Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
Hello Everyone - This is my first post on this site and I am a bit hesitant and I know typing this that it's going to make me upset. I am a 38 year old male, married with 2 kids (6 & 12). I have a great job and my wife does as well as a nurse. Last September I went thru a mental breakdown (as I call it) and a very deep depression swam over me. I have been dealing with panic disorder and anxiety since I was 20, but this was my first run at depression...lucky me :). The depression created so much anxiety that, on my birthday, I checked myself into a hospital. They were no help and sent me home as soon as they determined I wasn't a threat to myself or anyone else.
It took me about 5 months for the depression to slowly ease out of my life and all thru the summer I was a very happy guy....very energetic, outgoing, hopeful. I started going back to my old habits with drinking every weekend and smoking marijuana occassionally. What an awful idea that was. about 1 1/2 months ago, after a night of heavy drinking, I had one of the worst panic attacks of my life and I could feel the depression wash over me once again. I was so upset at myself for ruining this wonderful happiness that I had created. I was back at square 1.
My phyciatrist increased my dosage of lexapro to 20mg and told me to take xanax as needed. Sorry for the long message, but here is my main hardship and was wondering if anyone else has had these feelings?
My depression and anxiety is always the worst in the morning. As the day goes on, the awful feelings seem to get better and better...even to the point of them being non existant in the evening before bedtime. I sleep great throughout the night, but as soon as I wake up the hammer punch of depression and anxiety is right there. Can anyone relate to this? Has anyone been able to figure out a solution to this issue?
Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated. I am grateful to have found this site and I hope I can be of support to you all as well. Tough journey we are all in...especially during these unstable times.
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I've just been updating my profile information because I had a birthday last week, and so I'm now 25 instead of 24. It doesn't feel any different though!Just so you all know a bit about me: I suffer with anxiety and occasional panic attacks, and sometimes I do an accidental wee in bed while I'm asleep. Now I'm a year older than this time last week I can report that nothing has changed, although...
You're quite right that going back to drinking and using cannabis was a bad idea, but acknowledging this is a great start. But you need to try and identify the causes for this regression.
I can't answer any of your questions about the medication, I'm afraid, but would just like to reassure you that most of the people here are supportive and your first step of putting your problems out there is brave.
With all the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 at the moment your girls need a fully-functioning dad, and I hope that thinking about them will give you the strength to continue your recovery from last year's breakdown.
I read once that the reason many have worse anxiety in the mornings is because we naturally produce cortisol to get us going. So put that on top of the cortisol that those of with anxiety are already producing! It's a recipe for anxiety and panic.
With anxiety running rampant these days, I love to direct folks to The Anxiety Guy. Just google him and you will find him and his material. His youtubes and podcasts are free. He does address morning anxiety which may help you. He's active on all social media as well. He is available for coaching and has 2 programs you can purchase but he does not hard-sell these at all. He's also active on all social media. He does live FB sessions too. Many days he's the only thing that keeps me out of the ER when my anxiety spirals out of control.
Good luck to you!