Any more resources for help?

[BC-MAV]

I see my Dr. regularly like every 2-3 weeks for the depression and social anxiety which I have. I take meds regularly and am constantly tweaking doses so they help but the side effects are minimal, on my Drs. specific advice. I know meds alone will not help so I have also seen a counselor several times but just felt like I was talking and that didn't really help. I have bought self help books and think is a book really going to help? I do try to follow some of the advice I get from the books. I try to get out and do things even when I don't feel like it... social stuff, volunteering, etc... It's not much but I am trying to function on a basic level as a wife and Mom.

I feel I need so much more than what I am doing. I don't think our city has the resources post Katrina. They closed the adolescent hosptial for children needing mental health services so if kids need help they have to go to cities 2-3 hours away. There is one hospital near our house but I don't think they do much business... not many cars, no advertising of any kind. Any ideas? I am even open to something online.

The depression, sadness, loneliness is just overwhelming and DH is tiring of the way I am feeling. He tells me that he can't take how I am feeling, is tired of constantly helping me out, and also that he feels like he is living with an alcholic because I am not all there emtionally there. That really hurt and from reading just one chapter in another book I bought he is saying all the wrong things, things that hurt and don't help. I have been honest and open about how I am feeling and how frustrated I am and how tired I am of not being able to enjoy anything. I reiterate I am doing all that I know what to do. I try to focus on DH and the kids even if I don't care about myself. If anyone has any other resources I would appreciate it.

[BC-tinatinva]

Mav-
I keep hearing about all you do and I admire your strength and courage. What you need is a support structure - and a supportive husband. He needs to know that while he is not responsible for your happiness, he is accountable for supporting you.
You needs friends - you need to take care of yourself.

There is a book I just finished - What Kids Really need in a Mom.. PM me and I will send you my copy..

This is a place I have been lurking at - thinking about diving in as my anxiety/panic attacks are coming more frequently these days.. Online support group for Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Substance Abuse

[BC-MAV]

DH is supportive. He does a lot of the cooking and sometimes grocery shops as I often just don't have the motivation or interest with eating. He does things with the kids when he comes home after work. He does tell me that he loves me and asks what he can do to help. He calls during the day to see how I am because some days I am a mess and crying and not able to really get out other than to drop off the kids to school and pick them up. Then other days are normal. I guess I just posted after me having a meltdown and DH was just frustrated, tired, etc.... It may have been one of the meds I am on and a big higher dose that was making me cry more. I don't really know, but I did lower the dose to see if that helps. DH realizes he can help but he can't fix things.

I have a few friends. I just wish I had a few close friends that I could talk with about how I am feeling like you said... a support system. I have one friend from college that lives and works out of state and she had panic attacks and when I had them we knew what each other was going through. I have told her about the depression and she has been helpful. I have another friend from college that lives here and used to be a SAHM but now works at her kids school teaching and she is someone else I feel comfortable with going to lunch and doing things with and even talking about the depression but she is not really available except for occasional get together for BBQ or evening with kids or say doing Halloween with the kids since she is working.

I have the social anxiety and have volunteered at older DS school and on those occasions it's nice to just talk with other Moms and call them to schedule playdates but no one that I feel comfotable enough with to go to lunch or close enough to say "Hey I am just having a rough time with the depression and anxiety" kwim? Some Moms we can talk about our kids having ADHD and what's working and what meds they are on, etc... because there is a parents group at DS's school that meets regularly and I try to go to those meeting but it's no one that is close enough that I want to call them to go to lunch. At younger DS school I have a few Moms that we get together with the kids and have had over to our house to BBQ and swim but no one that I can just call to go to lunch. Most have 3-4 kids and some have 2-3 kids and a baby and they are just too busy.

I do want to be a good Mom and wife despite the depression and anxiety so I would be very interested in the book. If you want to keep your copy if it's something you refer back to I can always buy the book. But if it's something you just read and you want to pass on then I'd like the book. Thanks!

[Chanteuse]

Have you tried any of the homeopathic remedies to help? What about accupuncture?

I am seeing a chiropractor right now to help with spinal pain. I am hoping that being in less pain will help my mood.

Hugs.

[alliemac2]

MAV,

I am sorry you are having a hard time. Have you had a full blood work up? In my class the other day my professor said that there is evidence that people who suffer from depression and anxiety have a vitamin D deficiency. I started taking Omega 3 and Vitamin D about 3 weeks ago.

I have to say that I have been seeing a counselor for about three years and it has been extremely helpful. I feel like I talk a lot too, but it is a way for me to figure out on my own what I need to do to change some of my behaviors. My therapist encourages me and helps me look at things in a different way.

I go to a Christian Counseling Center and I love it. I feel very safe there. It is also through our church. You might see about finding another counselor. I have a very dear friend who was still having a hard time and she was only seeing the psychiatrist and I encouraged her to see a counselor and she is doing so much better.

PM if you want to chat. The link between depression and anxiety is so common. I suffer more from the anxiety, but if it gets bad it leads to social anxiety and depression. HUGs my friend cause I know how hard it is.

[BC-tinatinva]

Mav -I FINALLY put my hands on the book..
Now to get it in the mail.. sorry it's taking so long..