Note: I apologize beforehand if this is in the wrong forum. I was debating this one, or the general one - but since it's "health" related, I said "shoot, I'll try this one."
---------------------------------

The following subject may be a sensitive one, at least for some - but for me, who is currently battling for it - I figured it wouldn't hurt to see if anyone else has had the same experiences and how they have faired through it.

Last year (Late May of 2004 I was diagnosed so this May marks my '1 year anniversary') of beging diagnosed with G.A.D. (Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder), Depression & S.A.D (Social Anxiety Disorder). Now, this is very odd, considering I love people, have always loved them, and did theatre for 10 years. However over the past year things have changed.

It has been a very tough battle for me, battling such a disorder. Not many people are understanding - some look at it as something one just snaps out of but it's a medical condition. (I am very much aware of my very fortuante life, loving family, friends and home).

I am wondering if anyone else on the board has had, or currently suffering from depression, G.A.D, and/or S.A.D. I am interested in what you have done and continue to do to free yourself from this empty prison. (What medications.. how long did it last.. did it spur from anything..etc.)

So.., anyway,,

__________________


Chi Sis to GUINNESS (M), Born November 23rd 2004.
Chi Momma to JADA (F), Born July 2nd 2006.
Chi Momma to HARLEY (M), 6 years old. FOSTER/RESCUE. (R.I.P)
Grandma to BLUE BOY (M), 12-26-07 to 01-20-08. (R.I.P.)

R.I.P Sweet Angel Boy

Yeah actually I can relate and when it's at it's worst I just have to compare myself to a turtle (I pull into my shell). I've run the gamut on antidepressants I think, currently prozac is working again. Anti anxiety drugs do help to an extent and there are times it's much better all on it's own. I've found for me the biggest trick is to recognise the symptoms before it gets too bad and start taking action immediately. Not that I always succeed in doing this but it sure is easier on everyone if I get to it quickly.

I was having a bad year 2003 and in December that year I totally lost it.. and I went to my doctor in Jan 2004 and she looked at me and asked me if Anything changed in my life and I told her that in the last year I lost my Grandma(the rock of my entire life).

I used to do hair and had to get out of the business because of the people started to get to me.. I couldn't deal with them any more. (That was like 5 years before).

Then My ex- husband started his crap again with me and I couldn't get him to stop ( has been an on going depressing problem for too many years).

And then I was having issues with Amanda wanting to push every button I had and then some...

I told my docotor that I wasn't the same happy go lucky person I used to be...

She said that I had onset depression( she said that it meant that Things that happen in my life onset it and I will be fine for a while then I will lose it).

Plus I have had problems with migranes for years and that It was also a problem relating to the depression. I am a life long ansomniac. up do this point in my life I hadn't slept a full night in so many years I forgot what a good night sleep was....

So she gave me 2 prescribtions. 1 for the depression and 1 for the migranes and the ansomnia. I take 1 pill in the morning and 1 pill at night to go to sleep...

This past year and a half has been up and down for me.. it took a good 6 months before I started to feel I could deal with people again... I still don't like people... but I think I will always not like people (when I am saying people I am talking about in larger groups and strangers) I am getting through this. I think I am actually ready to find a part time job and see if I can deal with people again.. I do alright with people I know but People that I don't know it tollay different. I have found taking Gadget with me every where has really helped me with this.

My doctor thinks that losing my Grandma was the final straw that made me hit bottom. It has now been 2 years since I have lost her but I still feel like it was yesterday...

This subject hits a little too close to home so I'm not going to say much. I just don't feel up to it right now, ya know?

But the one thing I want to say is... don't allow people to tell you to "just snap out of it." Just snap out of arthritis or diabetes while you're at it.

I will say one more thing... no, two more things:

1. I'm glad you have your little boy to love.
2. I think you're pretty brave to be so upfront about this.

__________________


I love my baby girl, Lily!
www.dogster.com/?124961 Lily
www.dogster.com/?127388 Gracie

"snap out of it", doesn't that make you want to slap someone. As if we enjoy misery

my bf suffers from it too ......it's very hard for me to understand because i am the opposite
he's taking lysanxia to calm down

what are you feeling ..?do you get stress?

kisses nat

__________________

I am not sure when it really started. I think it really started the year before I was diagnosed, but for the longest time they just thought I had IBS. (I would get horrible stomach aches, constant trips to the bathroom after eating) and/or not eating at all.

It took them a year to diagnose me, and now (2 years later, really) - I am still trying to get by on a day to day basis. In fact, I have an interview today with a principal at one of the schools I want to work at - and I am nervous that I will have a panic attack or something. Makes me a tad nervous.

I hope I go through with it, with flying colors - and it be my first, and last - and I walk out of there with a job.

As for my own onset - the nurses and doctors believe I am having a hard time making the transistion from child to adult. (Hense the book they gave me, "Quarter Life Crisis: The challenges of life in your 20s". I would have to agree. Before, everything was consistant.. friends in the same area. family. Now everyone is all over. ,married, having babies.. I guess it's been a hard adjust ment for me. However I don't know.

I was seeing a counselor at the university I attended (and she helped) AND IT WAS FREEEEE! But now I have to find a counselor here, and it's been more difficult. I found a psychiatrist but the earliest I Could get in was June 20th! I have called a few psychologists.counselors but they haven't returned my phone calls yet so my nurse took them and will call them. She was like "Don't worry, they will answer my call!"

At first I was ashamed I had a mental disorder. When you think mental disorders, you think straight jackets and suicidal tendencies and maniacs. It's not all like that. I would never hurt anyone, their child, an adult - or an animal. But the reason I have decided to become so upforth about it, is because it IS such a lonely battle and I don't want people thinking that they re the ONLY one batling it (Because you really do believe you are!)

Plus I want to rid the world of the stereotype that depression is something someone can "snap out of" - or that they are conceited and selfish because they have "everything" but still aren't happy. I think once I battle it, I want to be a spokesperson or a guide to help others through it. Because it's hard. It really is.

Every day I try to think of things I am greatful for:
1. Guinness
2. The rest of my pets.
3. My Parents/Family
4. I graduated college!
5. I have an interview - and they are HARD to get.

Maybe I SHOULD do that everyday - write everything I am greatful for. Maybe it'll help. I don' tknow.. lol

__________________


Chi Sis to GUINNESS (M), Born November 23rd 2004.
Chi Momma to JADA (F), Born July 2nd 2006.
Chi Momma to HARLEY (M), 6 years old. FOSTER/RESCUE. (R.I.P)
Grandma to BLUE BOY (M), 12-26-07 to 01-20-08. (R.I.P.)

R.I.P Sweet Angel Boy

waauw alison ...it's so weird thinking you suffer from it i don't personally know you , but you came across as a very happy,carefree person . i think it's very brave you confront it like that , because my bf doesn't . i have to admit i sometimes say to him 'oh just get over it ' i know this is wrong ...but it's so hard to understand for other people and especially if you live with them . how does your boyfriend handle it ?

kisses nat

__________________