I'new to this site. I just want to say that I'm 26 years old and I feel I haven't done much with the past 3 years of my life. When I was in college, I had some friends, I did interesting internships. When I graduated I did a backpacking trip to Europe. But I haven't done anything cool since. I don't go out anymore, I don't have any friends, let alone girl friends. I'm a shy person and it really screws up my life, I don't know what to do. I've read the posts about different meds but they all seem to say that there are side effects and it is not really worth it.
You can be my friend :-) I have the same situation. Since I graduated from college ten years ago I have not had a girlfriend. I have a husband, kids, coworkers, sister, but no girlfriends. Don't let all the talk of medication side effects scare you. I would much rather take some minor side effects than suffer from depression. I have no side effects from Wellbutrin and only minor ones from imipramine. Give it a try. If it doesn't work out for you, you can stop taking the medication and at least you'll know that you gave it a shot.
Your not alone. You can always feel free to chat with anyone here. Know that your life will get better with time (like wine). If you ever need an ear, Ill be here for you.
Hi axc146, Welcome tto the board.You will find everyone here is so nice and supportive.It sounds to me like you might have social anxiety.Some of the meds that people mentioned on here can be a great help.I know since i've been on meds.i'm not as shy as I used to be.Alot of the side effects that are mentioned ususally goes away after a couple of weeks.I know with myself they did.After that you just feel better and don't feel any side effects at all.If you feel you need to go on meds. you really should talk to your doctor.Once you find the right med for you it will be worth it.It sounds to me like your life has already been exciting.If you get help you can get that back.Good luck to you.
Joanne <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif">
Hi AXC,
Remember you are never alone. You just need to seek out and find support as you have done here. That is a great first step. If I were you, I'd go talk to your doctor and see if they think an antidepressant may help your situation. The benefit of a good anti-d outweighs the side effects, so don't be too concerned about that.
I also wanted to let you know that I am too 26 and its a weird age. You've grown past the immaturity of the teens and early 20's, not quite fully appreciated as a woman. Friends start to become few and far between, but I believe that is because they are truly starting their lives. It's harder to keep contact because of busy schedules, but I bet if you called an old friend and asked them to have dinner they'd love it. I am married, so it seems my friends think I am unavailable for girls night out. That's the furthest thing from the truth!!!
It may take some effort on your part, but I think you can reach out to people and develop friendships. If you feel something like depression may be holding you back from doing this, by all means see a doctor and get the meds. Look out for #1 my freind!!!
Hugs,
Kris
youre not alone but i dont agree the meds arent worth it and not all the sde effects are terrible you adjust.
some meds never give some people side effects.
oddly enough a person will go to the store when they have the flu or a cold and get cold meds, theyll go home take the meds. If they have a light headedness, or a fluttering of the chest things like they they just stop taking that one, then go back to the store and get a different type.
Here's what I would do to change things. I'd get a good self-esteem book to learn about my self-defeating behaviour and I'd find some way to mix with people. It can be very uncomfortable at first, so I'd either join a sport or hobby group or do volunteer work. When your confidence and social skills improve you can branch out. The first step can be the hardest. Maybe you could confide in someone?
