Have

[Flannel Boy]

.

[Van Cruncheon]

man up

or get some opioids

mmm, opioids

or better yet: man up AND abuse painkillers!

[Human Snorenado]

DRINK MOAR

[duckman2000]

Hippie alert here, but have you tried any less than legal drugs? Have you done much traveling? Maybe you don't belong in law school, maybe you belong with the other social lepers at some dingy hostel somewhere.

[Flannel Boy]

.

[Human Snorenado]

Sidenote here:

I realized that I have some sort of social anxiety disorder, or more likely am a low grade sociopath.  It made dealing with people not easy to do, to say the least.  I drank more and more in order to deal with being in social situations. 

Finally I learned how to edit enough to get out of dealing with people for the most part and while I wouldn't say that I'm "happy", I view separating myself from society as the best thing for both of us.  A mutual break up, if you will. 

I can't speak to anti-depressants as I haven't taken any in more than 15 years and I only took prozac at the time, which I think is pretty vanilla as far as effectiveness goes.

[Bildi]

An acquaintance earlier this year had their life turned to shit via anti-depressants.  So I'm guessing they still work the same as they always did.

[demi]

You need a little God in your life.

[duckman2000]

Outside of marijuana, not really. And I'm not the Kosma type--no offense Kosma.

You don't have to be a wild-haired, birdlike Dutchman to be a traveler. Obviously your current situation isn't doing wonders, so why not give the opposite scenario and setting a fair hearing?

[Flannel Boy]

.

[duckman2000]

Well, fuck practical. Practical is something you get into when you're in your mid-30s and your life is suddenly possessed by brand new crapspawns. Travel, catch strange diseases, lick some toads, bang some kiwi broads that view razors as tools of oppression, and so forth. Practical. Pffft.

[TVC15]

Have you considered actually seeing a therapist, and not just going for anti-depressants?  Or would that not fit into your (probably very busy) schedule.  I had similarly shitty experiences with anti-depressants, but I lucked out on at least one therapist that I believe got me through some things.

[Flannel Boy]

.

[MrAngryFace]

Trouble with anti-depressants is that there is no accurate way to measure total serotonin levels. You can glean some truth from urine iirc, but beyond that its the results that tell the tale. For those with GAD/Panic disorder and no depression, anti-depressants can literally be deadly.

Aside from drugs, things that can improve the way you feel:

*Exercise - Im not talking marathons. Do 30 situps a day, walk 30 minutes a day three days a week.
*Diet - Change your diet.
*Set aside time to lay on the floor, knees bent, arms out, with some calm music playing. Fucking try and relax.
*Hobbies, lots of them. Nothing makes anxiety worse than being alone and unfocused.

While I regret not getting drugs, because its been a long hard road - these types of things are what have allowed me to deal with my condition and keep high performance at work and my rather limited social life

[TVC15]

Console advice [X]
Life advice [X]

Three strikes and you're out Andrews!

Have you considered actually seeing a therapist, and not just going for anti-depressants?  Or would that not fit into your (probably very busy) schedule.  I had similarly shitty experiences with anti-depressants, but I lucked out on at least one therapist that I believe got me through some things.

Money would be a bigger concern than time. I haven't seen a therapist in a decade. I never felt I got much out of therapy, but I was a young teenager at the time and I was less than cooperative.

Yeah, I was young, too, and since I wasn't going to them by my own volition, I kinda blew therapy off and didn't think anything of it.  Later on, though, I realized that you can get something out of it if you're willing to put in the effort and be completely honest and forthcoming.  

Wouldn't your school by chance have some sort of counseling?  I know that feeling of dread you're talking about, too.  I lived with it for about 4 years.  Sadly, it mostly only went away once everything bad that could possibly happen did actually happen, and the dread was replaced with pure bitterness.  I've kind of externalized the dread.  I now understand why supervillains always want to destroy the world.  I would if I could.

[TVC15]

You could give Effexor a spin, I suppose, but it doesn't sound like anti-depressants are the way to go for you.  I think you just need to get settled in Winnipeg and make a friend or two.  That'll make things worlds better.  I recommend joining one of the many clubs on the campus if you're having trouble meeting people.

Effexor was the last one I was on, and it was actually pretty effective.  I remember its effects kicking in especially fast, too.  Unfortunately, it made it impossible for me to come, which was something of a deal breaker.  I had a more mild for of the same issue with Paxil, but Paxil was right off because it fucked with my already shitty sleep schedule.  I'd be fucking wired all the time.

But yeah, all these anti-depressants are basically crap.  Most of them fuck up your sex drive, and you can't drink alcohol on them.  Alcohol negates the effects of most (all?) of them.  If you drink on anti-depressants, you are wasting your money because alcohol negates their effects.

[Van Cruncheon]

yeah, i was a shithead with therapists when i was a teen, and i really wish i hadn't been so fucking egotistical. one of them bribed me to cooperate with pirated amiga games, though, so points to him!

[TVC15]

yeah, i was a shithead with therapists when i was a teen, and i really wish i hadn't been so fucking egotistical. one of them bribed me to cooperate with pirated amiga games, though, so points to him!

Your therapist was the Hannibal Lector of Amiga piracy

[TVC15]

Effexor's got some lousy side effects, but it is really effective.

It sucked because I was prescribed to it like 2 months before college.  I probably could have dealt with the side effects if it wasn't for wanting to have a life at school.  I stopped taking it within a week or so of going to school.

[demi]

You need a little God in your life.

I might feel better if I thought God existed. I might  feel better if I thought my father wasn't brain damaged. I might feel better if I wasn't doomed to spend my life alone. But I can't believe in fiction.

Well then quit your fuckin whining you bitch

God

[pilonv1]

Aside from drugs, things that can improve the way you feel:

*Exercise - Im not talking marathons. Do 30 situps a day, walk 30 minutes a day three days a week.
*Diet - Change your diet.
*Set aside time to lay on the floor, knees bent, arms out, with some calm music playing. Fucking try and relax.
*Hobbies, lots of them. Nothing makes anxiety worse than being alone and unfocused.

Also PLAN SOMETHING. Even if it's just "go somewhere nice on the weekend". Just plan something so you have something to look forward to. Even a slightly minor thing like having something nice for dinner. That way you're always looking forward to something and not worry about shit that can go wrong or has gone wrong.

[Flannel Boy]

.

[MrAngryFace]

*Exercise - Im not talking marathons. Do 30 situps a day, walk 30 minutes a day three days a week.
*Diet - Change your diet.
*Set aside time to lay on the floor, knees bent, arms out, with some calm music playing. Fucking try and relax.
*Hobbies, lots of them. Nothing makes anxiety worse than being alone and unfocused.

Well, I do over 200 situps a day, jog five times a week, changed my diet, and attempt to mediate and relax--no dice. I really thought meditating would help, and I started soon after my father's stroke, but it hasn't.

Wouldn't your school by chance have some sort of counseling?  I know that feeling of dread you're talking about, too.  I lived with it for about 4 years.  Sadly, it mostly only went away once everything bad that could possibly happen did actually happen, and the dread was replaced with pure bitterness.  I've kind of externalized the dread.  I now understand why supervillains always want to destroy the world.  I would if I could.

I would probably be too embarrassed to go to a school counselor. But I should try.

Is that why you enjoyed Dr. Horrible so much? I actually feel the same way, I get very angry and bitter at the world.

Effexor's got some lousy side effects, but it is really effective.

If things get really bad Malek, drop by the Psych office in Fletcher Argue near the Greenhouse Cafe.  If Dr. David Martin is still there, he's probably the guy to talk to, but anyone there is going to be good.

I know where that is; I'll probably drop by their tomorrow. (a vending machine in the building stole my money today)

Meditating is actually a bad thing sometimes. Make sure when you see someone you tell them all the stuff youve tried to get that shit outta the way fast. Otherwise they'll give you a mood calendar and waste your time.

[demi]

Shave the beard too

[Madrun Badrun]

   Poor Malek.


Mental health care is covered by medicare btw so money shouldn't be an issue.  Though I hear it takes a few months to actually get into a therapist.  See a doctor. 

[MrAngryFace]

Doesnt take that long to see a therapist, I saw one within a few weeks.

[TVC15]

Doesnt take that long to see a therapist, I saw one within a few weeks.

You don't have communist socialized medicine, though.

[MrAngryFace]

Well then his therapist is probably a fucking Moose or something

[demi]

Doesnt take that long to see a therapist, I saw one within a few weeks.

poor guy. what's wrong maffy

[Flannel Boy]

.

[TVC15]

I'mma see a doctor soon to get myself whacked up on ritalin or adderal.  

[Flannel Boy]

.

[drew]

man up

or get some opioids

mmm, opioids

or better yet: man up AND abuse painkillers!

this

[Madrun Badrun]

  Poor Malek.


Mental health care is covered by medicare btw so money shouldn't be an issue.  Though I hear it takes a few months to actually get into a therapist.  See a doctor. 

Not everything is covered. Well, I'm not really sure. But a private psychologist, at least in Ontario, is not covered.

I remember looking it back when I wanted to see one a few years ago and remember finding out if it was free, i can't find anything on it now though. 

I just typed in "free psychologist in manitoba"

University of Manitoba: U of M - Faculty of Arts - Psychology ...
Continuing/Distance Education: (204) 474-9921 Toll-Free: 1-888-216-7011 (Ext. 9921) ... UNDERGRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA ...
www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/departments/psychology/getpsyched/index.html - 16k -
 

[TVC15]

I'mma see a doctor soon to get myself whacked up on ritalin or adderal.  

Modafinil is pretty good, too.

I've had trouble focusing on things for the last few years.  Even if I don't have ADD, I need something to help me finish.  My life is basically in disarray and I can't even focus long enough to finish longer books these days.  It's really frustrating because I feel like I'm wasting my personal potential and youth.  I can't finish anything I start anymore.

I'm fairly certain I have enough symptoms to land me a diagnosis, but even if I don't, I study psychology, so I can game myself a subscription </strokes copy of DSM-IV>

[MrAngryFace]

GET PSYCHEDDD

[Mr. Gundam]

I used to counsel university and community clients when I was in graduate school as part of my program. These programs are great, they're monitored by PhDs, so if individuals appear to need greater levels of intervention than the graduate students can provide, they'll refer you to someone that can.

[Van Cruncheon]

U MAN?

[Madrun Badrun]

U MAN?

U of MAN?

[Flannel Boy]

.

[MrAngryFace]

I'm blowing off all the various law events this week (well, I saw Michael Ignatieff speak today, but that wasn't a social event). This probably isn't smart, but I'll just stand by myself or have a panic attack. I attended a lunch yesterday, and was standing alone the entire time while everyone else socialized. 

It is often said that people have a hard time meeting new people, but that's bullshit. I've desperately looked around for anyone as isolated and alone as I am, and haven't been able to.

Tomorrow's busy, but I'll take Oscar and TVC's advise and swing by the counselor's office on Monday.

Just curious, do your panic attacks begin with tachycardia?

[Flannel Boy]

.

[MrAngryFace]

ok, do this, sounds LOL but its worked for me and i've found it mentioned many places. Basically you want to stimulate your vagus nerve, and a great way of doing that is bearing down with your abdominals like youre taking a dump, but dont really take a dump. Its best to do this while sitting, but ive done it while standing. A glass of cold water also helps, but if you want a heart rate reduction fast, and anxiety pushed into something that requires effort, thats the way to go.

[TVC15]

You're just trying to make Malek accidentally poop his pants.  It's always funny when a dude with dignity poops his pants.

[MrAngryFace]

Haha, no im serious

[Flannel Boy]

.

[MrAngryFace]

Well thats what the exercise does, thats the reason it works. I've never pooped my pants doing it.

[Madrun Badrun]

You're just trying to make Malek accidentally poop his pants.  It's always funny when a dude with dignity poops his pants.

 

[Flannel Boy]

.

[CurseoftheGods]

Malek, I've been using celexa (also known as citalopram) for three years for treatment of anxiety and depression -- it has been very helpful and it doesn't have any of the side effects you've mentioned. It's very effective. Talk to your doctor about it.

Good luck. I hope you feel better.

[TVC15]

You're just trying to make Malek accidentally poop his pants.  It's always funny when a dude with dignity poops his pants.

 

Just think of the mess it would make in your pants, Arvie.  It would be like when a smoking guy with a hole in his throat breathes smoke out of both his mouth and neck hole.

Malek, I've been using celexa (also known as citalopram) for three years for treatment of anxiety and depression -- it has been very helpful and it doesn't have any of the side effects you've mentioned. It's very effective. Talk to your doctor about it.

Good luck. I hope you feel better.

It has the usual side effects.

Citalopram can have a number of adverse effects. In clinical trials, over 10% of patients reported one or more of the following side effects: fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sweating (hyperhidrosis), trembling, headache, dizziness, sleep disturbances, insomnia, cardiac arrhythmia, hallucinations, blood pressure changes, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, heightened anorgasmia in females, impotence and ejaculatory problems in males. In rare cases (around over 1% of cases), some allergic reactions, convulsions, mood swings, anxiety and confusion have been reported. Also sedation may be present during treatment of citalopram. If this occurs it is advisable to take the dose at bedtime instead of in the morning.

Different people get different side effects.  That's why you have to do the dance to find out which antidepressant fucks up your life least.  I dun think I've been on that one, though.

[Madrun Badrun]

Well thats what the exercise does, thats the reason it works. I've never pooped my pants doing it.

I've never "pooped my pants," yet I still have an irrational fear of losing control of bowels, or bladder, in public. It's one of the hundreds of irrational fears I carry with me.

I know how you feel.  Every day I go out I'm certain I'm going to shit myself, which I haven't done sine I was 5. I get so worked up that it feels like I have diarrhea and I start to get nerves but as soon as I'm focuses on something then it completely goes away. 

   

[Flannel Boy]

.

[CurseoftheGods]

TVC, I was talking about the numbness Malek mentioned.

And I haven't gotten any of the symptoms you've posted (except for dry mouth and diarrhea in my first week). I know it's different effects for different people, but those more toxic side effects look like they would happen under abnormally high dosages as it is with all antidepressants.

[TVC15]

I don't think it has much to do with high doses.  Every SSRI I was prescribed to was a side effect nightmare.  It's just different for different people.

[Flannel Boy]

.

[TVC15]

To clarify: I didn't mean physical numbness, I meant mental numbness, meaning I felt no highs or lows.

Yeah, I got that, too.  I think it's like an amplified version of the intended effect.

[CurseoftheGods]

To clarify: I didn't mean physical numbness, I meant mental numbness, meaning I felt no highs or lows.

Yeah, I understood what you meant. How long did you take paxil for before quitting?

[Flannel Boy]

.

[muckhole]

To clarify: I didn't mean physical numbness, I meant mental numbness, meaning I felt no highs or lows.

Yeah, I understood what you meant. How long did you take paxil for before quitting?

Close to five years, I think. I had a hard time quiting, and was suicidal whenever I tried to stop cold-turkey.

What kind of dosage were you on at the time? I'm on a low dose myself, and for the first month, I had that "detatched" thing going on. After that, though it evened out, and bingo. No more anxiety. My only side effect is that I'm alot more tired, but that sure as hell beats feeling the way I did, which sounds awfully close to what you're going through.