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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Obviously, you first need to rule out something medical going on. Just in case, I would ask your doctor to test your thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4).

In terms of medication, I've found that an SSRI antidepressant (e.g., Celexa, Zoloft) can help, but it's not a cure all. I take one pill daily and plan to do so forever - or until something better comes along. People like to refer to antidepressants as "happy pills". They are not. They help relieve depressive symptoms and enable you to cope better with day to day stresses. Personally, I would avoid the older benzodiazepam antidepressants (e.g., Xanax). They are highly addictive and can have nasty side effects (sleepiness, paradoxical anxiety and anger..).

You should also see a therapist - a psychologist, licensed clinical counselor, or family counselor. Psychologytoday.com has a comprehensive list of local providers with profiles of each. Be aware that many - but not all - do not accept insurance. Unlike you have a serious mental health issue (e.g., bipolar) you don't need to see a psychiatrist; they are not therapists. Their expertise is in medication.

Hope this helps.[/quote].

Thanks so much for this. It gives me a path to discuss with my doctor. I had a baby near a year ago and these feelings have robbed me of the pure delight and joy I felt when I had my first born. Which brings guilty feelings in return... I had asked my pcp for some anxiety meds before, back in Feb., but someone talked me out of it saying it was an American thing to turn to medicine for everything.... :roll:  I should have taken it and now maybe it wouldn't be so worse.

Op here btw.[/quote]

Thanks for the feedback! A few points of clarification...

- Hyperthyroidism can present as severe anxiety, among other symptoms. MIL and SIL have Graves Disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism); I have hypothyroidism.
- To the best of my knowledge, the most current antidepressants are the SSRIs (e.g., Celexa), SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta), and NDRIs (e.g., Wellbutrin). They each work on different neurotransmitters in the brain. You can have a very different reaction to each of these drugs, even within the same family. I tried Prozac (the first SSRI) when it first came out, and had panic attacks within a couple of days. Tried a couple more times, with the same reaction. I Then tried Wellbutrin (NDRI) - nothing. Several years later I tried Celexa (SSRI) and found that this drug was perfect for me. You may have to try several medications to find one that works for you. This is very common.
- Benzos scare the c*** out of me. My son had a paradoxical reaction and punched numerous holes in our drywall when he was put on them.
- The PP was right that a psychiatrist can be helpful if you have a complex problem that may require a variety of medications.

Please keep us posted. Hopefully, we can all learn from each other.
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