I took Xanax for about three weeks, one pill each night, and it seemed to make a great improvement. However I wouldn't recommend taking longer than that because it makes you groggy in the a.m. And I actually thought it was making me a little anxious. It also can be addictive. As far as the anti-depressanrts, they may help too, but would also recommend cognitive therapy to get you out of the cycle. Exercise has also shown to help with depression.

I have been suffering from gastritis on and off since 2012. My gp has offered me anti-depressants but don't know whether to take him up on his offer as I have good days and bad and know that these can be addictive

I took an anti-d for 11 years straight without a break due to family problems and getting into a dark and cloudy permanent place. Doc had to force me tho - she said I had to trust her. They were called Dosulepin and I started low dose and progressed to a high dose. They were a lifeline for me and the dark cloud lifted after about 3 weeks. Otherwise I wanted to stay in bed all the time which was no good. I felt very ready to come off and did so very slowly over about 6 weeks with absolutely no side effects. That was many years ago and I would have no hesitation in going back on them. People tried to put my off the "funny pills" as they called them but it was the best thing I did. If my gasti is really teeing me off and I start retreating into that feeling, I will ask to go back on. The doc said they were not addictive and in my case they were not. So it is something to think about. If the anxiety is having a knock on effect with the gasti and gerd, think about it. I know I will if I get to that stage.
G.

I took Xanax for severe anxiety for many years and it gave me my life back. As i started to feel that I did not need it my doctor suggested an antidepressant as I was going through some serious family issues. I was put on Celexa. As the select took hold (about 4 weeks) I weaned myself off of the Xanax. Now I just take the Celexa and it works for both the anxiety and the sad feelings and overwhelming feelings I had.
I would give it a try.

Spoke to my gp yesterday. He says that at my last appointment he didn't consider that I was depressed just that I was anxious. He said I had been through a lot over the last 7 years i. e coping with the death of my son (whoever said time is a healer obviously hadn't had to go through that! ). Coping with gastritis is miserable and it's enough to make the hardest of people depressed. Let's hope that we can get through this and at least have a reasonable Christmas. (No chocolate for me gives me heartburn)

In speaking with my psychiatrist, he has recommended I be put on Prozac due to my OCD like stomach anxiety.

I know that the SSRI's aren't as recommended for those with stomach issues given their tendency to cause nausea and shaky stomach at the start but they're supposed to be really good for fighting OCD like anxiety.

I, too, agree anxiety is a major player. Currently on a little vacation with the family and my stomach has been much worse even though I've kept the same diet. So yes, it effects my stomach as well.

Goodluck & give it a shot

I understand and feel empathy for you. I have aches and pains on top of aches and pains, and nothing gets any better. My housework now is just getting the laundry done, the dishes done, and the pills down the hatch. I find I am just hoping for a good day when I don't hurt, so I understand what you are feeling. I agree with the exercise post -- as tired as I am and in pain -- I walk my 4,000 steps a day, religiously. Hang in there -- find the small joys even when you are in pain. Sometimes I think those that live in chronic pain are so far removed from normal that we are very sensitive to days where the pain is just a little less -- I rejoice when I have a better day -- not exactly a good day.