Gabbi, I was diagnosed with Mixed Bipolar Depression as a Major Depressive DO. We've communicated before up in the intro. I do experience mood swings, anger outbursts, explosive tendencies, anhedonia, depression, persistent severe anxiety, paranoia, mild delusional beliefs, but very seldom mania- I'm pretty sure the cocktail I'm on curbs it. I have had suicidal ideations and considered self-injury. Also, I am socially isolated.
I think you need to recognize the gift that comes with your curse. Your are probably very insightful and emotionally intelligent- keep using this too your advantage to help others. You are going to be okay!!! It is often too difficult to subjectively feel this way- others have to objectively inform you. I took Zoloft for a while and it did not help enough. Zoloft, Paxtel, Prozac, Serzone, Celexa, Efexor, Buspar, etc are all SSRI's used to treated Unipolar Depression. You may benefit from a Mood Stabilizer such as Lithium, Lamictal, Trileptol, or Depakote. The latter 3 are anti-epileleptic meds that have profound behavioral effects in people not suffering from Epilepsy or Seizure DO. I have worked in clincial settings and have seen their effectiveness. Also, I currently take the first 2 I mentioned. Lithium is a simple salt and may be the best starting point. You will need occasional blood work to check levels. Also, if anxiety becomes too severe, Klonopin is an option because unlike Xanax, it it time released. Xanax is only good for Panic attacks because it's effects are short lived. I'm telling you all this so you can be well educated when you see your doctor; be sure to ask the right questions and let him or her know that you know what your talking about. If your doctor does in fact clinically diagnose you with BDO or some variant, you should demand to have effective neuroleptic treatment. I hope this helps and I got to you before your appointment. Good luck and let me know what happens.
