Symptoms of anxiety and a little depression---medication suggestions????

melimoo · 10-13-2008, 12:36 AM

When I was just dating and engaged, to my now husband, I didn't have a problem with working. Needless to say, after being diagnosed with PCOS, things changed dramatically. When we had just gotten married I actually kind of liked working, but after months and months of trying to get pregnant and not, it started to get me down. I kind of feel.........well, there is too many feelings to list. I wish I could say exactly how I feel but It's hard to put it into words. But one of the feelings is brokenness, I feel broken. I should be able to have kids if I want, and it is just effecting me in ways I didn't think it would. It's effecting my marriage and my day to day life and my happiness. Sometimes I really feel like it's too much. And on some days like today, I get so sad that I don't want to face the world and all of the negativity. Right now I'm in that place in my life where babies are ALL that I want. It's all I can think about. I work in a pharmacy and I hate working where I have to be around sick and dying people all day long.

Sorry for the long post. I was just wondering what ya'll are taking for anxiety/depression? I don't want to become addicted to the medication, I would like to take something on a when symptoms occur basis. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I will be talking to my doctor in a few weeks. Thanks in advance, and again sorry so long.

juniorj · 10-13-2008, 10:12 AM

Im sorry you are feeling like this , if you could avoid the medication route that may be better in the long run.

You probably have already heard the tips people say to beat depression..

-take walks
-write down your feelings
-have a hoobie to distract yourself
-Excersise helps
-Smile when you dont want to
-Listen to happy music
-If you really need to cry just let it out
-See a councillor

If all those dont work then go to your doctor discuss it with him and see what he/she suggestes !! I used to take those tablets called 'Kalms' they really helped with anxeiety but they dont work for everyone (they were not prescription)

Chin up
Jess x

RACHELLE32 · 10-14-2008, 01:10 AM

I am sorry you are suffering right now. I can appreciate how you are feeling. I was once this way too. I now have 3 healthy kids. I say this not to brag, but I was once in your shoes. It is horrible. I would suggest trying Prozac. Just because it is safe if you should become pg. But you can take Adavan (sp) for acute anxiety, etc. It works within about 20 min. Hang in there. I know it is so hard. I can remember a time, not long ago, when I didn't know if I would ever be able to have one child. Now my miracles are 6, 3, and 17 mos. You can email me directly anytime, I will always listen. I have constantly struggled with depression, anxiety and PCOS stuff!!! kcromer@sbcglobal.net

jentn · 10-15-2008, 06:09 PM

There is a great article at the beginning of this forum about PCOS, Depression and High Testosterone that I thought was very helpful. I've had anxiety, depression - extreme fatigue for a few years now & only recently got dx w/ PCOS. It was nice to know there is a correlation between high testosterone and depression b/c for years I've been telling my Dr. I thought something was wrong with my hormones and I was always brushed off b/c my thyroid is okay. Anyway, how are you treating the PCOS? Quite possibly getting your insulin levels, hormone levels (or whatever your issues may be) under control may give you relief - as well as get you ovulating and baby-making. I'm in the mental health field and can tell you that anti-depressants are not physically addictive most anti-anxiety meds are (they are the fast acting type meds - benzodiapines, to be taken only as needed - not daily) Many of the antidepressants help w/ anxiety as well but must be taken daily. However, if you have high testosterone maybe doing something to get that under control will be all you need. I'm about to start taking cinnamon - there is a wealth of info on this site about meds and natural remedies to get your PCOS under control. The first reply offered great coping skills/tips to assist w/ dealing w/ depression. I can't live w/out excercising!! Excercise gets your neurotransmitters (mood regulators) pumping & will make you feel better - even if you feel too tired (I almost always do) excercise anyway - you'll feel better and be glad you did afterwards. Things will get better as long as you don't give up!

HOLLAND · 10-15-2008, 06:22 PM

I'm so sorry you feeling so bad! I have issues with depression/anxiety as well. All the TTC is driving me insane....LOL I have had a lot of issues at work as well. Lots of people being fired and just nasty people treating employees really bad. It was really a lot to deal with. It's gotten better thank goodness. I started Cylexa back in January but my Endo changed that to Zoloft when she realised I was TTCing. It works very well!

TheGigglingFrog · 10-18-2008, 01:34 AM

These are the things that have helped me:

exercise... oh yeah, I resisted, dug both heals in the ground hard and wouldn't budge from the couch... but I ran out of other options and finally tried it... low and behold, its working! I started with Richard Simmons (He's so perky its hard not to get happy) & Leslie Sansone is very, hmmmm, can't think of the proper word, but she is good! This was the quickest fix of them all... and cheapest!

food... you are what you eat... when I ate crap, I felt like crap. You know all the rest, it is hard to avoid it in the media, so 'nuf said

Fish oil, Vitamin D, B-complex & Calcium w/ magnesium & zinc... I could feel these make a difference and I notice when I don't take them. If you haven't had the greatest diet, a multi-vitamin might help too.

Environment... where do you spend most of your day, is it pleasant or unpleasant? Do you get lots of bright light, can you open windows, are there nice sounds and smells... don't under estimate your surroundings and what you spend your time doing and who you spend your time with. If you only spend time with Debbie Downers it might be time to cut the cord. If your office is like Tom Hank's in Joe Versus the Volcano, you might consider your future employer. If you have heavy drapes pulled across your windows all day, open them and let the light in. Do you hear traffic night and day, might be worth getting a white noise machine to drown it out... I'm sure you are getting the point, hehehe

Wellbutrin... Rx antidepressant, I take anywhere from 100mg-200mg depending on how I'm doing. I have struggled with depression and anxiety for 25 years (since 4th grade) and wellbutrin is the only antidepressant that I tolerate... it can take a while to find the right one, but if you need it, it is worth the search.

Counselor... these can take a while to find one you click with, but when you do, the results can be amazing... don't be afraid to fire the ones that don't work for you and search out ones that do!

Books... yeah you could read self-help, but why not read something funny to lift your spirits... Both of the Sedaris authors are hillarious IMO, but the humor can be questionable depending on your socio-economic-political views. I'm sure you have authors you think are funny... or dvds... maybe have an Adam Sandler weekend, or Beavis and Butthead if that is your style... whatever it is, bring in some humorous media and ban all the doom and gloom stuff from your tv!

Neurontin... I started taking this for my back pain, but it has made a huge impact on my anxiety. It is an off label use, but some doctors are willing to Rx it.

Benzodiazapenes - antianxiety meds, can be very very very addictive... I would recommend these only as a last resort or special circumstances (i.e. fear of flying or the dentist, or flying with dentists) whatever those infrequent occasions are.