Anxiety From Childhood ... Will I Ever Resolve It?

[leecamowol]

Hi,

I posted on here in recent months after being diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Now despite taking Citalopram for 8 weeks I still have not been able to return to work (well I did for 3 hours last Thursday but it was too much for me).

However I would say the depression part (not wanting to do anything, feeling so low) has decreased but I'm no nearer feeling less anxious. The thing is though I looked back and realised that I've suffered anxiety for 20 years now ... my secondary school days, university and now working life I suffered anxiety pretty much everyday (I used to get into school early and end up pacing around the tutor room for example).

Some people suggest "just deal with it" but I'm feeling now that I've suffered for 20 years and if I'm ever going to resolve it, it has to be now I'm 30.

But can this be resolved? Can a lifetime (pretty much) of anxiety be fixed or am I destined to feel like this all the time? It's not just work I get anxious about it's visiting shops, going out, visiting friends/family, going to the hairdressers etc.

I've been off work now for 10 weeks but I just feel like there's no solution in sight.

Thanks for any advice.

[237SJ]

I`m not an expert but have you thought about cognitive behaviour therapy? Maybe that would help you.

[sandyRoe]

The anxiety you're experiencing now might loom larger in your mind because you're going through a time of depression. As the medication you're taking starts to 'kick in' the anxiety will probably fall back to a level you can cope with. You've been able to cope in the past, there's no reason why you shouldn't in the future.
Good luck.

[chrissa1]

I would have thought your GP would have asked you to come back to review how the Citalopram was working.
Maybe a stronger drug likme Escitalopram would make you feel better.
I had been on Escitalopram for 4 years and I felt "normal". My doctor then changed me on to Citalopram because it was cheaper, "his words", and I began to feel depressed and down again. I'm now back on the Escitalopram and now am feeling "human" again.

[missprim]

I agree entirely with 237SJ. Over the course of many years I have seen different therapists etc but the only therapist I ever saw was a cognitive behaviour therapist but you really need more than just medication, you need someone you can talk too professionally who can understand where you are coming from and lead you in the right direction.
I wish you all the luck in the world and please seek help and keep seeking help until you find the right therapist for you.

[missprim]

meant to say *the only therapist I ever saw who actually helped me was*

[rowanwitch]

Agree CBT is good but you do have to commit to the work involved its not just talking to a counsellor

[missprim]

That's what I meant rowanwitch when I said they will lead you in the right direction.

[leecamowol]

Thanks for all your answers. I have seen my doctor who has prescribed me Escitalopram before I could even mention it. I've also got a referral to see someone so hopefully I might get put on the cognitive behaviour therapy route. Fingers crossed!

[chrissa1]

Yessssssssssssssssssss!!!! Hope you continue to improve.