Hi all!

Just joined this forum by a recommendation from a friend. I've dealt with anxiety and depression my whole life and have recently sort of added bipolar to the mix...not exactly bipolar though. My dx is "unspecified bipolar" so technically, I only have experienced what are mood elevations similar to bipolar(2) actually.

Generally I'd describe my depression as mild, but back in like 2016, I went through a terrible ordeal that left me feeling my worst depression ever...or at least what I can remember. I had hard times growing up too, specifically in college, but it's been a long time since then and I guess I'd forgotten how bad it could be. When I finally got officially diagnosed, it came to that "unspecified bipolar" but presenting with a depressed episode. Anyway,

This is an intro so I'll keep it brief for now. I've also been diagnosed GAD.. In fact, when I first started seeing a pdoc in 2016/2017, I was presenting so heavily with this anxiety that I needed medication just so that I could get through a therapy session and so that the mental health team could truly figure out my underlying issues. I'd say I'm pretty med dependant on anti anxiety meds now as well as antidepressants. Tried an antipsychotic (Abilify and Latuda before that), but it wasn't really making a difference. In fact, I only just felt more depressed.

Ok, well, I think that's pretty much it. Oh! Except that over the past few months ive also been suffering from OCD behaviors that have never really een there before as well as increased use of the internet. (I consider it an addiction) I have had phases of this before but always had justification. I still have excuses now, but the fact that i feel i NEED this right now is a little concerning...i felt this way back right before that whole ordeal in 2016, and that didn't end well. While it isn't the exact same circumstances, it has led me to be more cautious.

Ok, well this is long so, thanks for reading!

Hi GeeLuv

Welcome to NeuroTalk .

I hope that you will find support and encouragement for your mental health issues here.

All the best.

Welcome. I have several mh diagnoses including GAD. It certainly can make therapy more difficult (it did for me anyway). The standard advice of “meds and therapy” is probably helpful for many. If only one is offered that is often less helpful. Unless the condition is mild. Jmo.