Mental Questions and Answers

Lexapro /Citalopram?

I'm taking Lexapro. My insurance co. wants me to swith to Citalopram. I got my new pills today. I took 10mg of Lexapro and now taking 10mg on going to be taking 10mg of Citalopram. Should I expect any change?

Answers: If Lexapro works for you, I don't think they should make you switch. They are cheap and disgusting. Why don't they trust doctors to make these decisions? They did the same thing with my Lunesta and Ambien doesn't work. Yeah, you should expect change. I hope they don't do the same to me again. I like Lexapro. SSRIs are not all the same. Not all of them work for me or anyone.

if they work the same for you then its ok, if not you have 2 choices

1/ have your doctor demand the Lexapro (this does work but only if your doctor will spend the time making a fuss)

2/ import generic lexapro from Europe

I get some of my meds in generic form from the online pharmacy below, saves me lots of money and lets me stay on the med that my doctor thinks is best for me

good luck

Self help system?

what should i call my self help system?

Answers: foolproof

your friends and family who support you, you ask for their help, there for it is self help. Help worked out by you.

Also think about the things that make you feel better, if its creating things, reading, watching tv, whatever it is that helps you, this is self help.

Does anyone else think that certain prescription drugs make you depressed?

and that drug companies do this because their profits increase because you have to take another drug to combat the depression/anxiety etc. I was a happy person until after I started taking Diovan for high blood pressure a couple years ago and now I am a mental mess. Is there a corrolation? No family history either of depression or anxiety.

Answers: At the end of the day it's unfortunate that some medications do cause other problems that then need further treatment, but think what would happen if your high blood pressure was not treated! I don't think they make medication to deliberately cause you to have to take another medication as otherwise a rival company would develope one that did not cause the side effects and that would be prescribed and aked for - so it would be counter productive of the drug companies to do this! As the above said you could ask your doctor to try you with a different one as different things react differently in different people.

YES, Medication for high blood pressure can cause depression. You should see your doctor immediately. The benefits must always out way the negative effects when taking them. This is not an OK side effect.

I'm sorry you've been taking it so long, unfortunately doctors don't, often, take the time to talk about side effects of medications: whats OK whats not OK, etc.

No. I think you are overestimating the scientific knowledge of how the brain works.

Change meds. There are other blood pressure meds. Each one works a little differently. If your doctor doesn't appreciate the negative affect on your life, change doctors.

It's funny, ( not funny), but my sons meds for bi-polar can also cause him to have suicidal thoughts, amongst other really scary symptoms and side effects.
It's scary and confusing, and yes I agree that the pharmaceutical companies are making a killing off of this.
I believe in "conspiracy theories" in the pharmacy-medical field, but what do you do when you have no choice but to take the meds?

My mom is taking me to get a papsmere im scared?

Answers: Here are some things that will help:

Bring (or wear) some socks; doctors' offices are cold and if your feet are warm you'll feel better.

Keep in mind that the doctor does lots and lots of these; it's nothing to be scared about, it's along the lines of looking in your mouth and ears; it's just in a different place.

Sometimes things hurt simply because you're scared. The more you can relax, the less likely that you'll feel discomfort.

This is what happens:

You lie on your back, and a metal or plastic tool called a speculum is inserted. Almost all docs will warm this up so it doesn't feel cold. Since you haven't done this before (and make sure you tell the doc this is your first one), a very tiny one will be used. The speculum holds everything up out of the way so the doc can see your cervix.

There will be a light (which will feel warm, but not uncomfortable), and the doc will take a long q-tip and touch the area around the cervix. This doesn't hurt. Then the doc will take another q-tip and swab inside the cervical opening. This may (very briefly) feel uncomfortable. The closer you are to your period, the more likely you are to feel some discomfort.

That's it. It doesn't take very long. If you want, your mom can go in with you and hold your hand (she won't see anything because the doc will put a sheet over your lap).

I think blood draws are much worse than pap smears.

well gurl this is it.... (u knw wut I'm talkn bout)
not 2 frighten u or anything, but this is the big day u have been waitin 4
jus tell the dr 2 tell her everything and she is less likely 2 go nuts in a doctors office and when u get in the car she will by then be a little cooled of but still have some built up stuff in her.her main question will be, "Why didn't u tell me this before?" So i suggest u tell her on the way 2 the dr office and then she will be prepared 4 it.

Older friend may be bipolar?

My friend thinks she may be bipolar.. She is 38. What are the symptoms? What is the difference betwwen the three types...

Answers: This is a good site for Bipolar Type II and the softer unofficial Type III.

http://www.psycheducation.org/depression...

All types experience depression. The difference is the upswing. Briefly, the differences are:

BPI - Mania. Extreme energy, no need for sleep, racing thoughts, irrational and disorganized thinking, delusions, and hallucinations. This is the working description of mania used by pdocs. BPI includes all of the characteristics of BPII as well. Mania often feels worse than many stages of depression. It can be very frightening to experience, too.

BPII - Hypomania. Racing thoughts, little need for sleep, pressured speech, poor judgment. This is called hypomania (less than clinical mania). It is NOT always euphoric, but when euphoric, it is the seductive "high" that many with bipolar seek to repeat again and again.

BPI and BPII - mixed states, feeling hypo/manic and depressed at the same time. Highest suicide phase. Technically, only experienced by BPI, but in reality it is frequently experiened by BPII, just not to the full on manic degree.

BPIII - mild hypomania that doesn't meet diagnostic criteria. Lots of agitated depression.

Cyclothymia - mild hypo and mild depression that don't quite meet full diagnostic criteria.

BPI tends to be more episodic. BPII generally comes with more inter-episode residual experiences and not much time off. For both, at least one full week non-stop of hypo/mania are necessary to meet diagnostic criteria. The phase more typically runs for weeks to months.

If your friend has manic depression, she's probably a II or a III. The link above is mostly about those types. If she is suspecting, then she should see a pscyhiatrist or a psychologist for a full assessment. A PCP neither has the time nor the practical experience that the experts have. Btw, BPII goes on average 10 miserable years before a proper diagnosis.

~Bipolar

symptoms- mood swings, extreme highs and extreme lows <very happy, high energy, wreckless behavior, inability to see consequenses of actions, spending lots of money to depression, sadness, sleeping alot, low energy>.

bipolar 1- mood swings are severe, and happen frequently. Can rapid cycle, multiple symptoms in one day

bipolar 2- mood swings are less severe, happen less frequently, can last periods of months, rarely hits full manic state

i cant remember the name of the 3rd one, but its very very mild...starts with a D i think?

they are all the same just varrying degrees of severeness of symptoms. There are also Manic bi-polars, and Depressive bi-polars. People who tend to rest longer in one state more than the other. Depressive bi-polar is more common and often missdiagnosed as just pure depression.

Alot of bipolar people dont take their meds because of the manic, or hypomanic states because they are addicting and have a drug like euphoria effect, people are at their best when they are manic. They also usually get themselves in debt.

edit: thank you some girl! thats the one i was looking for! its not that common of a diagnosis, so i didnt remember it.

The third one is cyclothymia. It's where you cycle from mild depression to hypomania.

Mixed states involve symptoms of both mania and depression. It is not a third type of bipolar disorder. It is part of bipolar 1.

The other symptoms are listed, but I'd like to add that psychosis (hearing voices, seeing things that are not there etc.) can occur in bipolar 1 in both depressed and manic states. Sometimes it is misdiagnosed as schizophrenia.

Worried.. what should i do?

at the moment im trying to pursue the right help and treatment for my borderline p d and my distressing symptoms. which are:

bad anxiety and panic, aggrophobia, where ive just stopped going out , except when i really have to.

disocociation when outside...spacing out kind of.

extreme low moods everyday, bleak and hopeless.
anger & rage feelings, that i feel come from an extensive bullying and abusive past.
paranoia that certain people want to ruin my life.

ive been apartment bound for alot of weeks. only going out when i need to.
ive missed quite a few appointments with my mental health team because of my really bad anxiety and panic problems...which i feel bad about.
and today ive missed an appointment with my psychiatrist, which i wanted to attend, i feel bad about it.
i was up late into the early hours with anxiety, panic and worry...then i got to bed at 5am...so then i missed the psych appointment for 10am.
im worried, what should i do,will they hold it against me?

Answers: First of all, and please don't get mad at me, but I think you need to find a doc who will give you some meds to help control the anxiety you are feeling. This will help calm your head down so you can deal with the remaining issues and work through them. You can't retrain your brain to think another way if your brain is going 5 billion miles per minute. It's just impossible to think clearly.

But in order to find the doc to give you the meds to help you, you'll have to take the first step and leave your apartment. It's hard - I know. But life's too short to live this way.

I wish you the best of luck and I hope you find some relief soon.

I wonder if you've seen an m.d. to make sure you don't have any physical problems. An m.d. could also prescribe meds for you. Otherwise, it sounds like you need to look up a new therapist if you feel you're not getting the right kind of help.
Best of luck!

first of all, I can tell by what you posted that missing your appointments has caused a lot of anxiety for you, these words I want you to take to heart, " DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT." No they wont hold it against you I swear, and if by some off chance where we enter a realm of realty that is opposite to this one, what are they gonna do to you? take your birthday away? lol, really though dont worry about missing your appointments, its no big deal, i guarantee you they've seen worse, and secondly I know how you feel I have the same problem, maybe not to that extent but thats what makes it worse I have all of those feelings but yet I am forced to go out and go to work and deal with really annoying people to maintain a roof over my head, I just look at it like this, you get to a point where you're so scared that you either gotta say screw it and just do it, or curl into a fetal position on the floor and cry, but eventually you gotta get up and go pee, I know this sounds crazy but you just either gotta do it, or cry about it first and then go do it, which is easier?

You need to switch doctors. Meds are the only way to get these feelings under control so that you can work on yourself. I've been on anti-anxiety meds for 12 years and without them I would be a different person. They have helped me tremendously and I would tell anyone with your symptoms that they need to look into them. Yes, they are difficult to get off of once you are on them (I get really nauseated if I don't take for a couple of days). However, doctors can also help you safely get off of them if you feel you want to. I did go off of them once, but felt I needed to return. I don't take a high dose but life is so much better-more productive and happy! Good luck and I wish you the best.

I think you should call the doctor's office and explain what happened so they don't think you just blew them off for no good reason. They will be understanding, they deal with situations similar to yours all of the time. Somehow you've got to stop missing appointments, though, you are only doing yourself a disservice. You should be viewing the mental health clinic as a safe haven, away from judgemental people. The doctors are there to help you. Plus, everyone that you see in the waiting room is there because they have problems, and they are going there for treatment, just like you. Going out will not be as bad as you imagine, you can do it!

You've been on prescriptions before, I know this based upon what you describe you are going through... See http://www.breggin.com - A psychiatrist who says "Its not your fault, your drug may be to blaim."

Even if you are not on anything, you can get side affects from taking SSRI's up to a year ago.

I do know of something that can help you. I will e mail it, if you message me, because I believe this is very personal and I will not prosititute my information around on a public place where people can bash what they don't understand.

Okay?

If your mind follows logic, how do you handle a person who conducts illogical mind games towards you ?

to undermine your self esteem.
your logical reasoning will not work with the manical illogial person who is intent on burrowing through yourself esteem.
this person has no morals and doesnt stand for anything and his purpous is to undermine you as a person.
so how do you deal with that if you feel people like this seek to single you out?

Answers: I get them out of my house and my life just as fast as I can.

Don't get into arguments of logic.

Or give them a riddle that has no solution other than to keep them amused for many hours, but be prepared to counteract every solution that they present to you with a wildly crazy response.

Lastly: Just agree with everything they say.

Of course this is their illness. They will rise to every challenge that they are presented with and never accept any answer you give them. You will never win.

you must get this person out of your life, the longer it goes on the worse you will be affected in the long run. if you cant get them out of your life you should seek advice from a counsellor

I am going to HAVE to schedule a Doctor's Appointment in the very near future... & I always get nervous?

about asking for the time off to allow for the appointment (cause the doc can't see you on evenings or weekends)... How much detail can your boss ask you RE: your appointment..?? Can they ask you what kinda of doctor ur seein and what ur seein them for or what...?? I just am very private about my health affairs & i hav had issues in the past when my boss wanted details on who I was seein & for what .. etc... Please share w/ me ur thoughts.. Thank you my good pals!

Answers: Your boss has no right to question your health needs!

Whether physical, mental or emotional, your health needs are your business and completely private!

If your boss demands a doctor's note to excuse your absence, this is NOT A PROBLEM!!

Ask your doctor, or more likely- your doctor's secretary, to write a note of excuse that simply states that you were seen by this doctor on this date at this time.

If your boss tries to investigate the note by looking up the doctor to see what he/she is a doctor of, or even by calling to confirm that you were indeed seen on that day, or- heaven forbid- tries to get information about your health from the doctor----------

SUE HIS ***!!

He has overstepped all legal and moral boundaries!

Do not be afraid! The law is on your side!

thats anxiety - being nervous about asking for time off... Unless of course you happen to have one of those bosses that yell and scream and make YOU feel guilty..
to answer your first question: I've never had an employer ask me what Dr I see or for what. If they do make something up that might make you feel better.. For example tell your boss you have had lots of headaches or something... If its too difficult for you to talk about.. They can't check.. The DR IS NOT ALLOWED to release your information and its really none of his/her buisness.

just say you have a doctors appointment,if they ask, just say personal..
or if you want to skip the hassle.take a vacation day or a personal day(if they have them)

Just say you have a doctors appointment and you have no control over the timing. If your boss asks about the appointment, you can say it is just a routine medical appointment. If he/she keep probing you, I don't think that will happen, you can say you are OK. It is just a checkup. Best Wishes and Good Luck with your appointment.
Take care of yourself.

I don't think they are entitled to specifics. They might ask for a note on their letterhead saying you had a doctor's appointment.

Am i still a cutter?

i rarely ever cut my self any more but when i think i need to snap my wrist with a rubber band until i get a big welt so is brusing myself still mean im a cutter

Answers: NO YOU ARE NOT twanging a rubber band on youre self isnt cutting your self,, i know beacuse i used to cut for years then do the same ,,,, its still classed as self-harming but not cutting,,, all you are doing is finding another way to hurt yourself then cutting ,,,, the more pain you are feeling the more better you feel at the time but in the long run it isnt a way of coping deep down people mainly do it beacuse they do not know the right route to take for help or they think there ashamed... shy,,, not enougth confidnece ,,,, scared of what others are saying about them so most self-harmers hide the pain away from loved ones and friends and then when there on they own the self harm like this,,, it isnt a way forward in long run ,,,, you need proper proffisonal help i know its really hard to take that step forward,,, but in time it does work it wont overnight though,, but in a 6 to 12 months you may start understanding diffrent ways to get your anger out,,,, good luck hope this helps,,, good luck.

No.

Means you're working through it.

Good luck.
x

you are not a cutter anymore... However, you are still a self harmer. until there is no more rubber band snapping , you are still engaging in something that causes you deliberate pain. Even if it is on a milder scale, it is still self harm.
I am glad your working on it though. good for you.

yes you are still a self harmer, but your doing really good with trying to beating self harm, well done for useing the rubber band.

good luck!

if you ever need to talk email me, im a self harmer so i will understand

yes.

Please help. I'm not sure if this is a panic /anxiety attack or not.?

A few days ago I started generic Paxil for anxiety. I have been on Lexapro for years but still had anxiety. So anyway, this morning while I was making breakfast, I started to feel like my heart was beating a million miiles an hr.
It is finally starting to go away now, but I couldn't make it stop.
I didn't have any fear that I know of.. Is that panic or anxiety? Or just one of those things?

Answers: It could be either. Panic/anxiety can come at times when you least expect it- even when your standing over the stove cooking eggs. I would call your doctor on monday though. I was on generic paxil and it did nothing for me- I used to take Paxil CR, but once it was taken off the market they just put me on the generic stuff. Why, I don't know, but the meds are all supposed to "act" the same. Which is totally not true since people say others work for them and others don't. If your heart beats like that again, just focus on your breathing to control it. Singing even helps as it forces you not breath as "normal"- meaning you don't breath the same as if u are just reading a book compared to singing. Best of luck!

i dont know but if it happens aagain stand on your head if that doesnt work go to the bathroom [#2]

*past experience*

This could be anxiety..i have anxiety and my heart beats hard and fast a lot..real rapidly..maybe cuz u are on a new med now...OR it could be a side effect.i would defintely consult your meds doctor..

This is rather a strange question about mental health?

Several people that I know (including my sister) are going mad? It is difficuilt to explain but they turn from normal people into almost children again. I cannot hold a conversation, or any kind of reason. What things would cause this please? The ages are arround 45-55 Thanks in advance.

Answers: Do they do this suddenely? I'd like to hear more info from you because I'm curious. Do they turn into good children with just a happy silliness or bad sulky, stroppy children?

I think you should ask her when you next see her what the babysitting fiasco was about and tell her how you felt about it. See if you can ascertain any sort of reasoning from the horses mouth.

that is a really good question and easy to answer,

starting off i would say that mental health is usual.

MOOOOOOOOOOO!
BAAAAAAAAAAAA!
MEEEEEMAAAAAW!
WIGAWOGAWOOOO!

weird!!

Whats wrong with me?

i always put myself down so i feel so low.
i dont get it.
if i had drugs with me right now, i know that i would do them just to lay there and think how much life sucks.

i have friends they say that they love me alot, but i always block it out and think that no one likes me.

i always stress on the little things too.

please help!?
whats wrong with me?

Answers: if your mentioned your age and sex it would be a great help.anyway if you're a girl this thing are realy common in girls specialy in some ages.these things happen to boys either specialy in puberty.i think your problem is loss of confident and you're depress.i'm sure you've think about suicide alot,cause that's what girls\boys(lessly) usually do when they got these feelings.but i give you something,doesn't matter how much life sucks,just think about that you own this life and you can change it whatever you want,all you have to do is to feel your confident and things that make you this confident,and don't ever think that nobody likes you causes surely many people loves you and care about you just don't block them and be with them.they will make you feel much better.don't use any drugs they would just make you feel crazy,and finally i got to say there's not anything wrong with you you've just being sensitive and if you pass this period you would find out that there wasn't enything wrong with any body i hope i helped,Good Luck!

Kids get to play and they don't have jobs, but they still have plenty to worry about. Stress from things like school and social situations can feel overwhelming for kids, particularly if they don't have healthy strategies to cope with strong feelings and solve everyday problems.

A recent KidsHealth® KidsPoll showed that kids deal with stress in both healthy and unhealthy ways, and while they may not initiate a conversation about what's bothering them, they do want their parents to reach out and help them cope with their feelings.

But it's not always easy for parents to know how to connect with a child who's feeling stressed.

I am not a professional, however by your description it sounds like possible depression, and a anxiety disorder.

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