How much of a person's depression and anxiety is self induced and how much does stressful events cause? I know it's different for many people, and I think I just need a bit of encouragement for my current situation.

I have suffered depression and anxiety for 2 years. This summer I was feeling better after some well needed life changes and 5 months of CBT with a great psychologist.

Since then, I have moved countries (from overseas back to home). I have been unemployed for 6 months. In that time, my mother passed away from a massive heart attack, unexpected. I spent 3 weeks with her in hospital while she grew weaker and weaker. I supported my stepfather for 5 weeks after her death. And now I am living with my grandparents while continuing my search for work. I find it very stressful not having my independence, as I've always been independent before. It is also extremely stressful dealing with my grandparents as they are angry, negative and full of grief and not dealing with it well. My best friend also has grown distant from me as she is having a hard time herself and does not have the strength to support me.

My doctor has recently started me on a low dose of Effexor XR. I have never taken an AD. I have only been on it for 5 days. Initially I was very disoriented, weak, tired, anxious, drowsy and dizzy. Now I feel a bit tired and dizzy but mostly I still feel an increased anxiety level, although I'm wondering if that isn't just my current situation. (christmas stress)

Feeling quite low and tired of all the stress. Am I overreacting to regular life occurences? Is this a normal occurence for people recovering from depression/anxiety to be thrown back into it from stressful events?

Just needing a bit of encouragement from some who have been here...

Thanks,
KT

Sounds like you had a tendency for depression already & then all the traumatic things which occured just gave it a huge push. You are right to seek help & meds. Give the Effexor xr a few weeks to see if the side affects go away. As for feeling an increased anxiety level, that could be a side affect of the effexor xr. I was on it for 2 1/2 weeks & it made my heart race so bad that I could not relax or sleep. Each person reacts differently to each AD med. If in a few weeks you still feel overly anxious, you may want to tell your doc & he may suggest a different med, but do by all means stay on some meds til your life settles down a bit. You may be able to go off them when things get better. Have you also considered any counselling? That my also help you right now. You have a double whammy, the loss of your mother & the grief, plus dealing with your g-parents & their grief and also trying to find a job, and the move etc.. a lot of major life changes lately for you & that would send anyone into depression.

Thanks lori j for the support.

I was just taken a bit by surprise at the intensity of anxiety increase. I've worked hard to cope with my anxiety and it is discouraging to feel it return for no apparent "life" reason.

I have been reading that it's a common side affect, and to give it a couple weeks and usually it lessens or goes away. I have a few friends who have responded well to Effexor which is why I have tried it.

I guess I just needed to know that other people have felt similar.

Cheers

DTKB, if the added anxiety is terribly bothersome, you may want to talk to your doctor, he may counter that side affect with something like xanax or Klonopin for the time being.
Let us know how you are doing. This is a great forum to find support & info.

Yes, I counter the anxiety from antidepressants with benzos such as Ativan and Valium. You also may need to try a few different anti-d's to find the right one. Lexapro and Wellbutrin seem to work for me. Roots of anxiety can be biological, and then life events can exasperate it. Hang in there and good luck!