depression? i have anxiety, back and muscle aches, sadness, think im dying, sleep too much and disturbances, cant eat, bloated, angry, headaches, irritable..etc..ppl think im going through depression and nees meds other then xanax.

Also tired and no energy all day and all I wanna do is sleep so I don't feel this way.

Hi Melgg09,

It certainly sounds like you may have major depressive disorder; however, there are other disorders that could also explain your symptoms.

If you haven't had a physical exam by your regular doctor I strongly recommend that you do so to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing many of these symptoms as well. I also recommend that you set up an appointment with a mental health professional for an evaluation and to start psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help address the underlying issues (if a medical condition is ruled out) that are causing these symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also help you learn ways to cope with, manage, and reduce the symptoms.

You imply that you are on Xanax. Xanax is a very strong medication sometimes used in the short term treatment of anxiety. It is highly addictive and should never be taken for more than 3-4 weeks or so. Also, you should never take more than prescribed. If you have been taking Xanax for a long period of time you may have developed a dependence on it. If that has happened, you do not want to stop it suddenly (that could lead to seizures and other withdrawal symptoms); rather you would need to gradually taper it under the guidance of a medical professional.

I hope you are able to get the help you need so you can start feeling better soon.

Thank you so much. I've only taken about four xanax over the past month. I don't like narcotics. I believe I need a long term anti depressant and anti anxiety med...I'm going to the doc thur for a full blood test and woman exam to rule out other things and.talk with her about.depression.

I'm glad to hear you haven't been taking a lot of Xanax. However, I do encourage you to not attempt to treat both your depression and anxiety with medication only. In my experience, psychotherapy is a better long term treatment, supplemented with medication only if indicated. But medications alone are never a good treatment for either disorder. They also have many side effects.

Primary care doctors and other medical doctors will often prescribe antidepressants, but that doesn't mean it's what is best for you.

While I am glad you are planning to see your doctor, I still recommend that you also set up an appointment with a psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or other licensed therapist to address the anxiety and depression via talk therapy (unless a medical condition is causing most of the symptoms). Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective types of therapy for treating both disorders.