Having problems with anxiety. . .

Lori, in my "other" life (the non-dog trainer one) I'm employed by an elder care agency.  I also have experience as a caregiver for someone who is affected by bipolar disorder.  These major mental illnesses are organic in nature and genetically connected.  Studies of identical twins have proved that.  They are illness of the brain and CNS, and should not be stigmatized in any way, no matter how minor.  Anxious depression is more common than people think.  For the lurkers, don't be afraid to seek help, and don't be afraid to tell your MD when a medication isn't sufficient.  I have seen individuals go through many SSRI's (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) before finding just the right one.  Get a referral to a good psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse and be sure to describe ALL of your symptoms.  Some meds are suspected to address anxious depression versus unipolar or bipolar depression better than others.  I'm glad you trusted us enough to ask for help here!  Goes to show that dog people, yet again, are the most humane and caring!!!!  (Even though we are often suspected of loving dogs to the exclusion of humans...[sm=banghead002.gif])

<<<>>> and [sm=wink2.gif] for your candor and bravery.  I really hope you get a handle on this and are able to feel better soon.
You are an amazing human being - not many people would have the patience to have brought Willow so far.  I'm sure good things will happen for you - meantime, PM any time you need to.

Lori,   just wanted to say I'm thinking of you and that things are going to be okay!

[sm=happy.gif]Thanks, guys for the wonderful messages.

I'm thinking of you, too!  You'll get through this!

Anne, good point about bipolar. I am bipolar and ADHD. I went though years of wrong diagnosis and treatment before someone finally got it right. The doctor I have now told me that I should NEVER take Prozac as it can actually lead to manic episodes. I remember at one point one of my old docs having me on 80 mg a day then a boat load of Depakote and adding a major tranquilizer at night because I couldn't sleep. If it's true about Prozac contributing to manic phases, I can surely understand the need for the tranquilizer!
 
I don't take Prozac anymore, and I have no need for anything to help me sleep anymore other than occassionally taking an Ativan in the evenings if I am feeling anxious.
 
One of the best things I learned was telling the doctor what didn't work. I use to be afraid to tell them because every time I did they made me switch meds and it was horrible getting use to a new one. I have been on the same meds now for over 3 years and haven't had any problems other than the doc increasing doses slowly until we got it right.

Lori -- I'm so glad to see you posted.  Be proud of yourself that you took those steps.  Probably would be a good thing to get yourself the new 2006 "Pill Book" -- it's an easy reference to have at home. You go girl!!

Hi Lori!
 Just checking on this thread to see how you are doing.  Feeling on the downside myself  the last couple of days, so been thinking about you!
 

I'm not doing too bad so far.  I've had the flu since Friday, how long does it usually last, I'm getting really antsy and sick of it! 
 
Dyan--How are you??  PM if you want to talk.  I'm not working Monday. 

Having the flu and doesn't help matters, hope your feeling better.
Suns out brightly at my house today, I'm going out in it, it always make me feel better.  Also been walking.  Sometimes when I'm feeling anxious and can't stand it anymore, I just have to get out of the house. I am used to having a job and being out a lot anyway, so if the weather permits I get my tennis shoes on and walk. I take Bubblegum for a couple miles and then walk another 4 by myself.  I wish I could take Bubby the whole way but there are too many dogs in my neighborhood and she attracts everyone of them.
I hope its sunny at your house too, makes things seem better!