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So today while in school i had a panic attack. I think i've had 2 before ever since i lost my father but not as bad. Now i have depression and am on zoloft but i dont think that this medication is right for me and that it works. I seem to be feeling worse. More depressed, empty and just always blah. Today while in class i felt depressed so im guessing what caused my panic attack was the fact that i was depressed and then ignored it which made it worse. It was pretty frighting, i couldnt keep calm, i couldnt sit still, focus in class, i felt dizzy my thoughts were racing and my body wouldnt keep still. I've never had one i dont think but it was very frighting and i didnt know depression could cause panic attacks. So i have a question for anyone reading this, if youre on anti-depressants, how do you feel?
Wish you the best of luck !
I grapple with depression and anxiety, and I'm not on any anti-depressant meds. I combat depression and anxiety with exercise, mainly bicycling. It levels me out, centers me, pumps positive endorphins into my brain and raises seritonin levels, brings out reservoirs of strength in me that I didn't even know I had.
The only time I get depressed and anxious is when I don't have TIME to exercise, because I'm working too much. Then I have to MAKE time, make a few less bucks in the interest of restoring my health and sanity.
They keep me out of the Big Black Hole. I would be a mess without them. I've used all sorts of antidepressants with success. The only one that definitely wasn't a good fit for me was Paxil.
Maybe ask your doctor to lower the dose or to switch you to a different antidepressant. Good luck and don't give up hope you will find the right drug, alone or in combination.
They can go hand in hand sometimes. depending on source, unresolved feelings.
My guess is that counseling, and possibly a group therapy situation with other teens who have lost someone would be beneficial for you. One of my sons was still in high school when his Dad (my husband) died, and he received counseling with his guidance counselor and the school psychologist. That would be one place to start to ask for additional resources.
Anti-depressants are usually only prescribed for a brief time in connection with grief. They are not meant to be the "cure" for grief. If your doctor thinks it is what you need, then talk with him/her about changing out the Zoloft for something else. There are many different anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications out there; some are notoriously dangerous for teens, but some work well. You need to speak to your doctor.
You may also want to talk with your doctor about your eating habits. Teens often have eating habits that throw your body chemistry out of balance and make things like nervousness, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks more likely. Not eating, eating fast foods, not eating healthy foods, taking in too much sugar or caffeine, these can all backfire on you. I suffered from a number of depression and anxiety problems during my teens, and didn't know my eating habits were half the battle until I was in my 20's. You may be just fine and doing all the right things already, but it wouldn't hurt to talk with your doctor or even the school nurse about it. Just a thought.
If you are on any other medications, including contraceptive pills, talk with your doctor about those, too. Contraceptive pills also can cause depression symptoms - I struggled with that when I was on the pill, and it is quite common.
I am sorry for the loss of your father - I know how hard that can be. I was a little older, 26. when I lost my Dad to cancer. My Dad was my first hero, and a lot of who I am is because of him. There will come a time when the memories of your Dad are happy ones. Don't give up. You will be okay.
Love and Hugs,
Martha