thedestroyer
05-01-2013, 02:44 PM
Hi All,
As with many people this is my first foray onto a forum to discuss my issue, from what i've read quite a few people seem to have had similar experiences although perhaps more serious that my own. I am normally a happy go lucky guy and most people consider me a cheerful and enthused young lad. However, inexplicably I will have massive 'mood swings' where I will struggle to concentrate, become unnecessarily anxious, fail to look at things positively or optimistically and generally feel down & fatigued. It started a few years ago at university, where I studied electronic engineering which is a mentally challenging degree and just felt unable to focus on work, think clearly or interact socially as I felt I could!
This leads me to think that it is in some way stress and work related. Given I work in the engineering industry this is unavoidable to an extent, but I generally enjoy my job and it doesn't always constitute a mood swing. I am currently in training for an Iron Man triathlon, which is a huge physical and mental challenge! I need to get a handle on this to stop the uncertainty when I feel good and the devastating downward spiral when the pendulum swings.
In terms of treatment I have tried lots of exercise (tying into my challenge) and have been perscribed citalopram by my doctor, but I stopped taking these when I felt better as I didn't feel the need to carry on with them. I have also been sporadically taking the SSRI 5-HTP which gives me a temporary lift but it inevitably drops off :(. The most frustrating thing is that every time I have a 'down' period I cannot figure out what to do that helps to bring me back to the happier side.
Hopefully some of you all can relate to some of what I'm saying, any help would be much appreciated!
Euan
As with many people this is my first foray onto a forum to discuss my issue, from what i've read quite a few people seem to have had similar experiences although perhaps more serious that my own. I am normally a happy go lucky guy and most people consider me a cheerful and enthused young lad. However, inexplicably I will have massive 'mood swings' where I will struggle to concentrate, become unnecessarily anxious, fail to look at things positively or optimistically and generally feel down & fatigued. It started a few years ago at university, where I studied electronic engineering which is a mentally challenging degree and just felt unable to focus on work, think clearly or interact socially as I felt I could!
This leads me to think that it is in some way stress and work related. Given I work in the engineering industry this is unavoidable to an extent, but I generally enjoy my job and it doesn't always constitute a mood swing. I am currently in training for an Iron Man triathlon, which is a huge physical and mental challenge! I need to get a handle on this to stop the uncertainty when I feel good and the devastating downward spiral when the pendulum swings.
In terms of treatment I have tried lots of exercise (tying into my challenge) and have been perscribed citalopram by my doctor, but I stopped taking these when I felt better as I didn't feel the need to carry on with them. I have also been sporadically taking the SSRI 5-HTP which gives me a temporary lift but it inevitably drops off :(. The most frustrating thing is that every time I have a 'down' period I cannot figure out what to do that helps to bring me back to the happier side.
Hopefully some of you all can relate to some of what I'm saying, any help would be much appreciated!
Euan