Quote Originally Posted by Ratzinger View Post
antflower, the thing I always bang on about is serotonin. 70-80% of Americans suffer from low serotonin, and this is directly linked to depression and anxiety. It might not always be the cause of depression/anxiety, but it can be an aggravating factor. I have had minor anxiety for a number of years, but it only got worse when I started sleeping less, eating less fruit, not exercising and not going outside - all when I started working from home. It was at that moment an occasional anxiety problem turned into something nasty and that led me to seek a doctor, who identified serotonin as the problem.

The reason i write this is because I read that you have not gone out since Friday, and you wrote this on Wednesday morning, which means you have gone 5 days without going outside, and i imagine not going out is already a regular thing. So, as much as it is difficult, try and make a point of going outside daily for a walk. It doesn't matter where, whether it is to the store, to a friends house, or even just wander a few blocks. It will be tough at first but if you keep doing it every day it will get easier and easier. It takes a while for serotonin to increase substantially - around 30-40 days - but over time it will make things easier for you. Plus, the exercise tiring you out will make you sleepier at night, and sleeping more will help as well.

Being locked up inside is a certain way to make anxiety worse.

I'm honestly not sure what to think. I just had to head to my university to write an exam; writing it wasn't my concern, being in a classroom was. I realized that I forgot to take my medication this morning (welbutrin) and my walk to school was probably the worst feeling of my life. On top of being anxious, I felt like a roaming ghost and all of my senses were extremely heightened. I kept holding my head while I was walking because all of the sounds/thoughts/feelings were giving me a headache. I felt a tingly sensation throughout my legs, leading up to my head, and I was holding back vomit/tears. I was seriously considering just going to the hospital rather than to my final exam...

Anyway, I was put on paxil last year and it was okay, but once I noticed that I lost connection with myself and my emotions, I decided to stop taking it. I was fine for a little while. However, I went through some pretty nasty situations that really effected my self-worth. In January I decided to get back on the paxil and it was all great for awhile. I was social and things were good. I was truly happy- even with my partner. I'm not saying that I am unhappy with him by any means, I just mean that my condition sometimes twists things around and it effects our relationship. I hate that.
But, a few months later, the effects stopped working. My dosage was increased, but I found myself falling back into my anxious ways- except maybe x10. Anyway, I last took paxil on Tuesday of last week or so, and began welbutrin on Saturday. The reason my doctor switched me to welbutrin is because when I finally get to sleep (around 6am), I would have very vivid memories and would wake up feeling exhausted.
I still do.

I just want to have a good nights sleep... Just one would be so great! I'm sorry for boring your pants off with my words, but it's really, really getting to me. I've never really reached out to people about this before... other than a doctor.

Also, I began eating very healthy last week. I figured that would help, but my head is still wonky. My brain feels numb.