Author Archives: Simon Downes, MD, PhD

Medical educator

Effexor dosage –

I have been on Effexor for about 2 months to help with my social anxiety disorder. My doctor started me on 35.5mg a day for a week, then eventually upped to 75.5mg a day. At this point I was feeling fine. Eventually, my doctor increased the dosage to 225mg and then 300mg. Oddly enough when…More

Do I have social anxiety disorder?

I am afraid I might have social anxiety disorder. I am not a very timid person, but I feel uncomfortable if I am the center of attention, such as speaking in front of a large group. I turn bright red and begin sweating and I can’t keep eye contact. It doesn’t happen when I am…More

I think I am depressed

I think I am depressed. I have never been diagnosed by a doctor. I am not on any medication. I don’t have any allergies that I am aware of. I don’t have any defining point that caused the depression. I don’t cut myself or think about suicide. I’m not really sure what I feel. I…More

Best tips to avoid anxiety

We have all experienced anxiety, and while I really do not think there is a way to completely avoid anxiety, we can certainly develop good coping skills for when anxiety hits us. Let’s start with a clear definition of anxiety, and then discuss some coping strategies, and what to do if your anxiety is reaching…More

How to help a friend with depression

When you notice that a friend or family member has not been herself or himself for a few weeks, this may be an indication that they may have some form of depression. While only a professional can give a certain diagnosis, your close relationship with that person makes you very sensitive to their moods, and…More

Midlife crisis

I am 45 years old and I think I am going through a midlife crisis. I had a reunion with some college friends of mine this past weekend and after seeing how everyone else has grown, I feel like I haven’t. I started to think of all the things I’ve done, and none are noteworthy.…More

Suffering from severe insomnia and anxiety

I suffered from very severe insomnia and anxiety relating to relationship issues about 5 years ago. I have pretty much recovered from the anxiety now but I still experience insomnia. I have gone days without sleep before. I feel tension and aches throughout my body. I feel headaches and slowness. I thought my problems were…More

I think my arm is not a part of my body

I think I have a problem. I think my arm is not a part of my body. I feel as if my arm isn’t mine. I talked to psychiatrists about this and they tried to figure out my problem but it’s been months and I still feel this way and have seen no improvement. It…More

Trouble expressing my feelings to others

I had a question I’ve been thinking about for a bit. I am an introvert and have a bit of trouble expressing my feelings to others. Many people, including family and friends, are unable to gauge how I’m doing because I don’t share much information. I just feel a bit awkward when there is a…More