a better hello - or at least longer!
Hey everybody,
Well, I’ve read through a lot of the archives and it seems like you
all are a great supportive group. So, I think I’ll take some time to
more thoroughly introduce myself and write about why I need to take
Celexa/Lexapro in the first place. If nothing else, it’s therapeutic
for me.
In a nutshell: STRESS!
At 42, I am worrying about an 80 year old father who I only see once or
twice a year and I can see he’s really slowing down faster and
faster. My mom (who I see usually twice a year) was diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s one year ago; it’s getting worse and worse. It’s
very difficult to care for her 1200 miles away and the only way to get
her into assisted living, which she can’t afford, is to have her
committed. I have a very smart strong willed four year old son. I
remember a few years ago when a good friend of mine looked at me and
said, “Oh, Kev, he’s strong willed.” I couldn’t
understand why there was a touch of sadness in her voice. Now I
understand. Being a school teacher in Texas doesn’t help to lighten
the stress load, either.
I know, I know, what I’m describing is called life.
I have a couple more major problems; specifically marriage difficulties
and heavy drinking. The latter contributes to the former. After a
separation, my wife and I began counseling. A big part of the problem is
that I have distanced myself, I retreat into my own world and stew over
things. I’m agitated easily, feel like everything is a hassle, and
generally I haven’t been real fun to be around. Then I get drunk
every night.
The counselor believes there likely is some chemical imbalance causing
the alienation and my retreating into my own little world; I may be
unconscientiously “self-medicating” with the alcohol. He
referred me to a psychiatrist to see if meds could provide some
relief we’ve kind of ruled out bipolar, depression may be
something I’ve had my whole life and never known it, and he thinks I
may be hyper. The hope is with Celexa (Lexapro after my next appt.),
Xanax as needed, and Ambien CR I can calm down, relax and enjoy life.
I hope this doesn’t fall straight into the “more than anyone
needed to know” category. I know there are groups out there for each
one of the problems I’ve described and I’ll keep my future posts
related to Lex and how it’s helping with my symptoms.
There you have it - pleased to meet you,
Kev