Dear Hayden
Hello and welcome. So pleased you have written here. Anxiety and depression are not comfortable fellow travellers and I congratulate you for starting the journey towards wellness.
It's good you want to stop drinking and get on with your life. Alcohol is so often used to combat depression. It does not work and you can end up still depressed and with an alcohol dependence.
Panic attacks are the pits. I used to experience them and have ended up in hospital convinced I was going to die. Once you learn to recognise what's happening it is easier to manage. I used to feel such a fool being carted off to hospital when there was nothing wrong with me. However the paramedics and doctors always said it was better to go to hospital, just in case.
Antidepressants are useful to smooth out the bumps in the road and help you move forward. It can take up to six weeks for the full effect to be felt, but you will notice a gradual reduction in your anxiety and depression. If the AD has uncomfortable side effects please talk to your doctor. Sometimes these side effects go away after a short while but on occasions can stay with you. Your doctor will need to change the AD in this case. I tried many AD but I have a history of not tolerating medication. I am pleased to say I have finally found one, or rather my doctor has found one, that works and does not have side effects. Life is so much better.
Having a young family is lovely. I hope your son enjoys Christmas. And speaking of Christmas, although many people share the season with family and friends, it can also be a stressful time for some. Depression can make you believe you are unhappy despite your AD. Please remember it is only the black dog speaking.
I would love to hear from you again.
Mary
