I have anxiety/depression and need advice!Was put on zoloft stopped after 2nd day!

Rebecca - posted on 06/17/2010

I suffered postnatal depression and anxiety- the medication and group therapy, plus a psychologist saved me! If it wasn't for these things I would've been a complete mess. Also my mum's group was amazing as others were suffering too and I so looked forward to meeting every week and just talking with other mums. Eight years later and we're still friends. Even if you don't want to go out, eventually the meds will make this easier and at least go to a mum's group so you can be with people who understand. Good luck!

Elizabeth - posted on 06/17/2010

I sympathise with you as I have had panic attacks for 25+ years and find that if my breathing becomes too fast, I breathe into a paper bag which helps. Also I at the moment being signed off work because I am due to have a knee replacement operation at the end of next month and with the pain being so severe the attacks are coming on pretty frequently. Like you I have a very understanding partner as my children have left home, but believe it or not I am taking Calms which relaxes you and take one twice a day after meals and two after dinner and this has helped to eleviate it. Good luck

Lisa - posted on 06/17/2010

Hi.. I'm not a doctor... but it sounds like you may need to get out. If you join a play group, or something that both you and your kids can enjoy and possibly meet some people like you, or with kids the same age and you can start to visit back and forth. Having kids can be hard... very hard. You need a friend who understands a bit of how you feel that you can talk to... it will help you feel better and also like someone understands... even having one friend you can hang with or go to the park with and rely a little on each other for some back and forth childcare will do you a world of great!

Antonette - posted on 06/16/2010

Hallo

My name is Antonette and I know that feeling....I am 43 years and had strugled with the same disorder. This is very hard work. I take Cipralex every day for the past 2 years, It is very important that you take your medication, not sure what your doctor prescribed. You also need to go for help...it is the most important thing to do..You need to speak to a professional that will guide you through this...Then my dear friend...prayer was and still is what helps me every day. You need to write down your thought and monitor what makes you anxious...This is a process and takes time to heal....

Gislaine (Gessie) - posted on 06/16/2010

THE MORE U THINK ABOUT HALF THESE BULLSHIT COMMENTS,,, THE MORE U WILL WORK URSELF UP SO JUST FOCUS ,,,,,,, HARD BUT PLAN SOMETHING FOR TOMORROW FOR YOUR BRAIN TO FOCUS ON AND DO IT,,, GET INTO IT,,,,, TAKE URSELF AWAY WITH IT,,, IT WILL WORK.

Gislaine (Gessie) - posted on 06/16/2010

do NOT FOCUS ON INTERNAL,,, IT IS A WASTE OF TIME AND U WILL BE EVEN MORE PANICKED,,, CHOOSE SOMETHING OR A GOAL FOR THE DAY AND TOTALLY AND I MEAN TOTALLY FOCUS ON THAT.WHAT CAN BARB DO TODAY TO NOT FEEL PANICKED,,,, GO FOR A WALK WITH BABE,,,,,,, ANYTHING FOR U TO HAVE A DIVERSION,,, PLAY GAMES ON FACEBOOK,,,,,,,,, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE WITH THE BABE,,, AND TRY AND FOCUS ON U,,,,,,, NOT THE PANIC SIDE BUT THE GOOD SIDE,,, U ARE OUTSIDE WALKIN WITH BABE,,, PLANTING FLOWERS OR BAKING,, JUST MAKE URSELF FOCUS ON WHAT U ARE DOING.... AND NEVER STOP A MED COLD TURKEY EVER.....XX

Gislaine (Gessie) - posted on 06/16/2010

U have no idea how much I can relate Barb,,,, I have generalized anniety disorder diagnosed about 10 years ago,,, originally it was a heart valve malfunction but heaven forbid,,, these idiot docs admit to a mistake,,,, it involved a mitral valve prolapse and I have never been the same since....originally they said it was a panic disorder,,, my limbs were moving involuntarily and I was taken by ambulance to hospital but the real diagnosis was not released to my doc until I signed documents authorizing him to get info,,,,,, anyway listen,,,, take the new med,,, Zoloft BUT u HAVE TO FOCUS ON SOMETHING ELSE BESIDES U AND THIS PANIC OF YOURS,,, FOCUS ON THE BABE and if u feel the med does not work,,,, then go back to doc,,,,, u can reach me at aspirotgislaine@yahoo.ca I so can relate to u,,,, this panic thing turns into a psychological thing where u are afraid to be alone,,,, been there,,,,,,,, just stay calm,,, I know easier said than done but focus on the NOW,,,, TAKE CARE OF THE BABY AND GET UR MIND ON OTHER THINGS,,, go for a walk,,,,, talk to friends,,, go on facebook,,,, anything to cause a diversion for u,,, the more u focus on the panic,,, the worse u will be,,, so focus on the outdoors and something for Barb to totally take your mind off PANIC.... games on facebook,, outdoors with babe,,,,,,,, just do it... trust me,, it works..... xo

Jessica - posted on 06/16/2010

i have the same problems and my doctor gave me zoloft it does help but it takes up to a week or 2 to get the full effect of it so if u dont feel any differant in a few days dont panic i have been dealing with depression since 2001 and i have been alot better since i got on the meds if u have any more questions dont hesitate to ask and i will try my hardest to help u out.the name is jessica and if u want to email me its jessicamukka@yahoo.com and i will get back to u

Jolijn - posted on 06/16/2010

I don't know what you have tried but I can recommend RET therapy. It worked and still works for me. Medication will take the edge of your emotions but it will not take away the cause why you are feeling that way.So as well as taking medication try and talk to someone to deal with what is bothering you.
Every medication has risks but as long as you remember that it will be only a while that you might feel worse it will get better within 2 weeks. Good luck!!

Joann - posted on 06/16/2010

as much as your in denial of antidepressent you need it or the docor woulod no prescribe take it in 6 months you will see a differnece listen to the doctor that is why you wnet for help

Michelle - posted on 06/16/2010

You poor thing! I can relate. About 3 years ago I went through a similar thing but my panic attacks would make me black out. I have been taking Cymbalta for 3 years and I love it. My sisters are all on either Cymbalta or Zoloft and I do not see anything wrong with it. You can not go on living your life like this. I suggest taking the Zoloft. If you do not see an improvement after a month then ask your doctor about cymbalta. Hope it helps!

Mimi - posted on 06/16/2010

I sure hope you have started that Zoloft by now. I know EXACTLY how you feel! It took me a week to start taking Zoloft when it was prescribed. I have been on it for years now and it helps tremendously, there are very rare breakthrough panic attacks. Meditation works wonders too!!
I will pray for you - it is a miserable disease.

Julie - posted on 06/16/2010

I have had Anxiety and depression since I was eight, but didn't know until I was prescribed paxil that anxiety, especially social anxiety was a trigger for my depression. Medication does not have to be a lifetime thing but when you need it it can be what helps alter the course of your depression.I took paxil for five years and then slowly weaned myself off it. If you stop it suddenly or forget for a few days it feels like the flu. When I took it i really needed it and was able to redirect my life in a less anxious direction. meds turn down the noise caused by anxiety and depression and allow you to analyze your life and what it is that is causing those feelings. Then you can make little changes over time to reduce the triggers and quit medication in the future if you still want to. I found that I had to change my career choice, reduce alcohol and find new ways to occupy my mind so I wouldn't get overwhelmed by negative thoughts. If this med doesn't work for you, try another. Everyone has different results and there is no one size fits all med. You are still young too and your brain hasn't stopped developing yet. I noticed that I became more stable in my mid twenties and that my hormones had a huge impact as well. In my darkest hours I would remind myself that things always get better.Good luck and hang in there.

Suellen - posted on 06/16/2010

Read the New Testament - bring your worries to God and let him heal you. There is no human that can help your mind and soul to health and rest - only God can do that.

Carol - posted on 06/16/2010

I find that excersise helps my anxiety and depression. I have a 14 year old who tries my patienience on a daily basis. You need to make time for your self as a mom and wife. I take all my anxiety and frustration out on the elliptical or the tred mill i just channel it into my thoughts and i can go for an hour. I am also a pharmacy technician and the zoloft will also help. carol

Amber - posted on 06/16/2010

well i am the same way as u, i knew i had it before i had kids, but i was scared to admit it, but after having a baby i was prescribed celexa, it works great and i feel so much more normal, and i have been taking for 3 years now. i hope that helps! take care

Mariah - posted on 06/16/2010

Hi, Barbara! Been in your shoes. That said, you've done tremendous work at keeping the OCD at bay!

In my 20's I took Zoloft. I don't recommend it (still felt ill effects of it years later) & I have other recommendations. As for Zoloft, (if you choose to take it), I was told to start in small doses, working my way up. When you decide to end taking it DO NOT end all at once. Reduce the dose gradually over SEVERAL days.

What I recommend:
-Cognitive therapy.
-Acupuncture & Chinese herbs.
-Keep the lines of support & communication open w/those who love you.
-Come back to Circle of Moms when you want answers. :)

By doing these things the mind & body become balanced. Eventually, you no longer need treatment. Today, I am happy, very healthy in every sense, have more energy & all my relationships have benefited.

BTW, if you have trouble getting in to see a cognitive therapist try the exercise below when trouble/symptoms crops up.
-On a sheet of paper write the following labels:
"Feeling" (Sad, angry, embarrassed)
"Thinking"
"Doing"
"Situation"
-Next, fill in as appropriate (very important to separate feeling from thoughts you had/have).
-My therapist asked me to change my thinking of the situation. Write that down.
-Chew on that awhile & see if it doesn't change your feelings about the situation. It very often does change them for the better.

Cheers!

Harmoni - posted on 06/16/2010

I too suffer from depression and ADD. I was given Zoloft after having my daughter(13 mo) and quickly realized I had to take it at night. Don't know if you had this problem but it made me VERY tired!!! I am now on Celexa as well as Wellbutrin(they target 2 different things) and this seems to work VERY well for me so far!! Don't be afraid to try other things if this is not working for you. Talk to your dr about everything! I also have a spouse who does not put a lot of stock into depression but I had to do this for ME and I am a better person for it!! SO much more patient and no serious mood swings(well except for monthly... ;) lol) I am 25 w/ 3 yr old twins and a 13 mo old. It can be very overwhelming at times!!! My dr told one of the best things I could do was take a walk every day. Preferably w/o the kids but take them if I have to, which I have because they love walks and it gives us great quality time to be together and talk together. Also, do you many friends who are mothers w/ small children?? Look into playgroups or start on! Go to the park w/ some friends and their kids and most importantly make time for YOU!!! Go out w/ girlfriends! Have a movie night w/ a friend or do a date night w/ the hubby!!! Good Luck!! It is tough but sounds like you are on the right track! Kudos to you for trying things and doing something about it! Sometimes that is a hard step to take. Sometimes I hate that I have to be on something, but you know what?! It HELPS!! And it makes me a better mother wife and overall person!! Good luck to you!! :) ♥

Nancy - posted on 06/16/2010

Hi Barbara,
I too started to have anxiety/panic disorder after the birth of my first child, I was 22 yrs old. I was only given a tricyclic antidepressant, and feel that even though it took the edge off, todays meds are a lot better. You will enjoy your child much more if you are in better health and improved state of mind. the Zoloft will help you accomplish that.I would also seek the advice of a hormone specialist. I have delt with this problem ever since. Looking back, I think if there had been Zoloft or similar, I would have tryed it...If you need to communicate, we can talk more...

Alicia - posted on 06/16/2010

Take the meds. They help a lot, I take Xanax for anxiety and Pristiq for depression, since my 2 yr old was born (had really bad postpartum depression/anxiety/insomnia. Since you are young, you should be aware that some meds may increase the risk of suicidality, so if you have any thoughts now, or if the meds cause it, you need to contact your doctor ASAP, but do not stop taking them cold turkey. They need to be taken as prescribed every day, and you'll need bloodwork done every so often to make sure your levels and liver function are all good. But I agree with Katherine, how much worse could you really feel, since you've gone all this time without them? That and the combo of having a counselor who specializes in depression has helped me tremendously, b/c you need to get at the root of what's causing it, not just treating the symptoms. Good luck to you, and remember to give it a few weeks to feel the full effects. If a particular drug doesn't work for you, keep an open mind and try another. I had tried two other depression meds before the Pristiq, the first wasn't strong enough, the 2nd gave me lots of stomache problems. But I hung in there b/c I knew there HAD to be something out there that would help. And I am much happier & calmer now, and hope to start weaning off of my medications soon. Take care.

Pam - posted on 06/16/2010

After I had my son I had terrible post partum. I cried for no reason, sometimes days at a time. Once I was two weeks away from delivering my daughter I got on Zoloft for I was not going to be in that kind of a mess again. I did not want my children seeing me that way and it was difficult for my spouse to even understand. My daughter will be two here and I remain on the Zoloft and feel I can handle my days and stress a lot better than without it. My advice try it and if you feel you are a better person and Mom with it, continue with it. We as Mom's have extra stress that falls on us daily and if a pill is going to make me a better Mother and wife I'll do what I have to.

Holly - posted on 06/16/2010

You are very brave and have already taken the most important step!
1. Do what your doctor recommends. Do not change dosage without consulting the doctor.
2. Find a doctor who monitors you at least monthly -- not one who just prescribes.
3. Depending on your coverage or the area in which you live, this might be a PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner). They tend to have better availability than a shrink or your PCP, plus have prescribing privileges.
4. You are normal, your condition is common, and curable.

Best of luck to you!! Let us know in a few weeks how you're feeling!

Paula - posted on 06/16/2010

I've taken both paxil and zoloft. The paxil worked great for a while but the zoloft is much better - I did have one of those bad experiences but that was with Cymbalta. Now they tell you not to take Cymbalta if you are prone to migraines. Now they tell me ! Give yourself a month - if it doesn't help you haven't lost anything --- but you will feel better, promise.

Jen - posted on 06/16/2010

I suggest you see a psychiatrist for a more thorough examination and also talk to your priimary care physician for a full physical. It can't hurt to rule out anything physical. Plus knowing that there is nothing physically wrong may help ease your anxiety as well. In addition, the psychiatrist may be able to better pinpoint the cause of your anxiety and then refer you to the best type of therapist for you.

Debbie - posted on 06/16/2010

Has anyone mentioned postpartum depression? Do you think possibly you had that after your child was born? Do you exercise? That really helps get the circulation going and oxygen to the brain and releases all the good stuff in the body and does make you feel better. Eating a good healthy diet with no sugar helps also. Possibly no caffeine. It worked for me. Especially in the winter when I get the winter blues. I walk everyday and try to do some weights or pilates. Try it! Good luck! :)

Dani - posted on 06/16/2010

Take it. I have suffered through anxiety and depression for several years, and the medication really helps balance the moods. Good luck, and take care.

Simone - posted on 06/16/2010

Hi Barbara... I haven't checked out circle of moms for a while, but your post caught my eye... because I've beenthere, and know how awful it can be.
I thought I would post the link to "my journey" (with depression/anxiety) where I have written about it on my blog. I've written a bunch of stuff actually, that you might find ehlpful. I'm not an expert just a fellow traveller on this difficult journey. I still have my days, but there IS light at the end of the tunnel. I won't put my advice here, just click on the link, read my story and then email me/leave me a comment and I'll get back to you some more. I find that even an internet friend or two who understand what its like is better than no-one; so I'm hoping you get in touch :)
Much love and hugs coming to you all the way from new Zealand.
Luv Simone

http://greatfun4kids.blogspot.com/2008/0...

Bonnie - posted on 06/16/2010

I understand competely what you are going through, however. I am much older and know what is causing my depression and panic/anxiety attacks. The medication will help and hopefully you'll be able to understand what is causing yours after you've been on the meds for a while and can start thinking more clearly. Mother hold is an amazing time in life and unfortunately raising children doesn't come with a manual. Try and make some time for yourself where you can do something productive that is just for you. Take the baby for a nice long walk everyday and see if that might help to clear your mind.

Christine - posted on 06/16/2010

I went through exactly what Katherine on here did. I've tried many different prescriptions for anxiety/depression since I was 17. I'm 34 now, and have been taking zoloft for a few years. It really helps. You have to take it everyday but not necessarily forever, each person is different. Try it for a while and do some training for yourself to put important things in your life into perspective, you may be able to get by if you can identify what causes it for you.

Hansa - posted on 06/16/2010

Hi Barbara, I really feel for you ..... I know exactly what you mean when you say that your family is supportive but they don't fully understand. I'm afraid I'm in no position to give you advice as to whether you should take the medication prescribed by your doctor. All I can say is that some people do tend to rely on it and somehow feel that they cannot function without taking the medication. This obviously has consequences in the long term and you may still remain with your illness. I know how hard it is to actually think positively, have the motivation or willpower for that matter and how terribly difficult it is do things. What I think might help you if to find one or two friends or family who you can confide in. These people must have lots of free time, are obviously willing to support and help you, are quite firm and strong people and a thick skin would also help. If you can ask for their help, that would be much better than relying on the medication. These people can then come and help you, even doing the housework together, or cooking together, go to the park with your child, or just to do the necessary shopping will make such a difference. They can build a routine with you, and gradually start going out and doing things that you actually enjoy .... even if it's just the one activity eg. going to the park, which will help you come out of your depression. So you really need someone who obviously cares a lot for you to give up their time, someone who actually has the time to come over to your place on a regular basis and help you with the housework and looking after your 2.5 year old and someone who is quite firm and with a thick skin..... as they need to understand that you might be upset with them for being what you will see as quite harsh. I know it will be extremely hard for you to be pushed into doing things you really cannot be bothered with, or have the energy to do, but it is precisely this, having to do them, that will help you. Please don't give up .... it may take months, so you must ask for the commitment from these people - as they need to be there for you for the long haul. Believe me, this will eventually make you stronger, get you out of your depression and you can only go up as everything else will fall into place - your relationship with your spouse, your friends and family, etc. The happier you feel, the better life will be. Go and ask, don't feel bad to ask for help. You'll be surprised how willing some people are to help. Good Luck and All Best Wishes xx

Nicole - posted on 06/16/2010

I also have OCD and Anxiety. I have 2 kids one is 2 and the other is 1. I have struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember and I can't remember when my OCD started but I think it was a little less than 10 years ago. I have tried a few different types of medications for it but they didn't do a lot. I took a break from counselling for awhile cause I didn't think it was helping but recently I started to take Zoloft and I started to see another therapist. I am on 100mg of Zoloft now and it is helping but you really have to pay attention to see if you need to be increased. I find it extremely hard to deal with it a lot of the time but fortunatly I have a lot of support from my husband. Another thing that is really hard to get the motivation to do is exercise. It helps a lot though!!! I used to do Yoga and it helped at the time but now gardening is my big thing. If you need to talk more about it please email me at shy_boycrazy@hotmail.com. I hope this helps.

Carrie - posted on 06/16/2010

Visit the website www.thesmilingmask.com. My friends created it and wrote the book about postpartum depression and parenthood. God bless!

Angel - posted on 06/16/2010

YOU DON'T NEED MEDS TO BE HAPPY! You need Jesus! He gives joy that surpasses all understanding....I speak from experience...and I almost took it too.....but I didnt want to either become WORSE...which it warns of....or become dependent on a drug to make me happy....I sought out God and His saving grace and now I am a new person....I am not depressed and without hope and direction anymore....If you want to have Joy....not just happiness...but JOY! in everything! I pray that you seek Jesus! He wants to have a personal relationship with YOU! and He loves YOU!

Crystal - posted on 06/16/2010

I've had anxiety attacks since i was a kid. Suffered post partum depression/anxiety attacks again after having my 2nd child. He was about 9 months when it kicked in. I finally went to the doc after he was about 11 months, and it was explained to me that depression and anxiety go hand in hand. Some experience more anxiety than others, others more depression than anxiety, etc. Anyhow, I was prescribed Paxil. I was also very apprehensive about taking any meds. She told me that the depression symptoms&/or anxiety can kind of come in waves. You may not have any symptoms for a long time, but the times that you do have problems, it's best to treat it rather than not, because a lot of times the symptoms will only get worse while you try to wait them out, and that meds are there to get you thru those 'worse' times. So, I took Paxil for about 4-5 months and then I stopped. I haven't had any anxiety attacks since, and now that I know the meds helped me thru that "wave", if it happens again I would gladly get help again. best wishes! Take whatever help that is offered, especially if someone offers to watch the baby, make dinner, etc. People wouldn't offer if they couldn't or didn't want to help. Also, when you get help for your anxiety, you will be a better mom for it. You will be present for your child instead of stuck in your head. That's how I felt, anyways.... best wishes!!

Kristena - posted on 06/16/2010

Hi, i know excactly what you are going through. I had panic attacks and anxiety really bad for along time. it started when I was 19. I had an abortion at 4wks along, due to the fact that i knew that i was not ready. It mad me go into deep anixety and panic mod. I started Zoloft 5 Yrs ago and I now have a 20mth old and feel amazing. Zoloft really does work and it save me. My Husband has seen such a change because he also didnt understand what i was going thorugh. so I say try it, it did wonders for me. I dont know what mg he gave you but i am on 50mg once a day.

Tammy - posted on 06/16/2010

You need to do what is the best for yourself. Its great that you are getting help.No matter what the cost is..

I have anxiety and depression. Mine really all started when i found out I was pregnet with my 3rd child that was not spoused to happen because i had a tubal done after my 2nd. So finding out i was having a 3rd gave me a lot of problems.
One of the main keys is to keep looking for the Drs that will listen to you and really want to help you out. I was put on Lexepro at first over 4 years ago. Then went to a diffrent dr and they started me on zoloft, i was on that for a the last 3years until things in my life over all have gotten worse. My dr incressed the dose and seemed to make it worse. So the best thing that i did was I did in treatment. I now have a talk dr. and a medicine dr. witch has been the best thing ever. I have now been taken off the zolfot and was put on Welbutrin XL witch is night and day diffrent.
Its not a easy fix right away its something that takes time, so try to be patine and things will get better. Before i was here physically only for my kids not mentally. Now I have both back.

You take care and always give it to god he knows what is best.

Barbara - posted on 06/16/2010

I am seeing a counsler i've only been once but my next app is monday so im going to try to see what advice she can give me. Thanks for all the advice everyone i just see that keeping busy gets your mind off things even though i feel horrible im just to busy to think about it. My problem is still the food and not sleeping well. When im not doing anything like trying to go to sleep my mind starts worrying last night i was convinced i had a tumor or cancer and had an anxiety attack. My husband gets upset bc im spending so much money on doctors but i wanna rule out the possibilty of anything actually being wrong with me.

Leeza - posted on 06/16/2010

Depression is hard. I twice your age and did not get hit with it until the last 11 years after my 3rd child. I have an anxiety disorder and have but a little unlucky and had to have quite a few surgeries (minor) in recent years. Unfortunately, it may be trial and error with the medication. But what is important is to have friends to talk to even it it is only one and therapy. Therapy helps you understand yourself and gives you the tools you need. You will have some bad days but remember 3 steps forward and 1 back is still progress for you and your child which is the most important thing in your life.

Maggie - posted on 06/16/2010

How courageous of you to reach out to ask for assistance, and your inner wisdom is kicking in to question Zoloft. First, can you find a way to have a few hours or even a day to have a facial and/or some other ways to fill up your psychic "well". Then look into the high possibility that you have internal deficiencies such as vit D. Take a look for a high standard of supplements-pharmaceutical grade. I have some great recommendations that have assisted myself and many other moms. Contact me directly @ coachmag4@aol.com. You are deserving to take great care of yourself so that you can be there for others, and in that order.

Kristi - posted on 06/16/2010

I take Zoloft as well, it is worth a try to see if it will help you! I have had panic/anxiety for 13 years, but when I am sleep deprived or am not eating right it gets really bad! So needless to say that having a 2 year old who doesn't sleep is making me insane! Have you ever seen a psychologist? It is nice to just have someone to talk to on occasion who sorta understands what you are feeling and it can help a ton! I also understand your fear of pills, I hate to even take Tylenol! ;) You are not alone and if you need the meds thats ok, it doesn't mean your weak, if you had high blood pressure you would take meds for that wouldn't you? Have you ever tried something like xanax for the days when your panic is sky high?

Laci - posted on 06/16/2010

I think this is common, especially with young moms and moms that are trying to go to school, and stay at home. I have three of my own, a 9mo old, a 2 year old and an 8 year old, then I have a step daughter that is 3 1/2 (part time). I stay at home because our daycare costs are outrageous. I am also in school, dont have any friends - we just dont go out with out the kids, and my mom lives 45 minutes away.

I now my stress level is extremely high and my depression comes in waves, some much worse than other times. Some days I think my head will explode, LOL.

I would take the Zoloft, at least for a while until you find out if you like that particular drug. Keep in mind all drugs will have side affects, some will give you a zombie feeling, some will make you more anxious. It may take time to find the right one.

I also suggest finding a mom's group, that you can meet up with for play dates, it really does help to have other moms that you can talk to in person, and it gives you a little break. This might seem more stressful at first then just staying home in your normal routine but in the long run, it is better for you and your kid, you both will get to socialize. Look on facebook, I found a mom's group in my town that has a facebook!

Also, you may want to talk to a professional. Just to see if there might be underlying causes to the depression. It would also be a safer way to keep the medications in check, to make sure that you are taking the best one for you.

Remember you are not alone :)

Patti - posted on 06/16/2010

My daughter is having major attacks of ths kind as well, her doctor found out that thyroid can cause major anxiety attacks. Have yours checked, ask for all side to be tested.

Shelley - posted on 06/16/2010

I too suffer from anxiety attacks. But I haven't had one in a very long time. My draw prescribed zoloft for me as well, and it works, but the best thing I find that works is meditation and it is simply teaching yourself to breath with your stomach and not your chest, watch your baby and how he breathes and will yourself. I do it automatically now. It takes a while but it does work. Good luck

Jennifer - posted on 06/16/2010

I think you can take the meds if necessary, but I would definitely recommend going to a therapist in the meantime to weed out the root cause of the depression. I did that and was able to be weaned off the anti-depressants in less than a year. I needed the meds to function in the meantime, but have now been med-free for 5 years. :) If you have the time and a knowledgeable naturopath - I would recommend going natural...but if that's not an option, take the meds. It's better than going through life miserable - but, jmho, I wouldn't want to be on medication for my whole life either. Happy to be free of the anxiety, depression and meds!

Liz - posted on 06/16/2010

Hi, I've suffered from depression on and off for 22 years and know how you feel, My daughter is now 6 but before having her and after I had serious depression. My advice is take the tablets, they do take a few weeks to get into your system but I found they do work, I am still on tablets now and probably will be to some degree for the rest of my life although at the moment I am on a low dose, I think that maybe if you got out a bit with your little one to mother and toddler groups this might help, don't know if you live in the UK but if you do you can ask your health visitor or doctor about where you can go to these groups, you might find other mams in the same boat and its always great to know you can talk things over with other like minded people, I know at the moment you feel in a very dark and lonely place but it does get better believe me, best of luck and hope this helps, xxxx

Jennifer - posted on 06/16/2010

I have been where you are and I have to say, you have NOT overcome the OCD. You may be managing it but it never really goes away. What you are experiencing is actually a low grade OCD. As I was reading what you wrote, I kept thinking of my own OCD and then when you said you had it when you were younger, it was like a lightbulb went off. OCD being an anxiety disorder is making you anxious about taking the medication. (it tends to do that) Take the medication and just monitor yourself. If you notice a dramatic change for the worse in your symptoms, then go back to the doctor and change medications. You really should be seeing a therapist as well as getting the medication. (It has been proven that therapy along with medication is the best route for people with OCD) The reason I am classifying the depression as a low grade OCD is because a constant underlying anxiety will make you feel depressed.

As for taking the medications and being worried because you are so young. The only reason they have that warning for young teens is because often they won't tell someone when they are feeling worse but you are mature enough to know to do that. I have been on zoloft and it is one of the more tame drugs in the SSRI class of medications. SSRI's are best for managing anxiety mixed with depression. Do not stop taking the medications once you feel better because the reason you will feel better is because of the medications.

Natural things to try while taking the medications. Get out and get some sunlight. It helps you create Seritonin on your own. If you get too hot, you need to find a cooler place to be. Seritonin is used to regulate body temperature and manage emotions. When it is too hot, the seritonin goes to handle the body temperature and ignores mood regulation. Take walks every day. Make time to socialize with other people and do not isolate yourself even if you don't feel like socializing. Negative ions are a good thing so going to the beach tends to lift the mood. (negative ions come off the water) Air conditioning has positive ions so you should not use A/C if you are comfortable with the windows open. (as I said.... hot is not good but on the warm days, just leave the windows open on the house)

* I have had ocd/ depression since I was 10. I have taken medications in various combinations over the years. I have also done the natural remedies. The thing I mentioned above are the most significant things i have learned. Taking medication for the rest of your life is not such a a bad thing. If you were diabetic you would have to take medication for the rest of your life too. Medication manages your condition, it does not cure it.

Jenn - posted on 06/16/2010

PS After you get the drugs in your system, you should definitely see a therapist to talk about all this - they work wonders too! :)

Jenn - posted on 06/16/2010

Hi Barbara. Please take the medication. It really will change your life. If you are not comfortable with Zoloft, an excellent, newer one for anxiety, depression and OCD is Cipralex and it is a very clean drug. It is likely part of your anxiety that is making you so "anxious" to take the medication. Trust your doctor, take the meds daily and let us know how you feel in 3 weeks time. You are not going to get better on your own unfortunately and it would be much easier on you if you accepted the help of the medication. It will enable you to make the changes you need in your life to be happy and lose the feeling of being overwhelmed. As always if you experience any bad side effects (unlikely) just call you doctor, but don't stop taking it! You truly will be amazed how it changes you....just look at it as replacing a chemical in your brain, that other people have naturally - you need it! I have personal experience with this and am also just completing my Masters in Counselling Psychology. I also have a friend who is a Naturopath Doctor and unfortunately none of the natural remedies worked for me. The drug changed my life and I only wished I had given in and taken it sooner - what do we fight it for? You MUST also force yourself to eat, the drug will help with that as well. If the meds make you tired, take them before bed - it will also help with your sleeping issue (that's anxiety/depression too). Also you can pick up Melatonin at the drug store which is the natural hormone your brain produces when you go into a deep sleep - it works wonders for sleeping and very safe.
Good luck Barbara - I can't stress enough how much you need the meds to conquer all the other stuff going on! They are your salvation!
Jenn

Carrie - posted on 06/16/2010

I think it would be helpful if you can arrange some time to go out with friends every once in a while (i.e. once a week). Go watch a movie, shopping, karaokeing, hiking, take a day trip, pamper yourself to a spa or massage, have a girls night out. It will help you see things in better prespectives. Ask for your family's help to care for your children for a day or something so you can go out and enjoy yourself. I think getting some exercises will also be helpful because often, it will help make you feel better about yourself.

There are also some musical CD's in the market that help deal with anxiety/depression. You may consider giving that a try as well.

I had been diagnosed depression when I was carrying my 2nd baby in the first and 2nd trimester. At that time, pills for no good for me because it can affect the baby's health. So, I had to try other methds to help me sleep and also ease the depression. I found myself just wanting to stay in the house and didn't really want to see anyone except my families who would come and visit me. But it was really important for you to go out more, and meet with other people and friends. It will feel uneasy, and you might feel very relunctant to go out, but give yourself a little push. Do it for the sake of the ones you love most dearly. After a while, you will began to enjoy that side of life again.

As for the musical CD that deals with depression, the series is called Medical Resonance Therapy Music by Peter Hubner Micro Music Laboratories. You can visit these websites to find out a bit more:
www.scientificmusictherapy.com
www.medicalresonancetherapymusic.com

I am not sure what exactly helped most with my depression, but these are something you might consider if you are really really worry about taking medications.

Hope this helps. =)

Cindy - posted on 06/16/2010

Hi Barbara,
I am sorry you are having to struggle with this when I am sure you would much rather be enjoying your child. It is such a struggle. No doubt the OCD is a contributing factor. The attacks are awful aren't they? First, just know that you are not alone. There are so many people who struggle with this either for a short period or longer periods of time. Lets hope that yours will be a short period.
First, you have reason to be concerned. These medications can sometimes be as difficult as the illness itself. Unfortunately, we all react differently to different types of medications. So, it is a process finding the right combination that works.
I haven't taken Zoloft put I have a friend who did. It was a very calming drug for them but there were side effects that eventually lead them to go off of it.
I had medication that I would take when needed for these attacks. I don't know how often you are having these but Zoloft is something that you take on a regular basis (I thought). Have you tried some other meds yet. I would try to manage it with situational need rather than long term medication if possible.
This would prevent unneeded change in lifestyle or chemicially induced personality change.
I am going to suggest that you try to find a group for support and emotional interaction. Interaction of any type (not via computer or phone) is good for you. Children need the interaction as well so find a good mother's group where you can spend some time interacting with them.
However, you should also know that there are special forums online as well for people who are struggling with depression, anxiety and the like. These can be very helpful because these people know first hand what you are going through and can give advice because they have been there.