EARTHaholic

Open College Stress

Been in college for the past few years. Got another semester ahead and possibly more...

Open Coming Out

I am a lesbian and I face challenges in daily life coming out.

Open Depression
Type: Clinical (Major) Depression

I have struggled with depression ever since I was a pre-teen. I even tried committing suicide when I was 11. Even though my life is much better and I have a great life, I still get quite depressed every month or so. It usually coincides with my menstrual cycle. I have tried medications but did not like any of them. Then I switched to herbal remedies which helped a bit but I tend to get lazy with taking them.

Treatments

Celexa Not Working

I had the worst reaction to this drug. I took it before bed and it made me real drowsy, which I was warned about. I fell asleep and woke up the next day shaking and feeling as if my insides were trying to crawl out but my skin wasn't letting them. I've never felt so anxious before. I went for a walk and continued to pace around since everytime I sat or tried to sit still I would start shaking again. It was a horrible day. The symptoms finally died down toward the evening - SCARY DAY

Paxil Not Working

I used this when I was 11 and it did not help.

Positive Thinking Somewhat Helpful

It's hard to have any positive thoughts when you are depressed. But it can definitely help a lot.

Prozac Not Working

I used this when I was 11 and it made symptoms even worse.

Support from Friends & Family Working / Worked

Hanging out with loved ones can be the best medicine. It generally takes your mind off of things and gives you a chance to get out and do something.

Wellbutrin Not Working

I took this for about a week. I know that's not a very long time but I would get minor headaches and I could feel the drug changing my brain. I decided I didn't like that feeling, so I dropped it.

Writing Working / Worked

Most of the time writing makes me feel a lot better. But then there are times when you get so down where you don't even want to write, and that's the only time when this hasn't been successful in cheering me up.

Physical Exercise Working / Worked

If I can get out and exercise I generally feel A LOT better. Its a good way to get the blood flowing and to start up an appetite if you have lost it.

Open Families & Friends Of Addicts

My dad is a heavy alcoholic and has been all of my life. My grandma (dad's mom) was also an alcoholic before I was born and she has been clean and sober for the past 25 years or so. My mom is addicted to shopping and will spend tons of money on stuff that she doesn't need. It's so bad that she can't even really walk into her house without stepping on stuff. Being a child of addicts has had its ways of affecting how I normally think and feel, for one I am a total perfectionist.

Treatments

Psychotherapy Somewhat Helpful

I have gone to therapy many times for depression and a major issue that comes up is my alcoholic father. Not much attention is paid to my shopaholic mother. But it has helped me try to come to terms that my father will die of alcoholism and has made me truly realize that you can't change anyone unless they want to change themselves.

Writing Working / Worked

Writing about issues always makes me feel better. Even though I rarely write about my parents and their addiction issues, when I do it does make me see a bit more clearly.

Open Nutrition

I get sick often and am looking to improve my nutrition. I understand that daily nutrition is really life changing and I wish to learn more on how to get and stay healthy.