Anyone here suffer from it? I recently developed it due to recent influx of stressful events that happen over the holidays err helldays of 2009. Ive been on the benzodiazpines for it but they dont help. Anyone have any ways to cope?

in a Herbal Remedies or somewhere that sell plants shop you could buy "Passionaria" that will help you

Different stuff works for different people, it's impossible to say what's gonna work for you. Some people like myself go to therapy and/or take medications, but it can take a long time to find the right medication suiting your needs. Experimenting is simply the way. As for meds, it's important to remember that meds aren't there to either make you a complete vegetable or turn you entirely happy-go-lucky, it doesn't work that way. It simply takes the worst edge of the worst peaks and keeps you on a more even level.

If your meds aren't working after a couple of weeks time you should probably ask your doctor about the dosis or brand of pills.

I suggest you try to get out and move around - working out helps to focus your mind and body on different things. Fresh air is important. And good music, of course

it's true, why so many people depressed in this forum??

is the capitalism sistem?, the concept family around the world became hostile? what about the old "send everbody to hell"? religion maybe? too much worry?

@beccali: true, meds doesn't work that way, illegal drugs do that and meditation (if you can do it right, everbody could do it but take some time and depend of the personality too)

Ok now my "shrink" put me on anti depressants and kept me on the benzos as well he said the meds should kick in about a week or so. I hoping for the best but im kinda of a pessimist. I feel pasive ive been in and out of ERs and all they do is give me a shot of Benzos.

My personal opinion - avoid psychiatrists as much as you can!! Sometimes the only solution they see is bunch of pills (cause it's the easiest way for them). And those pills can do more harm than good in a longer term. Maybe all one needs is just to talk firstly to themselves alone, to discover what's the problem and find the personal strength to get over that. Having a good friend who's a good listener is also helpful. The most important thing to remember is that to every problem there is a solution or two. Some things may hit us so bad so we can't see the way out, but there definitely is one.

What scares me is that i have panic attacks and they keep my heart rate elavated. Sometimes i feel the need to escape and at times i wanna fight through it my blood pressure will rise to around 163 over 101 heart rate runs at least 130. Thats when it freaks me out.

Well, it is worrying, cause obviously that kinda state can make you harm yourself, maybe the others too... But the main thing is the cause of it all!! You must think of what makes your body/mind react in that way...

I get panic attacks as well, heart racing, and everything inside your head just goes entirely black. I don't even know if the doctors are doing the right thing, giving me these pills, cause the ones I got for my panic attacks make me sleep for 2 days and I mean, that's just not helping in the right way. I wish it wasn't all so complicated.

Huggles for you guys

Don't really know what to add here, though I've been thinking about the problem. Never got into real depression, even when something hit me hard, like when I was diagnosed with some incurable disease. I guess I always get too angry, and I am as stubborn as a mule, and that's what keeps me going.
I know meditation's good, have you tried that? It may help for the panic attacks if you know some metitation techniques. Or at least it works for me when I get anxious or angry and want to calm myself down.
And hanging out with friends would be nice, having a good laugh and all. Talking to people.
Maybe finding yourself a hobby, doing some sport or having animals to take care of, after all dogs are used as therapists for a reason.
Fresh air, change of places, going somewhere far away to clear your mind and restart all the systems. Get involved in living, allow others to make you involved. Try out new things, maybe some type of artistic expression like painting, drawing, writing? Find a way to release negativity. Try naming your fears.
It won't go away in a day, that's for sure. But I really hope it will get better for you, mate
Can't tell much about meds of that type, never took them.
And all of this are just, you know, thoughts and ideas of someone inexperienced in the matter.

These are strange feelings i have. I dont understand why it hit me like a 2 ton heavy thing.

I was diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder about a year and a half ago, but I was "just dealing" with it for a lot longer. It's difficult... I'm unable to get any medication because of how antidepressants clash with the allergy decongestant I take daily just to breath properly. Many have recommended counseling, but I haven't brought myself to do it (yet), since I honestly feel that it won't make a difference for my particular circumstances. That doesn't mean I won't give it a shot someday in the future though, because being miserable almost every day sucks.

In any case, everyone is different, and counseling is definitely something you should try if you think there's the slightest chance it might help. And if your current medication isn't doing any good, let your psychiatrist/doctor know.

And I agree with the suggestions by Ivireanu and beccali, especially about getting exercise and meditation. Endorphins are powerful little buggers.

Can't say I agree. Any good psychiatrist will recommend counseling while on medication, along with several follow up visits. A general practitioner, one that doesn't specialize in psychology, is more likely to just throw pills at you.

Exactly, my therapist booked me in with a regular doctor when I saught her out for therapy and so I have a combination of therapy and medication. I'm not really sure what the therapy really does, I get to spew some of my thoughts out every now and then but mostly she asks me questions and I answer and get upset and leave her place sad. Which isn't exactly something I strive to do. ^^ As for medications I'd really wish I didn't need them, but I know just exactly how dark my mind goes without them, so they do help a bit.

Even though I haven't exactly gotten any diagnosis - and perhaps people just are this way without a label stamped on their foreheads - some people seem to get anxious more easily than others. For some it's very easy to focus on good things and get by that way. For others, well the dark things sort of take control without us wanting them to. And really to find out what works for you is something you have to experiment your way to.

Fresh air helps for me. And working out, which I used to think would take all my energy away, but instead it gives me energy. And I can eat those occasional chocolate bars with a clear conscience

Now the otherday when i started my pills i had a slight side effect it was a panic attack brought on by the change of chems in my brain says the ER. I had a history of drinking and i kinda abused prescription painkilers befor the attacks. But the doctors told me that it wouldnt have effected me cause my liver test came back normal. I wish i could get to the bottom of this.

Well most surveys show that the first weeks of anti-depressives give you quite the bunch of side effects. Your depression and panic attacks may even get worse than usual during this period. It might help you to think that this should be something temporary, and the side effects usually cease once your brain has gotten used to the chemicals (after all that's what it is).

Give it some time, try to ride it out, and if it hasn't helped you in a couple of weeks, contact your doctor.

Painkillers don't work in the same way as antidepressants and shouldn't affect this treatment even if you did overuse them in the past. I think you're looking at the usual side effects. When it comes to drinking most brands of antidepressives are supposed to not get along well with alcohol - mainly because the effect of the pills can then change; but I have kept my usual drinking up every now and then and I can't tell any difference between before the pills and after even if drinking overall doesn't affect me in the best of ways.

Actually, the best cure for depression is The Beatles (no offense my dear PotF), Just let the LP-s play. Oldschool= ftw.

Anyway, My idea is that pills are´nt the answer of any sort. You just use "cheats" on your body. We all have our bad days, but we gotta find something to hold on. Find it= Great Success!

Addy has spoken.

Pure truth. The finest remedy for an aching soul. If one's a fighter of course...

What world are you living in? Depression doesn't always stem from having bad days or environmental factors. Not everyone's brain has the ability to create the proper chemical balance, and the pills are designed to help with that.

And I hope you aren't speaking in general terms, because taking medication isn't a cheat.

also we can try lecheers

I had to go to the ER again appers i am allergic to the anti depressants. So there going to try me on a new one here soon i feel like a lab rat.

I am sorry that is happening to you. I have been to the ER a few times in the past for anxiety attacks and it took a while to get the right meds. I am good now and I was lucky to get a good doc to help me out. I also felt like a lab rat for a while but when something I tried worked I felt a lot better. I hope that happens for you

I find it a little troubling that you mentioned going to the ER several times in this thread, but haven't said if you've done anything else. Have you actually tried seeing a psychiatric specialist or therapist? If anything, at least try educating yourself about your condition. And I'm not talking about just the basics, but rather the biological/neurological specifics. Generally, as you learn more about what's going on with your body, you'll be better prepared to deal with it.

There is your reply Scroll up

And yes he fully informed me of my condition.

I'm hitting a period where I'm questioning if there's really something wrong with the chemistry of my brain, if the pills simply aren't helping me, or if all the things I'm experiencing is just parts of who I am. I highly doubt it's normal to have panic attacks, insomnia, and seeing things that aren't there (yes) but I also doubt that pills can set me straight. At least not this brand, I'm quitting it. Been too lazy to go to the therapist for a long, long while too and I know I should, but... I don't seem to have the energy.

I'm a huge fan of the Beatles but they don't pull me away from the line to suicide, that was all medication even though I'm not fond of it. Sure we all have bad days but this is something very different. When a panic attack hits me or when I'm in a real bad low my entire world is painted black and I can barely get out of bed, or even breathe. Sorry John, sorry Paul, sorry Ringo, sorry George, not even you can help with that.

Logic does not override heart.

I can tell myself that I have a million reasons to leave but in a low there is no way to reason with my head. ^^

Depression and anxiety can be hiding a larger problem.

It's easy to suggest music, walking, herbs or things as opposed to medicine but if you don't get relief from any of those things, especially when they affect you day to day your life will be miserable.

Quality of life. Someone with severe depression and/or anxiety doesn't get that from music, walks and such. Sometimes medicine is the right thing (e.i. mentioning that someone feels that maybe something is not right with the brain) since it does help with the chemical imbalance in the brain. There is scientific research that proves that chemical imbalance in the brain causes depression, anxiety, bi-polar I and now bi-polar II and schizophrenia. Of course schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder and someone with that condition, unless treated, would not be here.

Those here who continue to suffer from depression and anxiety need to work with a physician who can help them sort out what is going on (there are many psychiatrists who are also neurologists) and get the help they need.

I don't have depression but I've been said to have a panic disorder. And that fact kinda proves it's inheritive. My Mom used to have it and so did my grandfather. He became an alcoholic because of it.
So, I know what anxiety is and those panic attacks. They really aren't nice things to experience. The attack can last only for minute or two but it feels like forever.
My attacks are triggered when I'm surrounded by a mass of people. But sometimes I can't even predict it. Fortunately, I've learnt to avoid situations which might cause it to happen.

But about depression... Even though I don't suffer from it myself, I have experienced how someone else's depression feels like.
My Mom has been diagnosed with mid-level depression. She's not self-destructive (fortunately) but her motorics seem to wane. She'll just lay on the couch doing nothing.
I've been through those kinda things ever since I was a kid and I had to take care of myself at those times. It's kinda hard for an elementary school kid, you know?
But everytime she's managed to beat it and now she's doing great. I'm proud of her.

Although I've never been officially diagnosed, I know I have depression. It's not normal to have constant negative thoughts of apathy and self-hatred. I'm quite familiar with that, and not having energy to get up and do what needs doing. I'm even familiar with feelings of suicide.

However, because I am aware of it, I know I can fight it. And since I can fight it, I know I can beat it. I've had panic attacks, too, inherited from a parent. I don't have the luxury of counseling or meds. I can't afford either one. I feel blessed to know that neither my attacks nor depression have been severe enough to go to the ER. My battles with what I call The Darkness are fought with prayer, journals, music, and exercise. It's far from a perfect system, but it's worked so far. Placing my trust in something (or Someone) greater than myself is a great comfort because I know, not just believe, that no matter how bad it gets, or how much I want to give up and die, that everything will be all right and will work out for the best. Someone will always have my back. I know that even though I make terrible mistakes, because I'm still alive, I have time to correct them. For everything negative thought I have, I can replace it with a positive one, even if my heart refuses to believe it at first. In time, you will. Practice makes perfect! That if such a horrible darkness does exist, then an equally brilliant, blinding love must also exist.

Depression makes you have tunnel vision. You think you are all alone and no one can possibly understand. That's wrong, plenty of people feel the same. You are never alone. A big help is just changing your mindset. I know it's not an easy thing to do, but it can be done. Learn to look around and think "What can I learn from this? What is this supposed to teach me?" and so on. Be thankful for what you have while working for what you want. Talk about your feelings, don't bury them. Talk to someone, write it down, or move around. Pound on a punching bag if you must.

I think meds are there as a tool, not a cure. Counseling is the same. They can help you, but they are not meant to carry you. You must carry yourself, and find others who can walk beside you and hold you up when you get tired.

Well, I've suffered from depression pretty much since middle school but just this past year I was clinically diagnosed with major depression after seeing a psychiatrist. What many people don't understand is that if it goes untreated, major depression can cause thoughts of suicide, negatively affect work and social life, decrease one's ability to interact with others, and many other major problems. So many people think depression is just mood-related and can be cured by turning to faith or spirituality. And of course I'm not saying these things don't work for some people with minor depression, because of course there are people who feel much better through exercise or prayer.

However, I know that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain when the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine too low due to the increased levels of monamine oxidase A or MOA-A which is actually responsible for the breakdown of important neurotransmitters that control mood. When these chemicals are all out of balance, it can affect many things including concentration, memory, motivation, mood, stress, fatigue, thoughts of suicide and even weight gain due to increased carbohydrate intake. Now I don't have a psychiastry degree nor am I out of high school yet but I do know about my depression.

Please, I have lived with depression too long to not want to help others living with the same problems. I can't make anyone do anything, but my advice would be to please see a psychiatrist or psychologist as soon as possible. If left untreated, major depression can get way out of hand way too quickly and I wouldn't want anyone else to go through what I've been going through without at least knowing what's going on inside their brain. A psychiastrist will help educated you on what is wrong and the different possibilities for treatments. Now I don't want to sound like an antidepressant commercial but please talk to a doctor or psychiastrist because they really can help. Don't think you can just turn to herbs like St. John's Wort with something as severe as major depression because it simply won't work. Herbs like that can be used to treat VERY MINOR depression. Note the word MINOR. You may not think there is a difference between the two types but there is. Major depression is far more serious and if you think you might have it, PLEASE talk to someone about it. I hate hearing about people who are depressed and don't know how to treat it because there really is a way out of it. You just need to be patient with yourself and be willing to try different things. Otherwise it will never go away on its own.

I wonder what actually causes depression Yeah, I know, it is caused by chemical imbalance, just as Em said. But what makes you chemically imbalanced at some point in your life? What makes some people fall into depression due to different events in their life while others don't? I certainly know some diseases just develop and there's nothing you can do about it, is it the same case here?
My understanding of that stuff is very low, please take that into consideration. I've always been to much of "f&^*$ it all, I will make it because I say so" type of person.

I'm not an expert.. but I just think that every person reacts in a different way to things that happen to them. Some go really down, some find an unexpected strenght to carry on, some have a very bad period and are able then to get over it somehow, and the time it takes can be very different for each person. We're all different, and we all have different backgrounds, troubles, thoughts, etc.

Then about what causes the 'chemical imbalance': I think it works similarly to what causes any other illness. Most of the time we don't really know: there can be genetics, environmental or personal proneness.. or no reason at all, some things don't even have a clear explanation, some things are not really predictable.