[Anya1982]

Hi
I have been suffering from depression for 10 years now. Generally speaking I'm quite better. BUt I know that I still have some issues. One of the most difficult symptoms that I have to deal with is the lack of energy.

The thing is, about a month ago my doctor prescribed me 1mg of Xanax per day. But this was only when during the first week before my menstruation. What I noticed with this pill was something different. It has such a great impact on me that I almost become another person. I feel so much better, I feell energyzed, and I'm really sweet with people. Maybe this is the real me. But the sad thing is that when its effect goes away I feel bad again. And this angers me. I think of all the potential I have but I can't use it.

Please, I would like to know if I can reach that "normal" state without xanax. Is it possible to feel energyzed and enthusiastic just by using Cognitive Therapy, or meditation? Please help me! How can I become my real me? I don't feel high with xanax. I just feel "normal"...Please help

[Gently1]

Anya1982,

I had a similar experience when my doc increased my clonazapam to .5 twice a day.

Definite increase in energy. For me the anxiety part of depression is one of the major energy drains.

Pdoc still looking for AD that will deal with anxiety without turning me into a zombie.
I am finding mindfullness meditation, simply focusing on breath, (not so simple) Therapy, and nutrition, and when I have the energy, restorative yoga- cushions, supported poses. Practice living in the moment.

Part of mindfullness is noticing, and then you have choices.
This is progress measured with a calender not a stop watch. It is the practice of daily ordinary activities that make the difference.

This is wonderful when you noticed the increased energy/mood/being yourself!
Let you doctor know how you feel with the Ativan.
There are other versions of antianxiety that may be available for you on an ongoing basis.

G1

[madisgram]

not to alarm you but a symptom i had on xanex (i mg) was being almost in another state of mind. i thought this was good until ppl made me aware that there were periods of time when i was with them that i had no recollection of at all. it was also said that it was like i was another person. i pshawed this at first but later realized they were right.
my pdoc put me on klonopin and i didn't have this side affect. personally i never will take xanex again. but that is not to say you shouldn't take it. but my experience was a little frightening.
i do believe you can feel better. therapy (cbt) for me worked wonders cause i had so many negative triggers that set off my depression. i learned how to have better coping skills in situations, boundary setting, and new tools to use in my life. meds certainly help me but both therapy and meds as a combination keep me more balanced.
hope my experience will provide you with hope for the future.

[Anya1982]

Hi G1,

First of all, thank you for your answer. I've been practicing mindfulness meditation too . But sometimes I just feel tired... What is restorative yoga? I've only heard about hatha yoga.

Wish you all the best

[Anya1982]

HI madisgram, that's really frightening. I never heard of that side effect. All I know is that with Xanax, its very easy to become addicted if you take the drug for too long.

I'm happy to see that you're ok. Could you tell me how you use CBT for increasing energy?

Thank you for your attention

[madisgram]

Originally Posted by Anya1982

HI madisgram, that's really frightening. I never heard of that side effect. All I know is that with Xanax, its very easy to become addicted if you take the drug for too long.

I'm happy to see that you're ok. Could you tell me how you use CBT for increasing energy?

Thank you for your attention

anya by my resolving conflicts in my life in cbt i find by using those techniques to cope better in life sparks my energy level. i am not bogged down with doom and gloom but lifted upwards. my T also stated that my depression took up so much energy to fight it that i lost stamina. thought that was a good analogy. by seeing a T and i still see one, now like an "insurance" policy if i take a nose dive, i'm able to get back on track quicker having the T available so we can brainstorm what triggered me.
also moved to florida cause i have sunlight deficiency syndrome. it also helps by having more sunlight thus more energy.
hope this helps.

[Gently1]

Originally Posted by Anya1982

Hi G1,

First of all, thank you for your answer. I've been practicing mindfulness meditation too . But sometimes I just feel tired... What is restorative yoga? I've only heard about hatha yoga.

Wish you all the best

I discovered this yoga during my 'affair' with cancer. 'It is over now.'
But continue to go to the Wellspring for support.

The instructor teaches bks iyengar yoga.
http://www.bksiyengar.com/

take care
G

[FFABD]

Originally Posted by Gently1

I discovered this yoga during my 'affair' with cancer. 'It is over now.'
But continue to go to the Wellspring for support.


take care
G

Can you talk at all about the positive effects of the yoga on your mood? I am really interested.

[Gently1]

Originally Posted by FFABD

Can you talk at all about the positive effects of the yoga on your mood? I am really interested.

Thanks for the question,
I have spent a lifetime avoiding my emotions so
I do not know all of the effects on my mood, but my blood pressure is lower post class.
The first few classes, I had a huge emotional release, finally I was taking time for myself. ( not so huge that anyone would notice ), but a step to self care.
Being with fellow cancer patients and companions, not having to explain, not being your illness. Getting to be yourself.
Depression is 'common' post cancer, even when treatment is sucessful.

Some of poses have benefits that you can practice at home, for headaches, etc.

With my energy level low it is difficult to get up to go, and when I do I have never been disappointed.

The instructor is wonderful, tucking in our blankets, making sure we are as comfortable as possible. It was difficult to accept being taken care of at first, in a nurturing way, compared to T or Doc whose 'touch' " attention' is clinical.

The hour and half goes by so quickly.
If you need to sleep it is just fine, a moment in the week, that helps you focus on how you are in the present, gently bringing yourself back into the classroom as you mind wanders with focus on your breath, knowing that you are really alive in the present. Freedom to let go of worry after noticing, it will still be there after class.
Just noticed it is about getting in touch with all of me, mind, body and spirit. Yoga does not confict with my faith.

There are many styles of yoga, so it can be what you need it to be.
G1

[kikki27]

Originally Posted by Anya1982

Hi
I have been suffering from depression for 10 years now. Generally speaking I'm quite better. BUt I know that I still have some issues. One of the most difficult symptoms that I have to deal with is the lack of energy.

The thing is, about a month ago my doctor prescribed me 1mg of Xanax per day. But this was only when during the first week before my menstruation. What I noticed with this pill was something different. It has such a great impact on me that I almost become another person. I feel so much better, I feell energyzed, and I'm really sweet with people. Maybe this is the real me. But the sad thing is that when its effect goes away I feel bad again. And this angers me. I think of all the potential I have but I can't use it.

Please, I would like to know if I can reach that "normal" state without xanax. Is it possible to feel energyzed and enthusiastic just by using Cognitive Therapy, or meditation? Please help me! How can I become my real me? I don't feel high with xanax. I just feel "normal"...Please help

yeah xanax is a good med I take it for panic attacks before I take I have very severe panic attacks and have mood swings and just very fatigued but xanax help with that .I noticed when I dont take it Iam a different person like very edgy and moody dont feel like doing nothing but sleeping .I was in cognitive therapy but it did not work .Huggs

[Anya1982]

Originally Posted by kikki27

yeah xanax is a good med I take it for panic attacks before I take I have very severe panic attacks and have mood swings and just very fatigued but xanax help with that .I noticed when I dont take it Iam a different person like very edgy and moody dont feel like doing nothing but sleeping .I was in cognitive therapy but it did not work .Huggs

It would be great to find something "natural" that could generate the xanax effect The med is good but I don't want to take it for the rest of my life