Hello!

I am new to this board. I'm usually in the inner ear or allergy room. I'm hoping someone can help me. I have been feeling REALLY tired and spaced out for about 8 years and the doctors keep telling me that I am totally healthy, with the exception of allergies(to which I have very mild symptoms). Many of them point to depression. I have been in extreme denial to that diagnosis because some of my symptoms feel so physical. My head feels really sensitive, especially my ears and eyes. I can't concentrate at all and my memory is fading. I can't read because the words just don't register. My attention span is null. I'm very fidgity and have some anxiety. The biggest complaint is the spacy feeling like I'm drunk or just not completely here, kind of disconnected. I just feel so dumb and I'm usually a pretty smart person.

I also have a hard time finding happiness anymore. You know that deep down happiness like you take a deep breath and say to yourself "Things are really great". I can't feel that even though I'm married to a wonderful guy with an amazing little boy.

Can any of you relate to these strange symptoms? Some doctors say that depression is alot more than just feeling sad all of the time. I'm tired of being tired and would love to hear from you!!

Hope you all are well!
nate

Hi Nate and welcome http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Your symptoms sound like a classic depression/anxiety combo to me....I suffer myself.

The spacey feeling is one of my favourite topics and it's call 'Depersonalization'.....the feeling of watching your life as if it's a film, not feeling really 'there', feeling as if someone else is talking for you when you speak. It's nothing to be scared of and is a classic anxiety/depression symptom. If you run 'Depersonalization' through your favourite search engine you'll find plenty of info on it. When your depression/anxiety is succesfully treated those symptoms normally disappear with it. Mine did....

It is possible, but rare, to get Depersonalization Disorder where those symptoms appear on their own without depression or anxiety but from what you are saying it seems like the old depression/anxiety 'double whammy' to me.

It's nice to see you here and I hope you make as many great friends as I have.......

With hugs

Zafu http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/clown.gif

[This message has been edited by Zafu (edited 05-07-2002).]

Nate, I can't think of the name that they give to that feeling (maybe something like disassociative disorder?) but I think it definitely can go with depression. Do you ever feel like you're kind of observing yourself from a distance and not fully there? I have the trouble concentrating, the fidgets, the anxiety,the difficulty reading, etc. when I'm not doing well. I would encourage you to see a psychiatrist and try treatment for depression. It might make a world of difference for you. Mel

Welcome Nate http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif,

Zafu and TunefulMelody are right...it sounds as if there is a problem with depression and anxiety, and I would encourage you to get treatment and therapy for it.

They do affect you in a very real and physical way, so you're not the first person, nor will you be the last, to be in denial. But now you know, have it treated.

All the best, Nate. I hope we can provide the support you need.

Best wishes,
Chrys. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi!!

I'm writing this for a second time because my post didn't post last nite!! I just wanted to thank you guys for the extremely helpful and uplifting responses. You all made me feel so much better about my strange and extremely bothersome symptoms. Now I may have some hope! I am going to see a therapist as soon as I can make an appointment.

Melody, I do feel like I'm not really here, but I feel like I'm more trapped deep inside of myself or my head, I don't know exactly how to explain it, it's just weird. Ya know??

I feel so excited to have found all of you on this board. You all seem to look out for one another and that is fantastic! I'll keep you posted on my diagnosis.

Take care of yourselves!!
nate

Hi Nate,

Glad to be of help. Anxiety can be such an alienating problem, so I'm sure you'll find the support and advice here invaluable.

Best wishes,
Chrys. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

p.s.: Now we'll look out for you, too http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

Hi Nate, since some of the others gave you advice (and sound advice at that), I'm going to great you with my energy hugs:
((((((((((((((((((( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif hugs )))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif hugs )))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif hugs )))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif hugs )))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif hugs )))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif hugs )))))))))))))))))))
((((((((((((((((((( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif hugs )))))))))))))))))))

And welcome to the big D board nate. You will find many very knowledgable(sp?) people here. And many very nice, sweet, wonderful people at that. Feel free to come in at any time to let us know how things are going, whether good or bad. If nothing else, to unload some of the anxiety you may have. And we don't bite. I nibble just a bit (can't you tell by my handle?) and I may shake my fur all over you, so watch out for the mud slinging (not vocal mud slinging).

Mud Puppy (Dan)

YOU GUYS ROCK!!

Thank you for all of your support! I feel so much better now knowing I have somewhere to turn, with people who know where I'm coming from! I'll keep you posted on my diagnosis. Take care of yourselves!!

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
nate

nate- as long as your symptoms are fairly mild I would stick with talk therapy and wait on any medication. Look at your diet for any signs of things that may be triggering those feelings- alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar, refined carbohydrates, tobacco, etc and reduce those as much as possible.

In addition, look at getting a multivitamin/mineral that you can take daily. Often depressive symptoms are brought on by nutritional deficiencies.

And finally, and maybe most importantly, get some regular exercise. Walking, jogging, biking, anything to get out and get moving. You'll have a better sense of self, self control and a reduction of stress and anxiety. Take Care.

Hey you,

I miss your e-mails. I'm sorry you're having such a rotten time. I understand completely, as you know.

This past year has been quite trying, and I too got myself a counselor. It's been wonderful to have some additional grounding - I've been coping better with my wooziness since I've been calmer.

Take good care and drop me a line anytime. "J".

Hi Nate, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Glad you came here for help, there is a very supportive
network here. I just had to say alot of the symtoms you describe sound similiar to many of the symptoms I have had. I was told that I have dysthymia by my old therepist ( but I oftened begged to differ) Dysthmia is a low grade depression I was told, that can be very bothersome during your day to day living.

They say that sometimes people that are depressed are so busy distracting themselves or just worrying about being sick or tired that they don't recognize their depression.


Alot of the advice I have gotten from my therepist is the same advice Strait gave to you. Thanks Strait! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

But I just have to say again that ALL your symptoms do really ring a bell for me. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/idea.gif I think everyone feels these things once in a while but when it becomes agitataing and naws at you everyday , you will probably feel better if you talk to someone. Maybe you could start by asking your doctor how to deal with your depression -if that what he has diagnosed you with, or for a refferal to a phycologist/ect.

~Tweety~

Hey Wowwweee!!

I've missed you too!! I recently moved to a new city and lost all of my e-mail addresses!! How are you coping?? I did the whole candida diet, then took a test that revealed that I haven't got a candida problem. Gee what's new?? I then went to see another allergist and he really thinks (as many doctors do) that it's all depression and anxiety. YIKES!! So I think I'm going to seriously check it out. Alot of people on here know where I'm coming from, so I think I could be on the right track, ya know?? Please let me know how you are doing and what's happening in your search.

Be well!!
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
nate

Hi Nate

Im new here, But i had all those feelings you have. like some of the others you feel like your watching a film .. And your not really there ..
Yes that is a scary feeling . I have had anxiety for as long as i can remember ,finally went to see a therapist back in 95.
They wanted to put me on meds but i didnt want the meds. I said i want to do it without, if you need meds then take them whatever works for you . I bought a book called the anxiety and phobia workbook and of course depression goes hand in hand with anxiety.
I found tons of sites to read up on. And there are alot of books to help you cope with the symtoms, i found when these feelings were there you feel your are not in control of your own body . didnt like that . but some of these books made you see you do have control of your body .. My therapist always told me when i get to that point put a rubberband on my wrist and snap it , making me feel i snaped it so im in control. And alot of positive thinking, i use to be negative all the time.
Saying to myself im never gonna get better this is me . So i had to change my thinking and say no this is not me !!!! I did alot of meditating with watching a candle and just totally relaxing my mind and body, when my one friend said to watch the flame of a candle and just relax , im like yeah right!!!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bang.gif! my mind is going 240 and so is my body. But you know what it worked .
So there is alot we can do to feel better, you no i still get those feelings now and then but they dont run my life anymore and i am in charge ..

Be strong you can do it !!!!!!!!!!

Robin http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Hey Nate,

Yes, I've been down the Candida route, the vitamin route, the chiropractor route, the allergist route, the anxiety route, etc. I've been down so many routes that I've turned into a tree. Ha ha, get it? I feel blessed that I have the opportunity and the means investigate these different avenues, even if I haven't received a definitive diagnosis yet.

Anyway, I am not convinced that my symptoms are caused by anxiety, but I definitely know they increase with anxiety. I cope so much better with things in general when I am "practicing calm". Counseling has made a difference in how I react and act on things; I owe most of my changes to ME. Perseverence and courage.

Are we allowed to post e-mail addresses on here? [Nope. Paddington - Moderator http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/nono.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif]
LOTS of luv.

[This message has been edited by paddington (edited 05-09-2002).]

Hey Wowee and Nate!

I know im bumping this msg up from such an old spot.. but you said on here that you did the Candida diet thing? I was always wanting to try it but i'm told from EVERYONE that its a big waste of time.... because its only something that occurs in someone with a terrible immune system....
What are your symptoms?
Thanks!

Drew

uh what? who? where am I? I was just gonna do something.......yup-------depression does this.
You came to the right place!
Nice to meetcha! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Yes Nate, I totally relate(I'm a poet, ha!) I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms but it also helps me to feal that I'm not totally alone in this craziness. Yes, I have the spacy feeling a lot of the time and also have dizziness which I feel comes from just feeling overwhelmed a lot of the time. Seems I am caught up in my own head a lot of the time. With my anxiety I always feel that the worst is about to happen and it leaves me feeling drained and totally spacy. Like I said, I can relate and you're not alone. Let us know how you're doing!! Oh, by the way--I too have posted on the inner ear room b/c of my dizziness and off balance feelings. I have an app. for an ENT on Wed. but I have a feeling a lot of it is depression/anxiety. Candee

[This message has been edited by Candee (edited 09-09-2002).]