angst (redirected from Existential despair)

angst ¹ (ängkst)

n.

A feeling of anxiety or apprehension often accompanied by depression.

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angst ²

abbr.

angstrom

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Patient discussion about Existential despair.

Q. What is Bipolar disorder? How is it different from depression/anxiety? How is Bipolar Disorder different from social anxiety & depression? How do you tell the difference?? What are the different symptoms? How is it diagnosed? Is this disorder treated the same way as anxiety & depression?

A. The primary symptoms of bipolar disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. The illness has two strongly contrasting phases.

In the manic phase:

* Euphoria or irritability
* Excessive talk; racing thoughts
* Inflated self-esteem
* Unusual energy; less need for sleep
* Impulsiveness, a reckless pursuit of gratification -- shopping sprees, impetuous travel, more and sometimes promiscuous sex, high-risk business investments, fast driving
* Hallucinations and or delusions (in cases of bipolar disorder with psychotic features)

In the depressive phase:

* Depressed mood and low self-esteem
* Low energy levels and apathy
* Sadness, loneliness, helplessness, guilt
* Slow speech, fatigue, and poor coordination
* Insomnia or oversleeping
* Suicidal thoughts and feelings
* Poor concentration
* Lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities

Source: WebMd

Q. I just have so many muddled thoughts. I sometimes wonder if life will ever be normal again,I'm scared. Hi I'm a 37 year old female. I am battling anxiety & depression on a daily basis. I have a wonderful family and being mom to a beautiful 13 month old baby girl. I live with the fear of dying. I feel that there is something terminally wrong with me and nobody cares. The man I loved for 20 years and the father of my daughter has pretty much decided he'll see us at his convenience. I don't understand why he doesn't want us. I just have so many muddled thoughts. I sometimes wonder if life will ever be normal again. I'm so scared I’m going to die and leave. I'm just so lost and scared. I'm terrified to be alone with my baby in case I drop dead and she is left by herself. My heart is fine, my head is fine and there is nothing "medically" wrong with me the docs say. I just don't understand.

A. I must add here, that though I am suicidal in thought at times, seeing a counciller (free) has helped me to cope with living each day as it comes. Check with your local Family Services, and they will find you council to help with your problems for free.

Q. what about opiod use in anxiety and depression? vicodin, anxiety, depression

A. Opioids are chemicals that have a morphine-like action in the body. They are mainly used for pain relief. They work by binding to opioid receptors, which are found principally in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. They are not usually used for anxiety and depression.
Depression can occur from an unbalance of serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Antidepressants improve the symptoms by bringing these chemicals back into balance. The major types of antidepressants are: NDRIs- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs -Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and SNRIs -Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors.
The medications most often used to treat anxiety are from a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These medications are sometimes referred to as "tranquilizers," because they leave you feeling calm and relaxed. They work by decreasing the physical symptoms, such as muscle tension and restlessness.