful for a loving husband, beautiful healthy children, etc;

A., best of luck to you and don't close your mind completely to medicines, you would be surprised how much better life can be with them...
Blessings to you and your family.

You are not alone. It's not fun not knowing why you feel the way you do. I have been there a few times. I can say that time will heal, and I hope it comes fast for you. I like to read but don't have money to buy books. So I visit our library a lot and check out books. If you don't have time to look inside there, most places will let you look online and reserve your books. Please let me know if you ever need someone to talk to, (again) you are not alone.

Hi A..
I myself have sufferend with depression since I was 5 years old so I know what you are going through. I myself only have one child who is 6 weeks old, but I have been around children all my life and bet that having 4 kids is at times a stressful situation.
I don't know if my suggistions will be healpful but one thing I suggust is to take time for yourself, even something as small as a shower or a bath, take some time just for you. Or if you have the energy take the kids on a walk or to a park and just enjoy the out doors. That is the only sugguestion I have for now, but if I think of anymore I will write you again.
Sincerely,
M.

Hi A.,
While I am not bipolar, but certainly have had my moments. As mentioned already, try to get out and get fresh air and excercise.

You have already started your first step, realizing things are out of sorts.

Also, be sure to watch your other non-bipolar meds. Remember steroids and antibiotics may cause mood swings. Go to www.askapatient.com to check side effects of meds you may have to take.

Best of luck. Hope you are feeling better soon.
C.

A.,
Don't let any of these people tell you to get on meds. Only you and your doctor can truly know if you need them. Find a doctor that isn't paid for by pharmaceutical companies, try an herbologist or another type of natural doctor. Not everything needs to be treated with drugs and if you don't want to don't unless you are sure you need them. The other recommendations really do help like exercising, eating chocolate, getting sunlight, eating healthy, and journals and meditation. I am the same age as you and have a 15 month old daughter. I was a stay at home mom until a few weeks ago. I got a part time job and even in just the short time I've been working I've noticed such a difference in my mood, anxiety, and depression. It is wonderful to make outside relationships and have the adult time every day. If you can try finding a job that really suits you and your life and go for it. Good luck and if you want any reccomendations on doctors or just want to talk more, I'm here.
C.

A.,
Try a walk everyday. Exercise helps release endorphins in your system and picks you up. I think you need some alone time. Caring for that many little ones can take its toll.

I have dealt with depression for years and still find life difficult at times. Try some chamomile tea. It will calm you and sooth your nerves.
C. B

Hi A.
First thing I want to tell you is that you are absolutely not alone. I think more women than you can imagine deal with one level or another of depression and anxiety. I know in my immediate family alone, two out of the four women are fighting major anxiety and/or being bipolar. For me, exercise and being ouside is key. No matter how much I really don't feel like exercising, if I can just get the baby in her backpack or stroller and get outside then I feel better. Also talking with a friend and getting out of my normal routine really help perk me up. I know that when you don't feel well, the gut reaction to being social or getting exercie is "NO WAY" but I truly think forcing your way through it will pay off. I wish you all the best.

A., Bipolar is an illness and it needs to be treated. You will never be able to control it completely, just like a diabetic may never be able to always control their blood sugar or a hypertensive may not be able to control their blood pressure. Please take care of yourself and get on your medication. It's especially important to stay on your medications when you again start to feel fine. It means your medication is working.

Remember a lot of the people who say to just walk or give to God or any other way of treating it, probably do not understand the devastating effects of bipolar disorder and while those things can help you in the short term and are definitely great to enhance your own treatment, they should not be your only form of treatment.

Take care of yourself and do the right thing and seek treatment before it gets worse.

It is a disease and it needs to be treated.

Try Yoga It helped me with my anxiety. It's Physical exercise and helps you to take time to breathe. I also learned I should stop drinking caffeine because it made the anxiety attacks worse.

A.
wow, you have a challenging situation!
as a naturopathic doctor and mother of two, i understand.
i see women every day with these concerns.
first have your doc check your thyroid. believe it or not, greater than 40%of women have postpartum hypothyroidism rather than postpartum depression. (depression is a symptom of hypothyroidism)
there is a natural alternative to prescription drugs for mood disorders. it is called targeted amino acid therapy or orthomolecular therapy. basically, it is high dose amino acid therapy which targets neurotransmitters.
vitamin D levels should be checked, as it is key for mood and immune system. your doctor can run these tests for you.
good luck! Dr. K. Parcell

If you know you have bipolar disorder and you aren't able to treat it the way you have been controlling it inthe past, and you ADMIT that you are suffefing from depression...then bite the damn bullet and go and get some medication.

Your depression is affecting you life, your relationships, your kids, your boyfriend. If you can't manage it on your own, whatever the reasons are, it's time for some intervention on yourself.

When you get things back on track, you can experiment with getting off the meds again.

Do not waste anymore time. This isn't about pride, it is about being responsible to yourself and to your family. Go get some help. When you are feeling better and seeing things from a more positive perspective, you'll look back and be glad you did it.

Good Luck,

J. G.

Please watch the 12-minute video at mineralstory.com and see if this is something missing in your life. If you would like more info on these products and being bipolar, please give me a call at ###-###-####. Happy Holidays, R.