Diagnosed with depression - please help:( advice needed.

[Lizzy 0]

HI all,

Well we just sent off the AOS package, last week..thats a weight off my mind.

This is just a rant, i know i should not even be ranting, as i have what hundreds want...I got my visa, AOS is going well, I have the most wonderful husband, a fantastic daughter, nice family here in the US..

The thing is i was diagnosed with depression and panic attacks 3 weeks ago, i think its a mixture of my nana dying last year, i lived with her for a long time as a child and teenager, so she was like a mom, we had a miscarrage in APril and i miss the UK and my family so much, i cant work yet or drive.

The tablets i am on are not working and cause severe panic attacks when i try and come off them, i've managed to cut down to a mere 25mg. I'm allergic to SSRI, as i discovered 2 weeks ago, when i had an allergic reaction. SO i cant take those, there the Cymbalta, Paxal, Celexa etc.

I'm feeling panicky most of the time.... I'm going to see a psych this week, someone who can listen and provide me with the correct medication. All i seem to do is cry.. i don't know what to do:(

My husband is a rock and has helped immensely with my depression, he is always there for me and always understands.

Its not like me to air my laundry on VJ, but i really don't know what else to do.

Please come forward with any suggestions on what i could try..

Thanks for listening and sorry if i sound silly or unappreciative.

Mel

[JenT 0]

Hi Mel,

I don't have much advice to offer other than saying that the fact that you have acknowledged this and are taking active steps to address it is the BEST thing you can do right now. As hopeless as you may feel some days, try not to let those feelings overwhelm you. There IS help out there, and you WILL feel better. It's taken a long time for you to develop these feelings to the point where you are, and it will take time to work it out.

Don't give up. Focus on ONE 'happy thought' per day... your husband, your daughter, a happy memory... something to keep you from dwelling more than you should on your own feelings. You'll get the help you need... try to look ahead and take one step at a time.

** hugs **

Jen

[jamrok 0]

Lizzy, you are not alone in this boat. I have known this feelings for years. Tried many meds

and none worked.....it was so bad at one point that if affected my job and family life.

Then someone recommended a medication and I did not try it until months after. when I

finally tried it ....IT WORKED!!!!!!!!!! NO SIDE EFFECTS. PM me for more info. God Bless.

[Lou Lou 1]

Sorry you're feeling bad. I can offer advice on natural things to take if you don't want to take drugs.

It also sounds like you need to speak to a therapist who deals with grief and death to help with the loss of your nana and baby. That is a very tough time to go through, and to emigrate on top of all that has naturally taken its toll.

Take care of yourself

[KaiserD 12]

Had depression for a few years now but it's been really controllable for a while now.

There are a second type of anti depressent but unless you are very extreme manic/bi polar I don't know if they put you on that straight away?

Anyhow, if anti depressents arn't agreeing with you try St John's Wort (if you're on the pill, I suggest something else for a while). I don't know how this works but some people swear by it. All I know is my SSRIs did not fix my problem, but they gave me the strength to wrestle with my feelings that I had a higher chance of comming out on top.

I think the best thing that has helped me on my journey (besides a kinda practice- counsellor who gave me lots of leaflets and stuff) was the book "Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway". This was usefull for me because I had serious past issues.

As long as you are serious about making the effort to get better (some people just don't have the energy to even try, it's a hard one) then the answer is there. The first few steps are the hardest, but the feeling of getting control back into your life is really good

Hope that helps, feel free to PM me if you need someone to talk to

[KarenCee 3]

*HUGS*

I can't imagine what you're feeling but you know your VJ family is right here with you...when you need us.

[kirk and Jenny 0]

Many types of anti-depressants. I would try different prescribed ones until you find one that works. Paxil worked for me, but unfortuantely caused me problems sexually. If you find the right one life improves immensly. This is for major depression and not bi-polar depression. Wish you luck.

[Reba 2]

ugh...I tried Paxil, its nasty! Every known side effect, I got it!

then I was on Wellbutrin, and it worked very well for me. Yes, the initial 3 weeks were a bit tough. There's the jitters (about the same as drinking about 12 cups of espresso!) and other minor things, but after a few weeks (my doctor said 3 to 6, it took me 3) you'll figure out when is your best time to take it and you'll feel better. I had to take it with meals, breakfast and dinner, and ten I didn't get the jitters. And if I took it too late in the day I couldn't sleep, so I had to take the second dose before 6pm. But not everyone has the same side effects, so we all have to figure it out for ourselves by trial and error. My doctor was great and offered suggestions when I went in for follow ups.

I've been on a few different kinds of anti-depressants, and other than Elavil, I can't remember any of the names of them except already mentioned. Elavil worked for me too, its a lighter does I think, with few side effects. No idea if they have it in the US. I always remember Elavil tho, because I've seen pets prescribed it!

It'll get better. You just have to find the right treatment for you. And before you try Saint John's Wort, ask your doctor. It is usally not helpful for moderate to severe depressions.

You've been thru a lot, so dont let anyone make you feel guilty for how you're feeling. You can't help it, its a chemical imbalance in your brain triggered by life events. The death of a loved one, or a miscarriage can send anyone spiralling into depression. You've suffered both, Plus immigrating to a different country. Be proud that you're still functioning as well as you are, and just take it one day at a time. This too shall pass.

*hugs*

Edited October 17, 2006 by Reba

[desert_fox 32]

Anxiety and depression are two different things. Anxiety can lead to depression if untreated. Your doctor shoud know which you are suffering from and try different treatments until one works. Usually if its just anxiety, where you mind races and races, then something like XANAX works quite well, and will calm you down. You need to talk more with your doctor.

[Lizzy 0]

Thank you all so much for your replys.

It started about 3 weeks ago with me feeling breathless and having pains in my chest, Hubbys took me to first med ( a walk in clinic ) and they did the bloods, ECG, Chest xray - all clear.

I then told her i had been feeling down etc and she prescribed some AD, The side effects where horrid on EFFEXOR so i change to Celexa, these where the ones i had the allergic reaction too.

Now i'm on something else which is called Trazodone, i cant have lots of things on this drug , i think its a trycylic and if i even cut the dose down, i have a panic attack. She gave me a prescription for a years worth, with no mention on check ups or anything. I know you have to have regular blood tests on these.

This is why im going on to see a specialist.

I will keep you posted on my Psychiatrists visit on Friday.

Thank you all again.

[Reba 2]

she gave you a year's worth and didn't set appointments for follow up? ANY depression or anxiety patient should have regular follow ups. sheesh...what a system!

Hang in there, soon you'll find something that works, and a doctor that gives a damn!

[MrsAmera 41]

Trazadone is an anxiety medicine. My best friend is taking these and they seem to work well for her. Her doctor said to take one when she is having a panic/anxiety attack but what bugs her about it is that there is no way to prevent them - just stop it once it starts happening. Something to keep in mind. Also she has regular check-ups on them so you definetely should be having them. She also has been getting very very weird almost halucinogic dreams lately so they might need to take her off of it. Just something to watch for.

[knowledge 0]

Thank you all so much for your replys.

It started about 3 weeks ago with me feeling breathless and having pains in my chest, Hubbys took me to first med ( a walk in clinic ) and they did the bloods, ECG, Chest xray - all clear.

I then told her i had been feeling down etc and she prescribed some AD, The side effects where horrid on EFFEXOR so i change to Celexa, these where the ones i had the allergic reaction too.

Now i'm on something else which is called Trazodone, i cant have lots of things on this drug , i think its a trycylic and if i even cut the dose down, i have a panic attack. She gave me a prescription for a years worth, with no mention on check ups or anything. I know you have to have regular blood tests on these.

This is why im going on to see a specialist.

I will keep you posted on my Psychiatrists visit on Friday.

Thank you all again.

In all you'll choose to do, try to be well informed, i.e, a pharmacist is the best person to answer all your questions related to the side effects of the medications. And do not hesitate to ask lots of them. Second, if you cry, that's good, you let go your sadness...this is the emotional level, and a counselor, therapist or if you want more deeply, a psychoanalyst might be useful. There are many sorts...you can choose the one is convinient to you...Ideally a combination of medication and psychotherapy is also useful, and with the progress of psychotherapy, it's possible to diminish the pills till you'll stop them...

Overall, know it's ok to be sad, scared, panicking, life is also that...Losses, changes in life in a short period of time is overwhelming, especially with the pressures we face nowdays...Mourning is the key...and it begins with tears...You are the one who will find the way to get through it...Each person is different, each person has one's style to find what is best...This is your life, make what you want of it...and, at your path...!!!...