The mental health thread -previously The Highs and the Lows

[brightasyellow]

I'm so sorry, rockerchick. I hope 2012 is better for you.

[elizabethlsiegel]

hey, girls, i think you might enjoy this...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/2 ... lp00000003

[rockerchick1993]

THank you so much. You know what? I think it will be!

[catita]

Hi,

I've recently been diagnosed with moderate depression. I haven't had panic attacks, thank god, but I am just very gloomy, permanently. Last week my doctor prescribed Wellbutrin as antidepressant (he told me there's a version of it that's used to help quit smoking or other addictions). I realized yesterday that small talk was suddenly something easier to do, and looking at people in the eye. On the other side I think I am overly chatty and strangely cheerful (like in emails and stuff) when I don't mean to be...

I am also going to therapy, but just changed therapist, as the one I used to go to before stood me up a few times (I mean, she would let me know an hour or so before our appointment that she wouldn't make it). I decided to change, even if it was more expensive, but this new lady got all the files from the previous therapist and immediately recommended that I saw the psychiatrist for antidepressants.

Has anybody else been treated with bupropion for depression? how did it go? My doctor tells me the treatment should last 6-9 months but it depends on the recovery and the overall status of my life.

cheers,
Catita

[Chazzyboo]

Hi, hope you guys don't mind me droppin' by!

I've just today had my second, and final, counselling session for some longstanding anxiety problems. While I've not been diagnosed with anything (it's not so severe as to need medication, thank goodness) it was still troubling me enough to be thankful I got past the stigma and booked an appointment.

I mainly have social anxiety and exam anxiety. My social anxiety is to a level that I get a mental block when I make conversations, and barely talk to anyone at university, as I analyse all the small talk and beat myself up about mistakes I made in conversations. I'm only comfortable with one or two friends, my boyfriend and my family. My exam anxiety is a fair bit worse - I had a mock exam 6 weeks ago, and the night before I had what was probably very similar to a panic attack. I felt out-of-control, I couldn't sleep that night, and was shaking uncontrollably. It was such a frightening experience that it made me take my first step in seeing a counsellor.

What I'd say is that if you have these similar issues, don't hesitate to pursue talking therapies. Just two sessions has helped me to recognise my destructive thought patterns. It will take a while to feel good about myself, and hard work, but it's an excellent start. Ladies - do any of you have any tips and tricks to get past this 'wall' that comes up whenever you get anxious in social situations? Lotsa love xxx

[brightasyellow]

Catita - I'd love to hear how you're doing now. Wellbutrin is different than the SSRIs in that it doesn't make you sleepy. I don't know about the chattiness, but keep a lookout for that.

Chazzy - Anxiety and panic attacks are terrible. I'm glad you saw a therapist. I hope you're doing well now!

[Ptree82]

How is everyone? 2011 was one of the worst years of my life, so 2012 doesn't have to be all that great to just be better than 2011. I'm thinking of writing a blog about my year but putting a positive spin on the negatives that happen. My therapist always tries to reframe my negative thoughts and it sometimes works. Are there any inspirational things you guys are thinking about or doing for the new year?

2011 was without a doubt the worst year of my life. The year started off with bad panic attacks and then in April my little brother died which took my mild depression into a whole new level. Oddly enough, I haven't had a panic attack since he died and I wonder why that is. Now that we're half way through 2012 I can say that things are better although I'm still sad all the time. I hope your year has improved from last year and I love the idea of writing a blog and putting a positive spin on things. I also really loved your tweet yesterday about posting something you're grateful for everyday! I might do the same.