Thread: depression- a place to vent/ discuss about depression or anxiety

Within the last few days I have been having panic attacks again. The first one that I knew what was happening was when I was 15, that is also when I was diagnosed with depression.
I can't say I am embarrassed about either of them, in fact I am very proud because I have been able to try to manage both my anxiety and depression without meds. In fact the few times I tried meds I broke, my antidepressants made me sick and unable to function. The antianxieties actually gave me a 2 day long panic attack. I was laying on the couch screaming, crying and shaking. It was terrifying. Now I am not on any drugs and I have my friends and boyfriend help me.
Stressful events also trigger my anxiety, I do triangle breathing to help. Inhale for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds then exhale for 3 seconds and repeat. Also, picture each and every one of your muscles relaxing and don't tell yourself you are scared. You wouldn't believe how much it helps. I also have a "happy place" in my mind, I picture myself in a safe place that I made up and bring up the safe feelings before coming back to reality. I just make a quick trip to the bathroom and calm myself before going back to the situation.

woah! No meds at all?? You're an inspiration! Thanks for posting I know I'm not alone, which is why it's so nice to hear from others.

I have been battling depression and panic attacks for the past 2 years. After gaining weight and running into financial trouble, my life went on a downward spiral. I was getting 2 bad panic attacks per week and about every other day felt worthless, disgusting, and wanted to die. I saw my doctor and she prescribed me Celexa which has worked wonders. I have been on them for about a month and feel pretty good. I still have the normal stress of life(money, work, school) but I no longer let it consume me, I am able to focus and come up with solutions to my issues without going into panic mode. I was always VERY sceptical about meds, I NEVER wanted to HAVE to take meds, but after having several panic attacks, and basically NOT wanting to even get out of bed, I knew it was time to see the doctor and "try something out" I am so glad I did! I never in life imagined a little pill would help me cope with life so smoothly. I definitley still have stress, but there is no depression. I used to obsess over negative things, I let negative and irrational thoughts take control of my mind, thankfully I no longer have obsessive negative thoughts racing through my mind constantly like before. I do not want to be on medication forever but it is certainly helping me now and I am so thankful for this. I encourage anyone out there that has been sceptical about taking medication to please consider it. I would have never thought that I would be able to get through a day without obsessing or crying over something negative. I cant tell you how horrible I felt before the meds, its like night and day. My family is even a bit confused because they know the usual me is upset, sad, or angry, and lately I have been smiling, and have so much energy. Thank you so much Celexa! I wish all good luck to anyone out there dealing with depression, it is a terrible disease that should be controlled. Please seek help if you havent, there are so many options out there to make you feel great again

Hi there kellythecatwoman! I have had depression for about 4 years now. I have been on meds since I was 16-17 yrs old. And I have to say I was terrified I would lose myself completely if I started taking meds. I was so wrong. I am a cheerful and bubbly person now, not the secluded emo i used to be. so yeah i changed but this is the real me, not the one who screams and cries over nothing. i have been getting a lot worse again lately, but i know why so i'm dealing with it okay and i'm going to go see my psychiatrist asap and work things out.
so yeah depression sucks but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
i hope that one day i won't have to be on medication, but i can accept that i might have to be on it forever. i'd rather be happy and take meds than try to live on my own and hurt myself and those i love.

sorry i posted two replies, i tried to delete this one but i don't know how!!! sorry!!!

Hey bel08! Thanks a bunch for your input I'm doing pretty well at the moment, but I know this will be great to look back on later. You guys are all awesome! By the way, to anyone who deals with occasional anxiety, do stressful events or even the mention of painful parts of your life sometimes bring on attacks? Anyone have examples?

I've never had depression (or at least don't think I have), but I do know what is it to have anxiety... I have PTSD and agoraphobia. I was on medication for it, but geting to the doctors for a prescription is so often impossible that I ended up sort of giving up on them. I really should go back and go on them again though as other than causing extreme insomnia they were amazingly helpful

Kelly... I never really had anxiety attacks until recently. I have gone through mild depression during the winter months but I just kinda muddle through it. Recently (within the last 3 months) I have been having panic/anxiety attacks A LOT... at first I didn't know what they were but I did some research on the internet and mystery solved. I have tried to be more aware of what I am doing when the come on (or just prior to it) and I have noticed that the littlest things will trigger them like the telephone ringing or something else that's just a nomal daily event. for some strange reason triggers them everytime I HATE the phone these days. I have counted having up to 7 in one day and I don't know how to make it stop. I have thought of going to the doctor but being unemployed and no medical insurance.... well, you know how that goes. I have started doing this breathing thing when I have them and they don't seem to be lasting as long as they used to.... I just wish I didn't have them at all.