CNN.com - Health - Mental Health Experts

I feel like a new person after getting on the right meds

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:31:45 GMT

I don't have a question. However, I would like to make a comment. I found the antidepressant Lamictal to be a godsend. I feel like a new person since I've been taking it. I also take Neurontin, which really takes the edge off. I feel for the person who can't find the right medicine. Don't give up, keep trying new drugs.

How can I keep my depression from recurring?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:26:36 GMT

It is known that people who have had a depressive episode have a high chance of experiencing a second depressive episode. It seems that people are more "sensitive" to stress/life events (kindling hypothesis). What options are available for people who had a depressive episode in the past, to avoid having a recurrence or at least lower the chances of a recurrence in the future?

How can a new mom who's lost her own mom battle depression?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:30:07 GMT

My mom died nine months ago, and two days later, I gave birth to my daughter (she was full term, actually late, and completely healthy). I have been struggling with depression and all sorts of other medical problems since my mom passed. I cannot seem to get past crying over my mom. I cried all the time. We were very close, and losing her has been very hard. At the time, my husband was in Iraq, so I was dealing with a newborn by myself, as well as the loss of my best friend, my mom.

Will I ever feel really secure in my life?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:42:51 GMT

I have had a quite a few ups and downs in my life. I have had depression since I was 8 years old. (I am now 26 and was diagnosed as bipolar three years ago.) In my lifetime, I have suffered major emotional abuse and betrayals from a variety of people, not to mention rough circumstances (losing a job last year, and unstable conditions in my current job). I have now gotten to a point where I've become obsessive about money due to fears of once again becoming unemployed, and I find myself drifting away from friends because I don't feel safe being close to anyone any more. It's scary for me because I went through a major depressive episode from ages 14 to 18, and I had to fight just to keep myself alive (medication was not available for me at the time, either). I've fought so hard just to get to my current point in life, which was graduating from college and living independently. I'm just so terrified of losing everything that I've fought for and returning to those lows, but I feel like I have to strike it out on my own just to maintain myself. Is there any chance of me ever feeling any form of security in my life ever again?

How can I help my child with OCD make decisions?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:49:14 GMT

My 11-year-old daughter got a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) about six months ago. She is not currently on any medication but has been regularly seeing a therapist.

Could my child's ADHD drug be causing mood swings, aggression?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:27:12 GMT

Can a stimulant medication for ADHD make the child taking it have mood swings and violent aggression?

What can cause depression in a 12-year-old?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:08:28 GMT

What can cause depression when you're 12 years old?

How can I make the voice in my head stop?

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:43:25 GMT

I am a 50-year-old male and have been experiencing a voice talking to me. I lost most of my central vision about 11 years ago from a virus and am legally blind. I was diagnosed with depression two years ago by my doctor and he put me on 20 mg of paroxetine a day. I have always been an antisocial person but even more so after losing most of my vision. For the last several months there has been a voice talking to me. It just carries on normal conversations and warns me of various things, remarks about the news, people, daily activities (don't eat that, eat this instead), stay away from this or that person because they are out to harm you, your neighbors are watching you, etc. What is happening to me? Can you give me some suggestions on how to make the voice stop? I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you can give me. Thank You

Can keeping a routine help control bipolar symptoms?

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:29:39 GMT

I have a diagnosis of brittle bipolar disorder. Most peer-reviewed literature tells me that setting up concrete routines (daily, work, home, etc.) is a good way to help control symptoms. Is this true? Is it an important tool or just speculation? How can I work with my employer/coworkers to limit my symptoms with routines?

Can a manic episode look like a tantrum?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:00:32 GMT

My friend's 20-year-old daughter has been diagnosed as bipolar. I have seen the depressive effects, but can you tell me how someone who is having a manic episode would behave? This girl yells, screams, swears, kicks the walls, uses inappropriate language to her parents and it usually happens when she is not getting her way. It looks like a temper tantrum to me.