[madscientist]

I've been mostly lurking around the mental health part of the boards, but figured it would be good to introduce myself and say hello to everyone. We can only isolate so much, right?

Anyway, I've been dealing with my current bout of major depression and anxiety for the last 3 years or so. I spent most of the first two years focusing on traditional talk therapy with some CBT aspects added in, trying to avoid having to go the medication route, for a few reasons.

About a year ago I bottomed out emotionally and decided that I needed to look at all the available options because the way things were going, it just wasn't to a good place. I started seeing a pdoc and got on meds. It worked wonders for my anxiety, but not as much as I would have liked for the depression, but it was back to a manageable level for the most part.

Through a variety of factors, including my pdoc and therapist continually being on my case for drinking while on the meds, family concern, and some really stupid behavior I realized a I had to quit drinking in July 2007.

I've recently switched over to Effexor XR and another med for anxiety. The Effexor seems to be helping with energy levels at least, the anxiety meds I'm not quite so enthralled with. But, I know it takes time to figure out the balance. I'm just a wee bit impatient sometimes. lol.

Well, that's a little about me. Hope to see you all around.