Posted by Miss Honeychurch on February 1, 2005, at 15:37:58
Nimrod,
Apparently I can't post to you on the Newbie Board so I hope you see this!
I can totally relate to what you are going through. I first experienced major anxiety and depression several years ago in my early 30s. I as well had all of the horrible physical symptoms - stuttering, lack of coordination. You mention your vision going grey. I completely lost my sense of smell! For one year! I thought I had MS, then I thought I had ALS and cancer and the list goes on and on. I hated myself.
And finally, while I was at the bottom of my barrel, I sought therapy. I am lucky however to be fully employed with incredible mental health insurance.
I have been in therapy for almost a year and a half and have made great strides - all without any medication. While I realize medication does help many people, it is not always the first line of defense against depression and anxiety. The side effects alone have scared me away from them. However, I have worked hard in therapy and committed a lot of time and energy to it. Many times people don't have the desire or resources to do this.
I guess I just want to say that I understand wht you're going through and tell you I have come out the other end. That it IS possible to get better without pills.
Have you looked into the possibility of therapy?
poster:Miss Honeychurch
thread:451116
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050129/msgs/451116.html