Hi,
I had my stroke a year ago (June 6, 2009). In the hospital I was put on antidepressants; when I was in inpatiant rehab, I saw a psychiatrist (that makes for an interesting session--I was just relearning to talk so he had to ask all yes/no questions). He put me on Wellbutrin and added BuSpar for the anxiety. I was given Xanax for when I would freak out. Since then, I have stayed on the medications and doubled the BuSpar. Even with the antidepressants, I still have some trouble with depression--mostly crying jags--I can't even imagine trying to go without! Increasing the BuSpar seemed to lessen the panicky feelings and I woke up less during the night. I still use the Xanax occasionally, because I have social anxiety--if I'm at all tired, I will just start crying in social settings. I also have difficulty with extreme emotional responses around groups of people--mostly laughing and crying. Strangers and known people can both trigger it, but it's usually large groups. I had problems with depression and anxiety even before the stroke, so I don't think I'll be going off the meds any time soon! It's kind of of a viscous cycle, because I also have to take medicine for more "energy" because I have extreme fatigue. I, too, think that many of my issues have to do with balance. In certain situations I become paralyzed with fear--for some reason public restrooms are a nightmare and large rooms and counters trigger extreme fear. After those experiences, it is very difficult to restore any emotional control. So that's my story--hope that's what you were looking for!
