[ramonajones]

Hello. I've been suffering from some pretty severe depression and anxiety for the past three years. Last year, when I went off antidepressants while pregnant, I started having severe (I mean SEVERE) anxiety and depression in the mornings. I have been back on an SSRI for about 6 months and while it has helped reduce my symptoms overall, I still have this insanely intense anxiety every morning when I wake up. I feel like I've tried almost everything--psychotherapy, homeopathic remedies, bach mixtures, acupuncture, aromatherapy, Reiki, meditation, hypnotherapy,...the list goes on and on.

My doctors/therapists have all sorts of theories about past psychic traumas that are plaguing me, and I go to a LOT of therapy, but I truly feel like there is something physically/chemically "OFF" with me. I have this intense anxiety and then at some point in the afternoon it just shuts off and I'm fine for the rest of the day. I started doing my own research about it and I think it may have to do with extremely high Cortisol in the mornings.

There are some websites that recommend Cortisol reducers like Lactium and Seriphos, and tons of products that appear to promise to help with Cortisol imbalances. I'm wondering if anyone has tried any of these and had any success with them. I'm willing to work hard in therapy and have spent a small fortune on therapy and doctors. But no one seems to understand this morning depression/anxiety that just clutches me and won't let go, and then just disappears at some point in the afternoon. The information I've read about Cortisol imbalance really seems to speak to what I'm experiencing.

Has anyone had success in treating this?

Thanks.

[Little Lulu]

I don't have anything to offer as far as knowledge about cortisol reducers are concerned, have not used them, but I certainly do understand and empathize with your morning anxiety issue b/c I've had it myself, at times very severe as you describe. Very, very frustrating. I've tried a lot of the things you mentioned. Mine mornings are better these days ... not sure why but I think I quit fighting it and have worked more on the concept of acceptance. Oddly enough, it has helped more than anything else.

Whatever you try, I wish you relief. Hopefully someone here will have tried the supplements you are looking into. Believe me though, I do understand. Painful anxiety is a heck of a way to start the day. (((Hugs)))