Posted by Greg A. on January 14, 2002, at 13:27:28
In reply to Am I depressed or what?, posted by bonnie_ann on January 14, 2002, at 11:26:37
Wow Bonnie! What a great description of something that affects so many of us. Depression and anxiety seem quite often to go hand in hand. You can argue which causes which ad nauseum but it doesn’t much matter. When one is better, often the other is too.
When I go through a period of depression I don’t want to be around people. I have many of the same insecurities that you have described. Rationally, I know I am not the misfit or boring person I think I am, but I can’t seem to get past it in my own head. Guilt is another common feeling. My wife wants to do something and I don’t so I feel guilty. That can add to the depression and anxiety. When she says, “why not try it?” and I do, I get varied results – sometimes it’s okay and I surprise myself while other times I just count the minutes until I can escape. Medication definitely helps me with this. When I am very depressed I fear even having to answer the phone because I will have to have a conversation with someone. My brain will have to function and take in information and respond; something I feel I am not able to do. When I am on meds that are working, I just wonder what all the fuss was about.
Quitting alcohol is tough – we know it can relax us in a social situation, but in the longer term may add to the depression. Good for you for stopping.
What med(s) are you on.
Don’t feel alone in having ‘social problems.’ It’s something many of us deal with. From taking phone calls, to talking to a clerk in a store, to visiting the neighbours. But it can be helped. Tell your husband that you are getting treatment for this problem (and do it!) and that you will let him know when things are good enough for you to be more social.v You are certainly on the right track to involve him in what you are going through.
Greg
poster:Greg A.
thread:16745
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020112/msgs/16748.html