Posted by Greg A. on March 14, 2001, at 18:20:48
In reply to Re: karenR - still well and breathing? » Greg A., posted by karenR on March 14, 2001, at 12:47:00
Hey Karen – glad you posted back. I can guarantee there’s more than one person out here who is experiencing what you are or something similar. (or something much worse) You raise a lot of questions that I think about with respect to my own life and situation. How did this start? What makes it worse? Or better? Is there a cycle? Am I my own worst enemy? Lots of questions and few answers. Maybe that’s why it’s so nice to ‘compare notes’ every once in awhile with someone who doesn’t always need the whole explanation to understand. I know in talking to friends about depression, the ones who really care about me will say “It must be terrible.” A couple of friends who have had problems or still do will sort of complete my thoughts for me. It’s the ‘I’ve been where you are’ answer and it is kind of special.
Anyway – good to hear you were on a holiday - but get rid of the couch! (I’ll have to get rid of my office, because often the anxious feelings will start as soon as I open the door)
I’m not quite sure what I’ve explained to you about my depression / anxiety. I know in one of my posts I mentioned that the real onset of my anxiety, in the sense of it being a real problem, occurred when I was hyperthyroid. This happened many years ago and was mis-diagnosed for a considerable length of time. I was always as you put it ‘high strung’ but nothing like that. When I was treated I became hypothyroid very quickly, something which was also not diagnosed at first. I have not felt good or normal for any extended period since. Treating the anxiety by itself did little for me. I survived. When I started treatment for depression it meant that I had to admit to the disease. The treatments have all worked to some degree. But never for a long time or as well as I would like. But you know, when I compare the quality of my life now, with ten years ago, it is much better. I have a greater understanding of myself, and the medications do help. I think I mentioned before that last winter I decided – Enough Drugs!! I went to a naturopath for five months and $2500 later I was almost ready for hospitalization! I’ll take the drugs, thank you.
I know exactly what you mean about physical stress without any mental cause. At times you could put me in the most relaxing setting imaginable. Lots of money, no obligations, freedom to do whatever I wanted and I would be totally debilitated physically and mentally by anxiety. Just tell me what the cause is and I’ll change it!
By the way, for the past month or so I have had this annoying numbness and tingling in my arms and hands . . .Talk to you later.
Greg
poster:Greg A.
thread:5084
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010209/msgs/5106.html