[Firefly76]

As stated above, I really don't know how this works. My goal with this is to track my moods and get feedback and suggestions on ways to improve myself. I would also like to help others, if I can. I'm pretty sure that I covered all of the basics in my new member message. If not, feel free to ask me about anything. I went to my second therapy session today; and didn't get great news. In my first session, I completed two test to assess my anxiety and depression levels. It seem anything over 30 is cause for alarm. My anxiety score was 50 and my depression score was 70. I have been taking amitriptyline for sleep for over a year; and my doctor just started me on fluoxetine for the depression. My therapist warned that the fluoxetine could send me into a manic state; so I have asked those closest to me to pay attention. I know from past experience that I may not recognize the early warning signs. It is sad that those closest to me are mainly coworkers. On a good note, I read that walking at 10 minute intervals 3 times a day is equal to a 30 minute stretch in terms of health benefits. I really need to get in shape; and I can handle 10 minutes at a time while I work my way up to longer stretches. That's about all for now. I am ending with my new quote: "No more excuses, for they are the nooses that help me to hang myself".

[2bme]

Hi Firefly. Welcome to PC. I'm not long on this site. Took the first few days reading stories feeling my way around. I found some groups and finally dared to post. Got good advise and support and it hasn,t been a week! Good luck with your therapy and the new meds!

[Perna]

Yes, hi, Firefly (and 2bme), welcome to PsychCentral (PC). Looks like you are doing well; you read stuff and post your own stuff in the forums you feel most comfortable/affinity to and respond to others, etc. There's lots here to see and do.

Sounds like your therapy and meds are doing well; impressed you have let your coworkers help you check for signs of mania, very brave. I had therapy sessions in the middle of a weekday so went for it and let them know I was in therapy (and occasionally acted "crazy" for my own amusement and to keep them on their toes by pretending to hit my head against the wall when frustrated (wallboard, not very hard) and snapping my cheap, drugstore magnifying glasses in two and stomping on them (they thought they were "real" glasses :-) and suffered "teasing" the morning after my therapy sessions if I was not in the best of moods ("Uh oh, Perna must not have had a good session yesterday!"). I have older siblings and am use to such teasing so it did not bother me much, helped me realize how my mood and behavior can affect others and that I'm not in a "vacuum".

Hope you both learn a lot, get some help, give some help and, above all, have a good time (check out the Games section, it can be a great stress relief or distraction)!

[Firefly76]

Thanks to both of you for the warm welcome!

[Tomjones]

The chatroom's a good place to talk

[lizardlady]

Hi Firefly76 and 2bme. Welcome to PC. Like Perna said, poke around the site and see where you are most comfortable. There are lots and lots of friendly, helpful supportive folks here.