Posted by gobbledygook on May 31, 2009, at 23:03:43
In reply to Re: Panic attacks ) permanent change in mood » gobbledygook, posted by garnet71 on May 31, 2009, at 21:49:18
I think what you're going through might be due to a combination of multiple factors.
You have a long standing history of being on SSRIs and I suspect that coming off of them
created a marked instability in your mood, and might have set off anxiety/panic attacks
as well as old depressed feelings.Even though you've been off of SSRIs since December, I don't think it's uncommon to see
a delayed effect, if you have been on them for many years. This will be especially worse
if you don't decrease the dose gradually. The longer you've been on SSRIs, the more time
is needed to slowly lower the dose.On top of all of this you have other new stressors and triggers that you allude to that may
have further exacerbated your current state.I think you should see your doctor about going back on an SSRI that seemed to have worked
well for you in the past - just to stabilize you temporarily.You'll probably also need some short term anxiolytics while waiting for the SSRIs to kick in.
Hopefully, you have a good therapist who can help you deal with old and new stressors,
with the eventual goal of coming off of the meds.Also, you might want to minimize caffeine, "junk food", alcohol and any other stimulants/
depressants which may trigger or aggravate anxiety/panic attacks as well as depression.In general, you want to be good to your body right now, which means regular exercise,
plenty of sleep, and healthy food. All of this will not only make you feel stronger physically,
but also psychologically.
Hang in there - and take it one day at a time.
Ava-
poster:gobbledygook
thread:898664
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090531/msgs/898701.html