[shanghaipete]

I was hoping I could get some insights from some of the others here. I've been dealing with depression my entire life, though I wasn't diagnosed until 2001. Since then I've been on Prozac and have done pretty well. Then, in early 2010 I had the most severe episode to date; in addition to the crippling feelings of worthlessness, I experienced several months of extreme anxiety, during which I lost thirty pounds. I teach at a university, and just the thought of having to stand in front of a class gave me anxiety attacks. Fortunately, my students never seemed to catch on, though it made it hard for me to function. This episode occurred at the beginning of a new semester, and ever since then whenever a new semester begins--particularly in January--I go through several weeks of almost paralyzing anxiety. I get sick and withdrawn and panicky. My wife is incredibly understanding, but of course there's only so much she can do. I'm just wondering if anyone here has experienced anything like this, depression with an anxiety component. If so, what steps (if any) have worked for you? This seems to be getting worse each year, and I'm losing the energy to cope.

[sideblinded]

Hi shanghaipete

First welcome to PC. I can relate to your issues. I also suffer from depression and generalized anxiety. There are times when I seem to do better than other times. Anxiety is a very common thing to have when depression gets worse. When my depression is at it's worst, my anxiety increases 10 fold. I get so aware of my depressed thoughts that it makes me more self conscious. Maybe this is what is happening to you. Depression can get worse over years as well as anxiety. You are not alone.

[Turtlesoup]

Welcome to PC-this is a very positive forum with lots of support & info. As you can see by my signature I have multiple co-existing issues. I've went through periods where my anxiety fueled my depression & vice versa-You might want to speak with your doc since you are having episodes at a particular time of year with the trigger of lecturing-Propranolol is actually an older med for elevated blood pressure which is often prescribed for people with this type of anxiety/trigger situation-many doctors, nurses etc. that have to take rigorous exams will take this to control the physical symptoms-increased pulse, anxiety, increased blood pressure. I am currently taking this changing from anti anxiety meds & it is working very well. Keep posting here & let us know how you are doing-you didn't mention if you are seeing a therapist but therapy has been very helpful to me especially with my anxiety. Take care.

[vital]

Originally Posted by shanghaipete

If so, what steps (if any) have worked for you? This seems to be getting worse each year, and I'm losing the energy to cope.

Hi shanghaipete,

I'm an academic too. What's worked for me is described here

http://forums.psychcentral.com/depre...n-escaped.html

See post #74 for what I think is the best overall plan

http://forums.psychcentral.com/4162657-post74.html

- vital

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Originally Posted by shanghaipete

I was hoping I could get some insights from some of the others here. I've been dealing with depression my entire life, though I wasn't diagnosed until 2001. Since then I've been on Prozac and have done pretty well. Then, in early 2010 I had the most severe episode to date; in addition to the crippling feelings of worthlessness, I experienced several months of extreme anx... (if any) have worked for you? This seems to be getting worse each year, and I'm losing the energy to cope.

You seem to have coped amazingly well. It is easy to give way to damaging anger or collapse completely. I respect your courage.

[waterknob1234]

Hello Shanghaipete and welcome to pc. I have found when my depression is at its worst, anxiety accompanies and often increases. I don't know if you are on any medication or seeing a therapist as these may help. Anxiety and depression are so difficult. I had to go thru several medications before I found a combination that seems to help. I still get panic attacks on occasion and they are mostly related to stress on my job. Best wishes.

[shanghaipete]

This is excellent, thank you. May I ask how long your anxiety symptoms hang around? I guess that question is for everyone.

[Clara22]

Hi
I have anxiety plus depression. Prozac and therapy are working for me. Now it is manageable. Today, after a medical procedure, I had an adrenaline quick release because I repressed my fear during the procedure. I could control myself in minutes, just breathing. This would not be possible for me without therapy and medication. I imagine I will not get "cured" but my life will be more liveable due to my treatment. Also, participating in PC is helping a great deal.
I wish you the best for your treatment

[Clara22]

I forgot to tell you that my combo anxiety plus depression started in 2008 and they came together. I had therapy plus meds in 2008 - 2009. Then I was released in 2009. In 2012 my symptoms started again. I went back to treatment just three months ago.

[shanghaipete]

Thank you, Clara.