Hellobee Boards

You just check out my friend's blog, Scrambled Eggs. She had just recently started to yak about her mental health and it's been really helpful for her. Sounds similar to you. And she's a great writer. Hugs. Taking blogging, etc. are all huge steps.

I was first diagnosed with depression when I was 15. I struggled on and off until I was 26 and the I finally beat it (or so I thought). It resurfaced after my first daughter was born, after 6 years depression-free. This time, it had an anxiety element that I had never experienced before. Although I got well enough to function, I never got back to my "well" self and, when I fell pregnant with #2, it all came back like a tidal wave. I have had to take sickness leave for three months during my pregnancy and I've started seeing a therapist again. It seems to be helping, but I'm scared I will always be an anxious person now.......

So that's my story. @Torchwood: I think its very brave of you to stand up and talk about this stuff. I have a friend - a,very brilliant, popular, successful friend - who has recently come out on social media about his struggles with anxiety. It was inspirational, I've not been able to share my struggles so publically.

I wanted to add that last year I found myself dealing with a lot of situational anxiety. I found a therapist right away and it was a WONDERFUL experience. I got the help I needed and was basically "cured" within 5 sessions. I would encourage anyone who is dealing with depression or anxiety to find help, whether it is reaching out to a trusted friend or finding a professional. You can take control of your situation and find a way to make it better.

@pachamama: Same thing here. It varies with latitude, I was fine and never noticed anything when I lived in the south, not so much further north. For me, the only thing that really helped was the sun lamp. Exercise, meditation, relaxation, warm baths, healthy diet... just didn't do anything the way they usually would when I feel down for other reasons. But the sunlight lamp works pretty well. I'll still feel off in the evening, but sitting in front of the lamp for a bit makes a big difference. I got one ten years ago and still haven't had to change the bulb. I also take vit D, as I was super deficient.

I've dealt with it in varying degrees of severity, but always present, since I was 16. I'm 37 now. I take Lexapro and it helps. Cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise really helped a lot too. I'm sure this is something I'll have to deal with for the rest of my life.

@Mrs. Bee: Ditto. I was diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety when I was 19, but it started years earlier. The severity waxes and wanes, but I'm sure I'll be in therapy my whole life.

I think I've had it since I was young but didn't seek active help until 4 months PP, when I couldn't deal at all. Now I've been on meds for almost 3 yrs and it really helps. But some days are still a struggle and I get really mad or really sad about life and everything.
My DH has never dealt with it before and really didn't think it was an actual disease until we went to couples therapy and discussed it.
Further, meds and couples therapy have been a help in making me feel better about daily life, marriage and the future.

Never went to a doctor about it, but I deal with it on and off. It's always situational, but I guess most people don't respond to even tough situations by trying to disappear in some way. I try to find a constructive outlet till it passes, but won't be surprised if I need to do something more (medication? therapy?) one day.

@Mrs. Bee: other family members have both and I'm thankful to only deal with anxiety but it is a pain.

Thankfully no. Ups and downs but all pretty average. It doesn't run in my family and I feel very fortunate for that. Hugs to all of you who have struggled.

I've struggled with depression and PTSD since college, and have added anxiety as I've gotten a little older (in my late 30s now). I also had PPD after DS was born in 2012. The severity waxes and wanes, but I believe I will have to work to manage it my entire life. I take Lexapro and Wellbutrin and have Xanax for panic attacks as needed.

I'm going through an unwanted messy divorce now, so I'm working with a therapist and trying to stay active and positive.

I just read this and shared it on my FB. It really struck a chord for me. Depression lies. Don't believe what it tells you about yourself!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2016/03/23/i-told-the-truth-in-my-sisters-obituary-so-that-others-might-choose-to-live/

Oh yes, and it's awful. I'm proud of you for speaking ip!!

I've dealt with bouts of depression, but I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in high school. My anxiety has definitely had some ups and downs, but has reached an all time plateaued high since having children. It's crippling at times.