Hello , new to this site, most impressed with the amount of caring displayed. I have been diagnosed with ocd, depression and anxiety, Had a breakdown 8 months ago, havent been the same since. It is the worst I have ever been, with anxiety, ocd, depression, I couldnt remember what day it was, if I fed the kids 5 minutes ago. Couldnt find my way home. I am slowly rebuilding myself, but the breakdown I had scared me to death. I was told by some well meaning person, that I was going through a spiritual experience and that is why I was experiencing this. After my initial panic it took me 8 months to calm down as I didnt want any spiritual crisis happening to me. Well now I dont believe it was a spiritual thing, but more to do with my mental illness and perhaps peri menopause. I experience, hot flushes, visual disturbances, wobbly legs lol, feel like im falling iin my body. I am wondering if I am going through peri menopause, I am 38 years old. Can anyone else relate? I was so vulnerable, that what this person said to me, (its a long story) scared me to death and I believed it. This is the first time I have been so gullible by the way. I am so easily freaked lately, it truly is a scarey thing to be experiencing
thankyou for listening
sylvia
Full Version: Mental illness and possible perimenopause
Power Surge Forums > Board Discussions > Living With Serious Mental And/Or Physical Health Disorders Plus Menopause!
Oh Sylvia, I'm so sorry you are having to deal with all this. Yes, you most certainly can be going through peri at your age, it seems to be happening at younger ages these days. It's most likely exacerbating your other mental health issues.
I've never had anxiety or panic, but this past year they both hit me full force at age 55 after starting to skip periods. It was pure hell. I was having heart palps and other scary symptoms and went into major panic and anxiety about them which, of course, made them worse. I was so inward-focused and became reclusive and had no energy or motivation do to much at all.
I did find that I have an autoimmune thyroid problem along with adrenal fatigue, which can cause all those mental health issues you have. Now that I'm on medication for both and a little bit of estrogen, I'm much more sane, no more panic, no longer reclusive, I just joined Curves and am exercising for the first time in a couple of years.
Thyroid problems are becoming very common in women, have you had the right thyroid tests done? I've known women who had those same issues as you--depression, anxiety, OCD--who no longer have those issues after getting their thyroid properly treated.
For now, taking a high-dose B-Complex a couple times a day along with some magnesium can really help a lot to calm you down and help with anxiety and depression.
There are things you can do to feel better, so don't despair.
I've never had anxiety or panic, but this past year they both hit me full force at age 55 after starting to skip periods. It was pure hell. I was having heart palps and other scary symptoms and went into major panic and anxiety about them which, of course, made them worse. I was so inward-focused and became reclusive and had no energy or motivation do to much at all.
I did find that I have an autoimmune thyroid problem along with adrenal fatigue, which can cause all those mental health issues you have. Now that I'm on medication for both and a little bit of estrogen, I'm much more sane, no more panic, no longer reclusive, I just joined Curves and am exercising for the first time in a couple of years.
Thyroid problems are becoming very common in women, have you had the right thyroid tests done? I've known women who had those same issues as you--depression, anxiety, OCD--who no longer have those issues after getting their thyroid properly treated.
For now, taking a high-dose B-Complex a couple times a day along with some magnesium can really help a lot to calm you down and help with anxiety and depression.
There are things you can do to feel better, so don't despair.
Hi, you are probably in the beginning stages of perimenopause. Your anxiety is probably exacerbated at this stage in life, as when one enters perimenopause, symptoms that one had before is magnified at this stage in life. It sounds like you are dealing with anxiety and your symptoms you described on another forum sounds like disassociation, from what others have described them to be. Anxiety can cause so many symptoms and one of them is a fear of going mad. When we start going through these changes, we don't understand it and it tends to mess with our minds which in turn can cause anxiety and depression. Try to read on here and you will realize you are not alone. Your symptoms are common with other women on here. Once you know, it is related to anxiety and most likely hormonal imbalance you will start to feel better and realize it is not you going crazy. Please hang in there and be reassured.
Also, you are describing what we call "brain fog" which is very common in anxiety and also peri/menopause.
Hi,
I have experienced severe depression that began in peri-menopause, and everything you mentioned is familiar to me!
It IS going to get better - tell yourself that, even though it's hard to believe, because it's true! I don't know if major depression is a "spiritual" experience or not - certainly it changed me. It's a frightening thing to go thru', so we do remain unsettled afterward for awhile.
Are you on anti-depressants? I was helped by Lexapro, although it took 4 months before I REALLY felt more myself, and I remained shaky for the first year.
Please do your best not to be afraid of what you experienced. These are "classic" signs of depression: the brain fog and confusion, personality disintegration (that scared the bejingle out of me!). There's a strange sense of being both cotton-headed and agitated at the same time.
You might be helped by getting a copy of Claire Weekes' book Hope and Help for Your Nerves. Many libraries have it, or you can get it at a bookstore - they'll order it for you. Or of course, online. MANY women on Power-Surge have been helped by this book, which teaches us how not to fear the strange sensations that go with anxiety and depression. Although they feel bizarre and scary, they are well-known to specialists, and are "normal" under the circumstances.
It's best for now to take each day/moment as it comes, knowing that these feelings CAN improve in time.
(((HUGS)))
JJ
I have experienced severe depression that began in peri-menopause, and everything you mentioned is familiar to me!
It IS going to get better - tell yourself that, even though it's hard to believe, because it's true! I don't know if major depression is a "spiritual" experience or not - certainly it changed me. It's a frightening thing to go thru', so we do remain unsettled afterward for awhile.
Are you on anti-depressants? I was helped by Lexapro, although it took 4 months before I REALLY felt more myself, and I remained shaky for the first year.
Please do your best not to be afraid of what you experienced. These are "classic" signs of depression: the brain fog and confusion, personality disintegration (that scared the bejingle out of me!). There's a strange sense of being both cotton-headed and agitated at the same time.
You might be helped by getting a copy of Claire Weekes' book Hope and Help for Your Nerves. Many libraries have it, or you can get it at a bookstore - they'll order it for you. Or of course, online. MANY women on Power-Surge have been helped by this book, which teaches us how not to fear the strange sensations that go with anxiety and depression. Although they feel bizarre and scary, they are well-known to specialists, and are "normal" under the circumstances.
It's best for now to take each day/moment as it comes, knowing that these feelings CAN improve in time.
(((HUGS)))
JJ
QUOTE (joliejacq @ Dec 5 2008, 11:48 AM) 
Hi,
I have experienced severe depression that began in peri-menopause, and everything you mentioned is familiar to me!
It IS going to get better - tell yourself that, even though it's hard to believe, because it's true! I don't know if major depression is a "spiritual" experience or not - certainly it changed me. It's a frightening thing to go thru', so we do remain unsettled afterward for awhile.
Are you on anti-depressants? I was helped by Lexapro, although it took 4 months before I REALLY felt more myself, and I remained shaky for the first year.
Please do your best not to be afraid of what you experienced. These are "classic" signs of depression: the brain fog and confusion, personality disintegration (that scared the bejingle out of me!). There's a strange sense of being both cotton-headed and agitated at the same time.
You might be helped by getting a copy of Claire Weekes' book Hope and Help for Your Nerves. Many libraries have it, or you can get it at a bookstore - they'll order it for you. Or of course, online. MANY women on Power-Surge have been helped by this book, which teaches us how not to fear the strange sensations that go with anxiety and depression. Although they feel bizarre and scary, they are well-known to specialists, and are "normal" under the circumstances.
It's best for now to take each day/moment as it comes, knowing that these feelings CAN improve in time.
(((HUGS)))
JJ
I have experienced severe depression that began in peri-menopause, and everything you mentioned is familiar to me!
It IS going to get better - tell yourself that, even though it's hard to believe, because it's true! I don't know if major depression is a "spiritual" experience or not - certainly it changed me. It's a frightening thing to go thru', so we do remain unsettled afterward for awhile.
Are you on anti-depressants? I was helped by Lexapro, although it took 4 months before I REALLY felt more myself, and I remained shaky for the first year.
Please do your best not to be afraid of what you experienced. These are "classic" signs of depression: the brain fog and confusion, personality disintegration (that scared the bejingle out of me!). There's a strange sense of being both cotton-headed and agitated at the same time.
You might be helped by getting a copy of Claire Weekes' book Hope and Help for Your Nerves. Many libraries have it, or you can get it at a bookstore - they'll order it for you. Or of course, online. MANY women on Power-Surge have been helped by this book, which teaches us how not to fear the strange sensations that go with anxiety and depression. Although they feel bizarre and scary, they are well-known to specialists, and are "normal" under the circumstances.
It's best for now to take each day/moment as it comes, knowing that these feelings CAN improve in time.
(((HUGS)))
JJ
thank you all for your replies, I will definitely take you advise on board
QUOTE (sylvia1970 @ Dec 5 2008, 02:20 PM)
Hello , new to this site, most impressed with the amount of caring displayed. I have been diagnosed with ocd, depression and anxiety, Had a breakdown 8 months ago, havent been the same since. It is the worst I have ever been, with anxiety, ocd, depression, I couldnt remember what day it was, if I fed the kids 5 minutes ago. Couldnt find my way home. I am slowly rebuilding myself, but the breakdown I had scared me to death. I was told by some well meaning person, that I was going through a spiritual experience and that is why I was experiencing this. After my initial panic it took me 8 months to calm down as I didnt want any spiritual crisis happening to me. Well now I dont believe it was a spiritual thing, but more to do with my mental illness and perhaps peri menopause. I experience, hot flushes, visual disturbances, wobbly legs lol, feel like im falling iin my body. I am wondering if I am going through peri menopause, I am 38 years old. Can anyone else relate? I was so vulnerable, that what this person said to me, (its a long story) scared me to death and I believed it. This is the first time I have been so gullible by the way. I am so easily freaked lately, it truly is a scarey thing to be experiencing
thankyou for listening
sylvia
thankyou for listening
sylvia
Dear Sylvia
Had exactly the same experience as you at age 39 and I was completely overwhelmed with depression,strange phobias,repetative thoughts,insomnia and anxiety.I was a shaking nervous wreck.Knew nothing about Menopause so went to se a Psychiatrist.I had lost loads of weight as food sickened me.
He put me on Prozac and that together with Xanax,to be used as needed,really helped.Still I knew everything was not right so when I had my annual Gyno. exam was told I was fully Menopausal.Non functioning ovaries and some vaginal atrophy.Big shock.The Doctor,a kind and patient man,put me on synthetic HRT and after six weeks things felt so much better.
And yes at this time you do feel very vulnerable and fragile as if everything is no longer right.I never felt I was having a spiritual experience.It was too frightening and odd.
I am now 57 and really doing very well.You will get out of all this Sylvia I promise you.It just takes the proper medications or herbal supplements and maybe bio-identical hormones to get you back on track.
Please stay strong
Insist on the help you need and come back often to keep us posted
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
QUOTE (joyceveronica @ Dec 6 2008, 08:44 AM)
Dear Sylvia
Had exactly the same experience as you at age 39 and I was completely overwhelmed with depression,strange phobias,repetative thoughts,insomnia and anxiety.I was a shaking nervous wreck.Knew nothing about Menopause so went to se a Psychiatrist.I had lost loads of weight as food sickened me.
He put me on Prozac and that together with Xanax,to be used as needed,really helped.Still I knew everything was not right so when I had my annual Gyno. exam was told I was fully Menopausal.Non functioning ovaries and some vaginal atrophy.Big shock.The Doctor,a kind and patient man,put me on synthetic HRT and after six weeks things felt so much better.
And yes at this time you do feel very vulnerable and fragile as if everything is no longer right.I never felt I was having a spiritual experience.It was too frightening and odd.
I am now 57 and really doing very well.You will get out of all this Sylvia I promise you.It just takes the proper medications or herbal supplements and maybe bio-identical hormones to get you back on track.
Please stay strong
Insist on the help you need and come back often to keep us posted
Elizabeth, I just wanted to say what an inspiration you are on PS. I am so glad you are here share your experience with others, especially the younger women who think they are too young, as you have proven that they are not. Thanks again. Happy Holidays my friend!!!
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
Had exactly the same experience as you at age 39 and I was completely overwhelmed with depression,strange phobias,repetative thoughts,insomnia and anxiety.I was a shaking nervous wreck.Knew nothing about Menopause so went to se a Psychiatrist.I had lost loads of weight as food sickened me.
He put me on Prozac and that together with Xanax,to be used as needed,really helped.Still I knew everything was not right so when I had my annual Gyno. exam was told I was fully Menopausal.Non functioning ovaries and some vaginal atrophy.Big shock.The Doctor,a kind and patient man,put me on synthetic HRT and after six weeks things felt so much better.
And yes at this time you do feel very vulnerable and fragile as if everything is no longer right.I never felt I was having a spiritual experience.It was too frightening and odd.
I am now 57 and really doing very well.You will get out of all this Sylvia I promise you.It just takes the proper medications or herbal supplements and maybe bio-identical hormones to get you back on track.
Please stay strong
Insist on the help you need and come back often to keep us posted
Elizabeth, I just wanted to say what an inspiration you are on PS. I am so glad you are here share your experience with others, especially the younger women who think they are too young, as you have proven that they are not. Thanks again. Happy Holidays my friend!!!
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
Wow, my post got all jumbled up in yours, sorry about that. Will repost it below.
Elizabeth, I just wanted to say what an inspiration you are on PS. I am so glad you are here to share your experience with others, especially the younger women who think they are too young, as you have proven that they are not. Thanks again. Happy Holidays my friend!!!
Jas
Elizabeth, I just wanted to say what an inspiration you are on PS. I am so glad you are here to share your experience with others, especially the younger women who think they are too young, as you have proven that they are not. Thanks again. Happy Holidays my friend!!!
Jas
QUOTE (bchgrl65 @ Dec 6 2008, 08:16 PM)
Wow, my post got all jumbled up in yours, sorry about that. Will repost it below.
Elizabeth, I just wanted to say what an inspiration you are on PS. I am so glad you are here to share your experience with others, especially the younger women who think they are too young, as you have proven that they are not. Thanks again. Happy Holidays my friend!!!
Jas
Elizabeth, I just wanted to say what an inspiration you are on PS. I am so glad you are here to share your experience with others, especially the younger women who think they are too young, as you have proven that they are not. Thanks again. Happy Holidays my friend!!!
Jas
And Very Happy Holidays to you my love!
I love to share because no-one should be left alone.We girls- young and old have to stick together!
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth
QUOTE (sylvia1970 @ Dec 5 2008, 05:20 AM)
Hello , new to this site, most impressed with the amount of caring displayed. I have been diagnosed with ocd, depression and anxiety, Had a breakdown 8 months ago, havent been the same since. It is the worst I have ever been, with anxiety, ocd, depression, I couldnt remember what day it was, if I fed the kids 5 minutes ago. Couldnt find my way home. I am slowly rebuilding myself, but the breakdown I had scared me to death. I was told by some well meaning person, that I was going through a spiritual experience and that is why I was experiencing this. After my initial panic it took me 8 months to calm down as I didnt want any spiritual crisis happening to me. Well now I dont believe it was a spiritual thing, but more to do with my mental illness and perhaps peri menopause. I experience, hot flushes, visual disturbances, wobbly legs lol, feel like im falling iin my body. I am wondering if I am going through peri menopause, I am 38 years old. Can anyone else relate? I was so vulnerable, that what this person said to me, (its a long story) scared me to death and I believed it. This is the first time I have been so gullible by the way. I am so easily freaked lately, it truly is a scarey thing to be experiencing
thankyou for listening
sylvia
thankyou for listening
sylvia
Sylvia, It was around your age that my periods got weird. I would spot for days before having a period. I had anxiety for so many years though and had never heard of Peri menopause, so never attributed symptoms to it back then. I will say this, I don't believe that you are having any sort of Spiritual Experience. If you mean spiritual in the sense of God, then I would definitely say NO. The bible is full of scriptures that deal with fear. 1 Timothy 1-7 says "For God did NOT give us a SPIRIT of FEAR, but of LOVE, POWER and a SOUND MIND." We are not to Worry. The bible goes on to talk about how God cares for the birds of the fields. They do not worry about what they will eat, nor wear. Have you ever seen a bird sitting in a tree having a NERVOUS BREAKDOWN? I say this to myself all the time. But feel pretty confidant that birds don't go through peri menopause either. LOL. To be honest, at times I feel like I am in an episode of "One flew over the Cukoo's Nest." Hang in there, we are all on the same branch together..........lol
Hi Sylvia i am sorry to hear you going through all this crap!! i had anxiety since my twenties and a year and half ago i felt like i was going crazy for like 8 months. i was on a hrt, which i thought helped but made me worse. After i went on Ad and off hrt i miraclously got better. so my thought was the hrt making me worse or was it really anxiety and depression? Anxiety and peri menopause have a like symptoms and its hard to figure out which is which. I know a hormone test will probably do no good as your hormones tend to flucuate.I am 50 and sometimes i really wonder if i am peri or its anxiety. I wish you the best and hopefully you can see a gyno with knowledge and they can help you. This site has many lovely ladies, get on chat sometimes and meet the crew we are a blast. Hugs Terry
QUOTE (sylvia1970 @ Dec 5 2008, 06:20 AM)
Hello , new to this site, most impressed with the amount of caring displayed. I have been diagnosed with ocd, depression and anxiety, Had a breakdown 8 months ago, havent been the same since. It is the worst I have ever been, with anxiety, ocd, depression, I couldnt remember what day it was, if I fed the kids 5 minutes ago. Couldnt find my way home. I am slowly rebuilding myself, but the breakdown I had scared me to death. I was told by some well meaning person, that I was going through a spiritual experience and that is why I was experiencing this. After my initial panic it took me 8 months to calm down as I didnt want any spiritual crisis happening to me. Well now I dont believe it was a spiritual thing, but more to do with my mental illness and perhaps peri menopause. I experience, hot flushes, visual disturbances, wobbly legs lol, feel like im falling iin my body. I am wondering if I am going through peri menopause, I am 38 years old. Can anyone else relate? I was so vulnerable, that what this person said to me, (its a long story) scared me to death and I believed it. This is the first time I have been so gullible by the way. I am so easily freaked lately, it truly is a scarey thing to be experiencing
thankyou for listening yes sylvia i can relate- 18 mos ago i had a break down, ended up in hospital for 3 days, with out my consent- it was terrible, it scares me every day that it will come back, that fear of not being in control of your thoughts or body or actions , it was bad, i had delusions- hearing things seeing things paranoia- thought the dr. were out to hurt me, it satarted out as depression and over 5 days got worse lasted about 10 days then i was completely normal, it was so weird, but there is not a day goes by that i dont fear that it will come back, i just do alot of praying and reading every one elses problems , it helps ( misery loves company ) hope you feel better im 49 next month and it s been a great year so far...
sylvia
thankyou for listening yes sylvia i can relate- 18 mos ago i had a break down, ended up in hospital for 3 days, with out my consent- it was terrible, it scares me every day that it will come back, that fear of not being in control of your thoughts or body or actions , it was bad, i had delusions- hearing things seeing things paranoia- thought the dr. were out to hurt me, it satarted out as depression and over 5 days got worse lasted about 10 days then i was completely normal, it was so weird, but there is not a day goes by that i dont fear that it will come back, i just do alot of praying and reading every one elses problems , it helps ( misery loves company ) hope you feel better im 49 next month and it s been a great year so far...
sylvia
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