Depression and/or Anxiety

[Nicolaus]

I know best course of action would be to see a psychologist/psychiatrist (sorry don't know the difference at the top of my head) but was wondering if I could get opinions or recommendations from individuals with experience.

If you had/have depression and/or anxiety, what medications did you take, and why? (Besides TRT/gear)

And for how long (I'm assuming depression is lifelong)?

Thank you meso brothers

 

[franchise24]

You have to find what triggers your depression or anxiety. And some treatments are aggressive. Like exposing to the things that will set you off the most. Hoping that your body will adjust. Once you find the triggers you will be able to deal with it. Or find a way out of your depression and or anxiety. But see medical professional. Xanax is pretty good for anxiety.

 

[JMalone]

I've taken a few antidepressants and didn't care for them. A lot of them will crush your libido.

I currently take Wellbutrin and really like it. For anxiety, you can go with Xanax, klonopin, lorazapam, etc. Those are work great, but can be addictive. I have a very addictive personality and don't like to be fucked up on pills as a trade off for not having anxiety.
For that reason, I take beta blockers on an as needed basis for anxiety. They work really well for me at doses that have virtually no side effects.

Above all, what franchise said about finding your triggers is the best thing you can do. I know what mine are and I've done a lot to minimize and avoid them as best as possible.

 

[PIZZABOY]

I smoke weed, I also think happy thoughts. Then I man the fuck up.

 

[PIZZABOY]

I've seen what the pills do, I must accept some may benefit from treatment. By all means seek out PROFFESIONAL help if you feel you need to.

 

[RAre]

I dealt with depression, what help me was I started getting involved in Church and that's actually when I also started working out.

 

[Demondosage]

I've found that I simply have to get in motion with something. Whether it's learning something new or accomplishing something that may seem small, if I just do the same routine nothing helps.

 

[puckhog]

@Nicolaus Very good question bud and one that you should absolutely follow up on with your primary doc. Depression and anxiety can spiral out of control pretty fast. I can tell you from experience.
I spent 6 months literally laying in bed with horrible depression and a weird sense of detachment from the world. My doc put me on a dose of Zoloft and that helped tremendously. The depression subsided for around 12 years and then came back but it was not nearly as harsh this time around. Currently I need to take something just to keep my anxieties and anger from ruining my world, and that happens to be Lexapro. Lexapro absolutely crushed my sex drive though.

I love what @RAre and @Demondosage had to say as well. It is important as a man to feel like you have something you need to accomplish and something to actually live for. Try something new, meet some new people (I fucking hate people).

I would say don't be afraid or ashamed to take a pill if that's what you need, most likely temporarily. Only you know what is going on inside your head. Get some help brotha!

 

[Nicolaus]

Damn! I didn't expect so many comments.

You guys have more interest and concern than my own family and gf.

I have low test, and I'm not sure if that's causing my depression or vice versa. (25 years old currently)

I admit, I am being a bitch. Thinking life itself is pointless as we will all just die anyway. I know I should be grateful for my circumstances and where I live (compared to war/poverty stricken countries) but I'm still so negative.

I've actually had less of these thoughts as the years have passed.

And same here @puckhog , I absolutely despise people in general as well for various reasons. You guys are great tho lol.


I'm going to respond to each one of you

@franchise24 . I should definitely see a professional. The only thing that is holding me back is the chance of futility, aka wasted time. I'm afraid they will just prescribe pills and as mentioned above, kill my libido (which I have very little anyway) and other negative sides. Im usually anxious most of the time, constantly thinking and even when I'm trying to sleep, I always overthink and can't sleep at night.

@JMalone any sides to Wellbutrin? And do you personally take Xanax, klonopom, etc ? Or just beta blockers right now for anxiety.

@PIZZABOY. I actually just bought weed for the first time a week ago and it kinda makes me happy and it's helped me fall asleep.

@RAre happy to hear that brotha!

@Demondosage I totally agree with you there bro. I think trying new things definitely helps keep the mood up

@puckhog holy shit 12 years of minimal depression? Would you try Zoloft again? Any sides to those?

Thank you all! I'll try seeing a doctor and of course do my research before I see one so I know I won't be getting fucked from sides lol.

If all else fails...guess I'll just have to jump on that good ol gear lol.

 

[franchise24]

Damn! I didn't expect so many comments.

You guys have more interest and concern than my own family and gf.

I have low test, and I'm not sure if that's causing my depression or vice versa. (25 years old currently)

I admit, I am being a bitch. Thinking life itself is pointless as we will all just die anyway. I know I should be grateful for my circumstances and where I live (compared to war/poverty stricken countries) but I'm still so negative.

I've actually had less of these thoughts as the years have passed.

And same here @puckhog , I absolutely despise people in general as well for various reasons. You guys are great tho lol.


I'm going to respond to each one of you

@franchise24 . I should definitely see a professional. The only thing that is holding me back is the chance of futility, aka wasted time. I'm afraid they will just prescribe pills and as mentioned above, kill my libido (which I have very little anyway) and other negative sides. Im usually anxious most of the time, constantly thinking and even when I'm trying to sleep, I always overthink and can't sleep at night.

@JMalone any sides to Wellbutrin? And do you personally take Xanax, klonopom, etc ? Or just beta blockers right now for anxiety.

@PIZZABOY. I actually just bought weed for the first time a week ago and it kinda makes me happy and it's helped me fall asleep.

@RAre happy to hear that brotha!

@Demondosage I totally agree with you there bro. I think trying new things definitely helps keep the mood up

@puckhog holy shit 12 years of minimal depression? Would you try Zoloft again? Any sides to those?

Thank you all! I'll try seeing a doctor and of course do my research before I see one so I know I won't be getting fucked from sides lol.

If all else fails...guess I'll just have to jump on that good ol gear lol.

For me learning my triggers and not doing the norm. I can't work a 9-5. It would throw me into a state of depression and make me bored as shit.

 

[MindlessWork]

I battled depression in my early adult years and what triggered them I could not put my finger on it. As I was a college student then I turned to weed and booze to battle those demons and kept my problems from my family. I ended up doing dangerous things and nearly got myself killed at one point so I broke down and admitted to my family my problems. Subsequently got the counseling and anti-depressants and then things smoothed out as I finished school on time. Did have a nervous breakdown due to a death in my family when I turned 24, so discovered the gym and it was the iron that was my therapy ever since.

 

[Kinetic]

Be careful with lexapro or any SSRI's for that matter. I know they're helpful for a lot of people, but I was prescribed lexapro for anxiety and it drove me to the point of having suicidal thoughts.

I have a wife, kids, and plenty of reasons to live, so to have those thoughts was a complete mindfuck.

My doc prescribed me some valium and low dose propranolol after the lexapro disaster. I only take a valium occasionally (like once or twice a month) because I know how nasty a benzo addiction can be. The propranolol seems to have made some difference, but I've also started dieting and working out religiously again, which may be why I'm feeling better.

Besr of luck on your journey. I know how much it sucks.

 

[Nicolaus]

Be careful with lexapro or any SSRI's for that matter. I know they're helpful for a lot of people, but I was prescribed lexapro for anxiety and it drove me to the point of having suicidal thoughts.

I have a wife, kids, and plenty of reasons to live, so to have those thoughts was a complete mindfuck.

My doc prescribed me some valium and low dose propranolol after the lexapro disaster. I only take a valium occasionally (like once or twice a month) because I know how nasty a benzo addiction can be. The propranolol seems to have made some difference, but I've also started dieting and working out religiously again, which may be why I'm feeling better.

Besr of luck on your journey. I know how much it sucks.

Ahh geez...I'm pretty overwhelmed from these plethora of medications for depression and anxiety, although I'm sure there are many different ones to best suit the individual and their specific issues


Do you happen to know why the doc prescribed you specifically Lexapro?
Why would it cause suicidal thoughts if they serve to treat depression and anxiety?? Do all other SSRIs have the same mode of action?

With a quick google search, it seems Valium is pretty risky and actually leads to suicidal thoughts. Is this an SSRI as well? Or a different category. Sorry skimmed for one second on google.

Also, someone else also mentioned using beta blockers with success. You mentioned using propranolol. Maybe that is the best medication for anxiety.

Thank you for your input.

 

[UCSFmed]

I have struggled with depression for many years, Nicolaus. I was on Prozac for about a year and it did seem to help, especially at first. I also tried two other antidepressants but they gave me some unpleasant side effects and I promptly ceased taking them. Prozac didn't produce any side effects that I noticed.

Based on what you have written, I would remark that you seem to have an existential dilemma, which means that you question the value of life, and I notice that you seem to be a misanthrope. It also appears that you're not getting what you need out of your relationships, based on the statement you made about the people here on this forum caring more than your gf and family.

I would recommend that you treat the existential component of your depression by engaging in some study. Read philosophy books. Gaining insight into life, your values, ethics, and the human condition can make an immense difference in your disposition, and give you mastery over your point of view, which is far more effective, IMO, in treating depression than sitting in a chair with a psychologist for an hour a week. I'll be happy to recommend some literature if you're interested in this avenue.

And on the subject of psychiatrists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and the like, please allow me to point out that many of these people are little more than frauds. That sounds harsh, but man, I've been around the block with therapists, and capable and concerned therapists are the exception to the rule. And they're expensive. Plus, all they do is talk to you; and some of them, who are supposedly influenced by the psychoanalytic school, won't even talk.

I don't intend to make you pessimistic about therapy, but only to caution you about the limitations of that service. It is likely that you'd have to meet many of them before you find one that seems right for you. And that will cost.

I really don't recommend AAS to treat depression. TRT is a different matter, but I can't comment on how TRT would alter your depressive state.

Good luck.

 

[Nicolaus]

I have struggled with depression for many years, Nicolaus. I was on Prozac for about a year and it did seem to help, especially at first. I also tried two other antidepressants but they gave me some unpleasant side effects and I promptly ceased taking them. Prozac didn't produce any side effects that I noticed.

Based on what you have written, I would remark that you seem to have an existential dilemma, which means that you question the value of life, and I notice that you seem to be a misanthrope. It also appears that you're not getting what you need out of your relationships, based on the statement you made about the people here on this forum caring more than your gf and family.

I would recommend that you treat the existential component of your depression by engaging in some study. Read philosophy books. Gaining insight into life, your values, ethics, and the human condition can make an immense difference in your disposition, and give you mastery over your point of view, which is far more effective, IMO, in treating depression than sitting in a chair with a psychologist for an hour a week. I'll be happy to recommend some literature if you're interested in this avenue.

And on the subject of psychiatrists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and the like, please allow me to point out that many of these people are little more than frauds. That sounds harsh, but man, I've been around the block with therapists, and capable and concerned therapists are the exception to the rule. And they're expensive. Plus, all they do is talk to you; and some of them, who are supposedly influenced by the psychoanalytic school, won't even talk.

I don't intend to make you pessimistic about therapy, but only to caution you about the limitations of that service. It is likely that you'd have to meet many of them before you find one that seems right for you. And that will cost.

I really don't recommend AAS to treat depression. TRT is a different matter, but I can't comment on how TRT would alter your depressive state.

Good luck.

Amazing response and eloquently said.

Do you still battle depression? And are you still taking Prozac? Also, do you happen to remember the name of the other two antidepressants you were taking. I've gone to college in norcal as well (just wanted to let you know) but that's too much info I guess.
Are you in med school if you don't mind me asking

Also, I have tried seeing the better side of life and trying to avoid having existential/nihilistic thoughts...AKA high school emo lol...but I still have some recurring thoughts.

And this may not be relevant, but I'd like to point out I used to be pretty religious (Christian) meaning I attended church diligently and prayed everyday truly believing in a God. I eventually started questioning the existence of a God and many other questions that led me astray from religion. That's when I started freaking out about the pointlessness of life and how we will end up old and frail, and see all our loved ones pass away one by one, and end up dead for all of eternity.
I really do sound like a bitch right now lol but I don't openly discuss this with anyone so it feels kind of good letting this all out

I actually would be interested in some literature if you don't mind sharing.

As mentioned earlier, that is one of my concerns with psychiatrists as I am assuming my appointments with them will be futile, maybe even exacerbate my conditions as other members have pointed out from taking certain medication.

I also don't think just talking with a psychiatrist would help alleviate or fix and physiological conditions.

As far as trt or cycling goes, maybe becoming super jacked will make me happy

 

[Munky]

Try wellbutrin , I hate ssri''s they slow everything down including metabolism, some have had success with 5-htp for a nautral antidepressant , avoid sugar all sugar

 

[Nicolaus]

@Kinetic I had a question about the beta blocker you are taking. Do you by chance take it before your workouts and if so, does it have any effects? I would assume since it lowers bp the blood vessels would dilate and help get a better "pump". Or, it might make a workout worse because it lowers adrenaline. Any input is appreciated!

 

[Nicolaus]

Try wellbutrin , I hate ssri''s they slow everything down including metabolism, some have had success with 5-htp for a nautral antidepressant , avoid sugar all sugar

I'll look into Wellbutrin and the 5htp! Ty bro

 

[UCSFmed]

I'm so prone to depression that I live life kind of on the verge of it. I make sure to avoid drama and catastrophe in my life. When it comes, it comes on strong, and at its worst I can barely take it. However, I am no longer on Prozac, and I can manage my depression through bodybuilding.

I can't remember the names of the other antidepressants I was on; I'll have to try to look it up. One was an SSRI and the other one was an SNRI I believe. Based on my experience, it is very possible for the side effects of the medication to outweigh the benefits of it. However, Prozac was a good fit for me. The point being that you might have to experiment with a few different kinds before you find a winner.

A psychiatrist is an MD, so he can prescribe medication. He will listen to your complaints, and possibly prescribe psych meds, and/or refer you to a psychologist. A psychologist is a person who treats you with a pep talk. I really can't see a more blunt and honest way of describing it. But as I said before, if you are lucky to find a good one, and if you can afford it or your insurance will cover it, then it will be worth it. But seeking a good one rules out a good 80-90% of them, I'm afraid. Honestly, I'd recommend going with an older, male therapist.

Educating your mind is a form of treatment, as far as I'm concerned. And in my view, there is no greater intellectual field than philosophy. A great book about the futility of life, suicide, and the existential dilemma is The Myth of Sisyphus by the French writer Camus. It is an extraordinary piece of writing, but it is a tad difficult at times if you're not used to this kind of stuff. Everyone should read this book in my opinion.

I'm not religious either, although I was raised Christian, like you. However, Buddhist literature is replete with amazing wisdom, perhaps the highest wisdom available to the human mind, I think. Buddhist philosophy (yes, it's a philosophy as much as a religion) is exactly tuned to the kinds of problems that a depressed person might be facing. It is powerful, and can actually alter the way you look at the world. Try any introduction to Buddhism text. A good, short read that is filled with ancient wisdom from some of the great schools of Buddhism is called The Buddist Tradition. Everyone should have this book or one like it on their shelf.

As an introduction to ethics, try . It is not too challenging, and it will guide you into the knowledge of ethics. Ethics teaches us about what is important in life, and can only benefit you as a human being. It will also liberate you from any of the ludicrous and baseless beliefs that society imposes on us, which ideas are, in my opinion, often a source of depression and consternation for many people.

And you're right: being jacked does make us happy!

 

[beameupscotty]

@Kinetic I had a question about the beta blocker you are taking. Do you by chance take it before your workouts and if so, does it have any effects? I would assume since it lowers bp the blood vessels would dilate and help get a better "pump". Or, it might make a workout worse because it lowers adrenaline. Any input is appreciated!

It affects beta-adrenergic responses in your body, therefore stopping the physical "flight or fight" response that an adrenergic response would trigger. However, they have been linked to carpal tunnel syndrome (to which I can attest) and excessive bowel movements (to which I can also attest). They do not cause vaso-dilation in the sense you were asking.