Posted by olysi79 on July 24, 2007, at 13:22:12
First of all, I apologize for this lengthy "Downer" of a post, I like to be optimistic, but I am feeling bad right now.
I am in the midst of such major life changes (a move, job loss and subsequent search, financial problems) that I have had a relapse of my generalized anxiety disorder, which is quickly heading towards clinical depression (I've been crying alot, major anxiety, etc..). I have OCD as well. Furthermore, I recently tapered off of my zoloft (see why below), thus the combo of no meds, MAJOR life changes, and poor self -esteem is knawing at me without mercy.
I am between meds, and only have valium to help me because my PDOC and I have decided no more SSRIs due to weight gain (about 75 lbs to be exact). We tried a trial of Parnate and I did NOT do well, hence the washout needs to go forward. I suggested Lamictal, and he is going to think about it.
So here I am... now living at home after a relocation, jobless, between schools as my previous plans collapsed (I am a grad student), indecisive as to what to do with my life, and 100 percent penniless, and without insurance. I am feeling such agitation, sadness, and anxiety that I have upped my smoking from 5 cigs a day to a pack, can't eat, and am only able to calm down in the late afternoons/early evening.I think one of the setoffs for me was the side effects of the SSRIS, I loved them, but the weight gain was so significant, and wouldn't stop... I started to develop pre-diabetes as a result and jumped 4 pant sizes.
What can I do? I don't want to think abotu this as a battle between "fat and happy" or "skinny and depressed"... there has got to be something out there that can help me. We all deserve good physical and emotional health, I am out of ideas...A couple questions that I was hoping you could answer with your experiences as well as any research you have seen...
1) Does anyone know of free counseling services available in the Twin Cities area?
2) Does anyone have any additional ideas on how to deal with all of this anxiety?
3) Is it common to relapse like this during these situations when in between or off meds? Where did I go wrong? I tapered of the zoloft via liquid over about 6 weeks....
4) Could Lamictal with Valium provide relief, or should I go another direction? I cannot gain anymore weight, I do want to live to be oldand not die of diabetes or heart problems!
5) How often should one take Valium, I can take 3 tabs a day, but how should I space them out to get the maximum effect? Right Now I only take 2/day, one in the morning, one at night, so I have leeway.
If anyone has any ideas, or can provide a little reassurance or comfort, I'd be very grateful.
Thanks
C
poster:olysi79
thread:771637
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070719/msgs/771637.html