the-bitches-of-madison-county-d: For the anon, I've been put on anti-depressants for my anxiety, and they do help if you find the right one! I also take Klonopin (a benzodiazepine) as needed. The antidepressant that worked best for me was Prozac! And just remember to not be discouraged if your medications don't work right away, sometimes they take time, and sometimes you may have to switch!

In reply to this.

Anonymous: I have horrible anxiety and I am going to the psychiatrist Wednesday and have been told I'll probably be given medication, what are good kinds of anxiety meds and what are ones I should watch out for

Hi there anon, I’m glad to see you’re getting the help you want!

Unfortunately, I’m fairly sure there is no one medication that can be considered universally good. Different things work for different people, different people have different side effects, etc.

On top of that, I don’t have any personal experience with any medication, so I really wouldn’t feel good just looking up different ones and throwing that info at you.

The best thing would probably be to discuss this with your psychiatrist - they will be able to tell you what exactly which medication does. You should also definitely report any side effects to them.

Followers, please send me some personal experiences with different anxiety meds to help this anon out!

I had a heat stroke a couple days ago so I’m not doing so well? I mean, I’m not in any danger but I need to recover. I’ll be back soon. Hopefully without this bullshit.

Anonymous: My dad's been studying psychology (actually wants to go into forensic psychology), and he knows that my appetite loss isn't a side effect of my medications (one of the side effects is actually weight gain—not weight loss). How can I explain to him that, most likely, it's due to the depression and anxiety disorder and that it's /not/ my fault? Because he says it is my fault.

Hopefully, just explaining your situation to him should be enough. Changes in appetite are pretty common with depression, so if he won’t just believe you, you could simply tell him to look it up. It’s a tried and tested fact.

Really, if he’s been studying psychology, he should reconsider his approach towards your problems as a whole, because blaming you doesn’t do anything but shame you for something you have no control over.

I hope your dad stops blaming you, anon. Best wishes and stay safe.

Anonymous: How do I ask for help with my depression?

Try checking out this post to get some tips on how to ask a friend for help!

Roughly the same should apply for parents, with addition of asking to see a professional (if that’s what you want).

I hope that post helps some (I made it with you in mind)!

Best wishes.

• Be prepared: Think about the different reactions, positive and negative, that the person might have so you’re prepared. The person will be thinking about their perception of mental illness, you as a person and how the two fit together.
• Choose a good time: Choose a time and place when you feel comfortable and ready to talk.
• Be ready for lots of questions…or none: The person you are talking to might have lots of questions or need further formation to help them understand. Or they might feel uncomfortable and try to move the conversation on – if this happens it’s still helpful that the first step has been taken.
• An initial reaction might not last: The person might initially react in a way that’s not helpful – maybe changing the subject, using clichés rather than listening. But give them time.
• Have some information ready: Sometimes people find it easier to find out more in their own time – why not hand them a leaflet or a printout of some information on what you’re dealing with?
• Keep it light: We know that sometimes people are afraid to talk about mental health because they feel they don’t know what to say or how to help. So keeping the conversation light will help make you both feel relaxed.
• Take up opportunities to talk: If someone asks you about your mental health, don’t shy away, be yourself and answer honestly if you feel safe doing so.
• Courage is contagious: Often once mental health is out in the open, people want to talk. Don’t be surprised if your honesty encourages other people to talk about their own experiences.
• Give them time: Some people need to take a little to think about things like this, maybe do their own research before they want to go deeper into the topic. This is not necessarily a bad sign!
• Their reaction is not your fault: Unfortunately, there will always be people that do not react well. While that is disappointing, keep in mind that this is not your fault. You can’t be blamed for what you’re dealing with and did nothing wrong - the problem is their attitude, not you.
• Let them know what you need: Be open about how you would like them to support you - it can be much easier for people to not feel overwhelmed when they know what is expected of them.
• Remember this is about you: Make sure you are comfortable with everything that happens and is discussed. Don’t let them ask questions that make you uncomfortable and don’t just accommodate them.

Let me know if anything should be added/changed!

Do:

• Be direct and honest; talk openly
• Be positive; encourage your friend
• Encourage trust
• Listen carefully
• Be supportive
• Take care of yourself
• Be available
• Be patient
• Express concerns in specific terms
• Be aware and non-judgmental
• Ask what you can do to help
• Respect “no"s
• Ask questions, be responsive
• Educate yourself on the disorder (if they have one)
• Pay attention
• Take talk of suicide very seriously
• Be natural, be yourself
• Invite your friend out for walks, activities and fun
• Give them space when they need it
• Remind your friend there is hope
• Remember that they may not always see that hope

Do not:

• Act shocked
• Be critical, skeptical or dismissive
• Be patronizing or overpowering
• Lecture
• Take over your friend’s life
• Respond negatively
• Avoid the concern or issue
• Judge your friend
• Give up or get discouraged
• Get defensive or angry
• Tell your friend to ‘snap out of it’
• Ignore your friend’s concerns
• Suggest you have all the answers
• Try to be their therapist
• Be afraid of being wrong
• Joke about the situation (but let them joke if they want to)
• Ask “why”
• Overextend yourself
• Try to diagnose your friend
• Be disappointed if they can’t do certain things
• Push them past their limits
• Push yourself past your limits to help

If you can think of anything else or have any corrections, please reply to this post or send me an ask!

irlzachstone-blog: i'm starting high school in a week and honestly the nervous excitement is tearing me apart. my anxiety is triggered so much and i just want to sleep until the first day of school so i don't have to deal with the anticipation. what can i do to calm myself down or occupy my time?

Hey there, I’m sorry to hear the anticipation is wearing you down so much!

Generally, I’d recommend things mentioned in this post to help keep your anxiety under control and things from this post to help keep you busy. What also really helps me is either sitting down to write something (try some roleplaying if you’re into that!) or going on a google hunt, where I pick out (for example) a certain movie and try to find out as much about it as I can without actually watching it. This article has some more ideas on how to cope with your current situation.

I’m sure things will be fine, friend. I hope school goes well!

Anonymous: my mom died when i was 12 and no one ever asked if i was ok and no one ever talked about it. im trying to stop blaming my dad and sister and brother but it just gets harder. i feel like my brother abandoned me because after she died he moved out two months later. He never asked if i was ok and it hurts the most that he didn't talk to me or try to help me. i am 18 years old with depression and i want to talk to him about all this but i am so scared. i dont know why but i am terrified

Hi there, anon.

I’m really sorry to hear about your mother. Death in the family is never an easy thing to handle, especially not at a relatively young age like that. Having family that doesn’t try to ensure you’re doing okay only makes it worse.

First of all, I’d like to say that it’s okay for you to be disappointed in how your family handled the situation. It’s okay to wish they would’ve done things differently. Of course, you do also have to acknowledge that they were dealing with the same grief as you, though. Everybody had to deal with this situation in their own way - unfortunately that sometimes makes it hard to look out for others.

Talking to your brother is a big step, being scared is normal. But if you think this is the right thing for you and that it could help you be more at peace, please do so. Make sure you do it in a situation that makes you feel comfortable. There is no rush. You can do it, sooner or later. Hopefully, your brother will understand, since he might’ve even felt something similar.

Best wishes, anon. I hope this works out for you.

Anonymous: I love someone who lives so far away and i dont know what to do

I’m afraid I’m not quite sure what the problem here is, anon.

I’ve been in a long distance relationship for over 1 1/2 years now - and my second long distance relationship as is. Talk to the person - if the feeling is mutual or they want some form of relationship, I’m sure the two of you can work something out.

Long distance can be hard - but it’s also potentially very fulfilling, as it is much easier to get the space one might need. With the internet being what it is, staying in contact and seeing each other isn’t hard either.

I seriously recommend talking this out, anon. Communication is really important in this.

Best of luck!

lokibending:

Using psychiatric medication doesn’t make you weak or unmotivated. It doesn’t mean that you are using it as a crutch (a phrase that is ableist, btw). It doesn’t mean you’re “co-dependent” on medication, whatever that’s supposed to mean. It means you have an illness, and are treating it in a way you see fit. And anyone who criticizes you for treating your illness in the way you choose, without harming anyone, can fuck off. 

Sorry for not being around much! I have now acquired the puppy - and he’s a whole lot of work, little sleep and lots of whining included.

I’ve answered a couple asks and have some more answers I started on in the drafts, but I gotta get back to taking care of the puppy. I’ll stop by soon again to keep answering asks. None of you is getting ignored, please don’t forget that.

Until then, have some puppy pictures.

Keep reading

Anonymous: theres so much sadness and things ive been keeping to myself and i really think i need to tell someone and i know who im going to tell but i am very scared. this person is someone i look up to a lot and im scared that they will never look at me the same or be angry. i feel like im going to burst i cant take the weight of my feelings anymore. i need to tell someone.

Hey there anon. I’m glad to hear you’ve decided to talk to somebody!

I understand that you’re in a tough position now - telling somebody is a big step and being afraid of the outcome is completely normal.

Hopefully, this person will react well - try and help them understand by providing resources and, most importantly, let them know what you’d like them to do. Being open about your needs will help the other person figure out how to act in this situation and, hopefully, encourage them to respond well.

Unfortunately, some people will not react well, which can be terrible, especially if this is the first person you talk to. But, if that happens, please don’t give up. There are always, always other people that will react differently and try their best to support you. Just because one person doesn’t understand, doesn’t have to mean that you’re on your own now. You’re being very brave by talking about it already - sooner or later, it will pay off.

Best wishes, anon! I hope the person is really worth your admiring.

Anonymous: im scared of driving i can drive with my brother just fine but when i drive with my dad and sister i feel like i want to die and i feel so anxious and im trying so hard not to cry. im scared ill never get my license im 18 and i still cant drive for shit. im too scared of everything and if i cant drive i might as well die.

Hey there, anon. I’m sorry this is stressing you out so much.

First of all, there’s nothing wrong with not driving. I’m 18, I can’t drive and I probably never will drive. It’s okay to not be able to drive (for whatever reasons) and/or not to want to drive. You can take your time with getting your license if that’s what you want or need. There is no rush.

Either way, if you really do want to keep driving, just try your best to avoid driving with your dad and sister. Ask your brother instead. If you can, try and think about why driving with them in particular scares you so much - there might be another, underlying issue at hand.

In addition, check out this ask I answered for resources concerning your anxiety.

I really hope things get better soon, anon. Best wishes.

velvetlilylady replied to your post: Absence

Puppy pictures please!!

Here’s one from when I visited him a week ago - more to follow once he’s home tomorrow!

xshunin replied to your post: Absence

A puppy! Congratulations! A pet is like the best help you can ever get if you have mental disabilities!

Thank you! It really can help a lot, yes, though I imagine it also takes the right kind of person to work. Everybody has different needs after all :P