[Dan12345]

Hey guys I've been looking for a forum like this for a while. To pretty much explain my situation in a nut shell will be hard but here goes:

Okay about 8 weeks ago my girlfriend left to do her last year at University we have been together for 2 years so we have done this before, ever since that I've been to the doctors 2-3 times and been put on anti anxiety meds 'Diazipam'? Only 2mg to be taken 3 times a day, I was also put on 80mg of beta blockers? I stoped taking them within 4 days as they pretty much knocked me out but stayed on the diazipam, I was on and off the meds but took them when was required, however I don't want anymore and I refuse to take anti depressents I think they are handed out quite easy.

Anyway I had a lot to sort out with my girlfriend and had to own up to some things that I'd done wrong but that's all sorted now, however it seems that I just want to own up to things all the time, and want to rid all debts I have and also I'd feel guilty for the most stupid things. Over the past 8 weeks I've gone on such a roller coaster of a ride with emotions, I've gone from rock bottom to feeling alright and trying to be myself so to speak. However over the past 2 weeks I've been doing okay and awaiting to see my girlfriend as I've not seen her in a long time.

Now the job situation is difficult I have a foundation degree in coaching and sports development but work as a care assistant... I pretty much hate the job I have but I get paid and most people my age don't have a job, I have to pay back my student overdraft, have rent to pay to parents and car insurance to pay so working is something I have to do. The job is very challanging and makes me feel depressed to be honest.

I've started taking herbal meds as I'm fine with taking them, I'm on what's known as St Johns Wart I started taking this last week and try my best to get 3 a day sometimes I forget , but I think these take 3-4 weeks to even kick in.

To basicly sum up how I feel; I always end up worrying about anything and everything, feel guilty, not wanting to eat is becoming a real issue as it gives me stoumch cramps, hate going to work and feel depressed, I really don't feel like myself I don't want to play my xbox or get a fast car anymore I just don't know ... I don't know how to deal with all these issues I'm scared that I will push my girlfriend away, she means the world to me and I love her so much we have a strong relastionship but these issues can tear anyone apart. If anyone can make sense of what I'm saying I really would like some advice.

Many Thanks
Daniel

[lad007]

Hi Daniel:
I could not find a job in my field-social work so I had to work as a care attendant and hated it. So you could try to work towards getting a better job. I went to work at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities-no personal care! Eventually there was an opening at an agency and I landed a job as a social worker based on my good work at the home.
Can you get a part time paid or non paid position coaching on your time off from work? Get some experience and get to know some people? This can often get you into a job if you know someone. A lot of jobs aren't what you know, but who you know. You could also volunteer at a Head Start or school doing some fitness type things with the kids.

[lynn P.]

Although only a doctor can diagnose you, it does sound like anxiety is the problem here. I heard that taking the supplement GABA is good for anxiety. Its important to take supplements with food and ask your doctor if you're combining supplements with medications because they can cause interactions. You can get GABA at your vitamin or nutrition stores.

Re your job - start actively looking for a better job but just accept this in the meantime since its money in your wallet. Accepting its a short term thing until something better comes along makes coping easier. Its also sounds like you're over thinking - so make a list with 2 columns - one side are things you can actually find a solution for and the other side are things you can't change...let that side go and don't worry about them.

How is your diet and exercise - start eating healthy and make time for exercise. You can also learn how to do slow deep belly breathing. Do the slow focused breathing when you start to feel anxious. It can also be intimidating at this time in your life - becoming a responsible adult and getting ready for the future can seem daunting. Here's a website which lists natural foods that boost GABA naturally - green tea is an easy way to boost it.

http://www.stress-and-relaxation.com...pplements.html

[Dan12345]

TIYeah but I spoke to someone today my councillor and she thinks it could be BDP I'm so scared at this moment I keep crying and thinking the worse of everything I'm not eating anything and the stoumch cramps are making me feel sick. I'm so scared my girlfriend will leave me and I don't know how much more I can take. My mum is away till sunday with my family. Me and my girlfriend talk about marrige and stuff but everything seems so far away will this get any better? I'm sat on a staircase at work at my witts end. If anyone can help me please pm me.

Hey, Dan. Like yourself, I deal with anxiety issues. And, I've been in situations where I didn't like my job much, just made enough money to survive and saw that I was no longer enjoying life. I've been trying to make gradual changes. Setting a goal of a better career sounds like a good start. It is imperative to do something that you like for a living - your quality of life will be significantly improved. Like your gf, you may have to go back to school for training. Don't hesitate before your emotional difficulties get worse.

Why did your MD put you on a beta blocker? Those meds are for heart / blood pressure issues. I would not just stop taking it; St. Johns Wort is not a replacement for a beta blocker. Please speak with your MD asap.

The combination of depression and anxiety really complicates life. Here's an article you may find helpful: http://www.advocate.com/Health_and_F...sion_Together/

All the best to you!

[Dan12345]

Originally Posted by unhappyguy

Hey, Dan. Like yourself, I deal with anxiety issues. And, I've been in situations where I didn't like my job much, just made enough money to survive and saw that I was no longer enjoying life. I've been trying to make gradual changes. Setting a goal of a better career sounds like a good start. It is imperative to do something that you like for a living - your quality of life will be significantly improved. Like your gf, you may have to go back to school for training. Don't hesitate before your emotional difficulties get worse.

Why did your MD put you on a beta blocker? Those meds are for heart / blood pressure issues. I would not just stop taking it; St. Johns Wort is not a replacement for a beta blocker. Please speak with your MD asap.

The combination of depression and anxiety really complicates life. Here's an article you may find helpful: ***
All the best to you!

--------------------------------------------

Yeah the meds knocked me out I couldn't even talk propley or work as I was knackerd, I'm getting professional help and having to come to terms with what I have I think BDP is something that I read and think that sounds like me. To be honest the moods have changed wierdly I couldn't see a way out of this mood swing but I'd say I'm 75% of the way there but I dunno what will happen when I wake up I don't have work tomorrow. I'm really not sure what to do when my girlfriend goes back but I really need to sort myself out, when I'm tierd I don't feel as bad. I need something that will knock me out when I'm asleep so I don't wake up feeling bad... Does what I say make sense?

Thanks
Dan

Daniel,
I've been taking St. John's Wort for a few years now. Whether or not it is helping me is really hard to say. I also take fish oil and a multivitamin. I do remember that one of the contraindications of SJW is stomach trouble (and sensitivity to light). Both of those problems went away with me and now I'm fine. With everything else going on-your eating habits, for instance-it's impossible to say if this is the case with you, just something to be aware of.

Also-and this from the link below:
"St. John's wort interacts with certain drugs, and these interactions can limit the effectiveness of some prescription medicines."

Here's the link:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnsw...depression.htm

I would not write off anti-depressants and honestly it sounds as if you could benefit from one. I tried a handful and they were briefly very successful (at creating euphoria) but then ceased working. I know you have a better health care system across the pond (unless they've gutted it in the interim), why not take advantage of it and try and meet with a psychiatrist and at least talk about some medical options. You sound as if you are really struggling. You know, working in a job you detest and being away from a sweetheart can make the most serene of us ugly. Just keep your eye on the ball and try your damnedest to focus on being together and ultimately finding that job you desire.

My fiancee is millions of miles away at the moment so I know what that's like. But she's worth the wait and I figure it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things. Be well.

[Dan12345]

Originally Posted by gulas

Daniel,
I've been taking St. John's Wort for a few years now. Whether or not it is helping me is really hard to say. I also take fish oil and a multivitamin. I do remember that one of the contraindications of SJW is stomach trouble (and sensitivity to light). Both of those problems went away with me and now I'm fine. With everything else going on-your eating habits, for instance-it's impossible to say if this is the case with you, just something to be aware of.

Also-and this from the link below:
"St. John's wort interacts with certain drugs, and these interactions can limit the effectiveness of some prescription medicines."

Here's the link:
********

I would not write off anti-depressants and honestly it sounds as if you could benefit from one. I tried a handful and they were briefly very successful (at creating euphoria) but then ceased working. I know you have a better health care system across the pond (unless they've gutted it in the interim), why not take advantage of it and try and meet with a psychiatrist and at least talk about some medical options. You sound as if you are really struggling. You know, working in a job you detest and being away from a sweetheart can make the most serene of us ugly. Just keep your eye on the ball and try your damnedest to focus on being together and ultimately finding that job you desire.

My fiancee is millions of miles away at the moment so I know what that's like. But she's worth the wait and I figure it's a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things. Be well.

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Thank you for the advice the issue I have is pretty much being okay once you have spoken to someone then the next day been depressed, not wanting to eat and so much more. I feel so alone, lastnight I was alright, me and my girlfriend had a chat with my nan and I knew something was wrong with me mentally but it didn't seem as bad and I ate food. I think one of the key issues is not eating I'm already thin as it is. I rang in sick to work tomorrow because I couldn't take another 12 hour shift it would do me more bad than good, I also told work that BDP could be the issue I have as I feel been honest with them might give me a fighting chance when it comes to not having a good day. If I mention the feelings I have and you read up on them BDP is not such a good match as Major depression, infact I pretty much sum up major depression if you look at the link you gave me them symptoms are what I get... Here is the wierd thing, now I know I'm off work I still can't relax and I feel like they might sack me now... I'm new to the job but they still told me if I feel like I'm going to have a 'Anxious' day then ring in sick so I don't hinder them so to speak. I really don't see a light at the end of the tunnel I don't know what to do with myself when I have to go to work I really love spending time with my mate but when I'm off work now it feels different. I feel so depressed/sad, the mind just wants to hate and not work forward, I'm finding it hard to connect with God... I dunno where I am at this moment in time but I just want the old me back. If I don't feel depressed I feel guilty for things I've done wrong, if I don't feel guilty I feel depressed, if I don't feel guilty or depressed I hate my job. It just goes on and on...

[Dan12345]

-------------------------------------------
Thank you for the advice the issue I have is pretty much being okay once you have spoken to someone then the next day been depressed, not wanting to eat and so much more. I feel so alone, lastnight I was alright, me and my girlfriend had a chat with my nan and I knew something was wrong with me mentally but it didn't seem as bad and I ate food. I think one of the key issues is not eating I'm already thin as it is. I rang in sick to work tomorrow because I couldn't take another 12 hour shift it would do me more bad than good, I also told work that BDP could be the issue I have as I feel been honest with them might give me a fighting chance when it comes to not having a good day. If I mention the feelings I have and you read up on them BDP is not such a good match as Major depression, infact I pretty much sum up major depression if you look at the link you gave me them symptoms are what I get... Here is the wierd thing, now I know I'm off work I still can't relax and I feel like they might sack me now... I'm new to the job but they still told me if I feel like I'm going to have a 'Anxious' day then ring in sick so I don't hinder them so to speak. I really don't see a light at the end of the tunnel I don't know what to do with myself when I have to go to work I really love spending time with my mate but when I'm off work now it feels different. I feel so depressed/sad, the mind just wants to hate and not work forward, I'm finding it hard to connect with God... I dunno where I am at this moment in time but I just want the old me back. If I don't feel depressed I feel guilty for things I've done wrong, if I don't feel guilty I feel depressed, if I don't feel guilty or depressed I hate my job. It just goes on and on...

[horseontheloose]

Hi Dan, It's hard when I am on a roller coaster too. It's helpful for me to take one issue at a time, talking to people I trust and care about me, writing things down in a way that I can rationally look at the issue and take the proverbial wind out of it's sails. I wish you well.