Need help with depression

[outset2]

For many years I’ve delt with minor depression. Starting in 2003 it got much worse mostly due to some major events. I won’t go into too much detail but a relationship break up, health issues and some minor substance abuse seemed to push me to my limit. I used all the resources available to me to try and get help. I never had expected to be in that situation but I was very disappointed in the help I received. My family doctor wanted to put me on anti depressant meds after talking to me about my problems for five minutes and was reluctant to give me any meds to help me sleep just because I was honest about my substance abuse.

I went to see a physiatrist and he disagreed with my doctor about putting me on meds and said that we could treat this problem without them. For weeks I paid him like ninety dollars an hour to listen to me talk about my problems but it wasn’t helping so I gave it up. The biggest problem at this point was insomnia so I started taking sleeping pills that I order online and this went on for about a year and a half. I have now managed to slowly wean myself off of sleeping pills, not completely yet, I’ve quit drugs and drinking out of necessity. The only thing that kept me going was training through all of that I didn’t quit lifting. I find now I can cope with daily life, work 9-5 and go to the gym but I get little joy out of life and have trouble with personal relationships. On the weekends I get nothing done just sit around, watch TV and eat. I can’t seem to find a way to break the cycle and always think about getting back into my self destructive ways just out of boredom with life. I have a good job, a house, I’m now physically healthy and fit but I’m sad all the time.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me to get back on track and find my passion for life again?

Have any of you ever had success using anti depressants and if so what kind?

 

[shawnerk]

I think some meds may help alonnnng with the therapy. Maybe see a different therapist if not happy with that one. May have to try several different therapists to find one you can talk to and make prgress with. Yeah, anti-depressants may be of help. They can be addictive too, but may be helpful in your situation. Best of luck- take care

 

[deltreefitness]

Meds are probably not a good idea. It will more likely cause more problems than good. Especially "anti-depressants" like SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, etc.

You Pdoc sounds like he may know what he's talking about. Many will just put you on drugs when it is unessasary. It's an easy way out for them and doesn't really help you.

 

[*MissFit*]

I think meds r given out like candy.. and personally.. if you truly aren't depressed or don't have a serious situation, they can often cause more harm then good.

Depression meds if given to someone who is not really depressed can cause depression to sink in..

you need to find a hobby, get out and meet people.. if you don't have the desire to do so.. force yourself too.. even something small.. baby steps are all it takes.. being social, meeting new people is sometimes a big life happiness motivator.

Try and find a new psycholigst who understands your needs.. you bovious still have some issues you might need to work through.

And no i'm not speaking through my ass. I have been there.. and come back.. so i think i understand what your going through

 

[MikeMartial]

I'd seriously consider seeing another family doctor AND a new psychiatrist; get a new second opinion from both.

I know most psychiatrists will lean towards "talk therapy"....on the other hand, most docs will treat with meds. It's what they are taught. I don't remember the stats, but a combination of medication AND counselling works the best, and it only makes sense.

Believe me, I know. I'm there right now

The short and sweet for me: I have a killer job, I'm in top physical shape, married to a beautiful, caring woman with a good job and in better shape than me. Life, essentially, is perfect. But, about a year ago, I was in the worst depressive state ever, for no obvious outside reason.....

...anyways, with an initial complaint of insomnia, I saw my family doc, and with a bit of digging, he urged me to see psychiatrist. After a few sessions, she urged me to go back to my doc, armed with a handful of notes.

Now, I'm on Effexor, 150mg/daily. It's a seritonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Gladly, I've had zero side effects. And the plan is not to be on it forever, despite what some claim.

Does it work? Hell, it's like someone lifted the gray haze over my life off. Lets just say it worked so well, it surprised my psychiatrist. I'm still going, and we are now digging into the "why". But anyways....

Every situation is different, and I'm not pushing to get on meds, I'm just giving my 2 cents. Heed everyones advice here, because it's all good advice.

Good luck.

 

[giddyup]

I too have been there and really feel for ya.

I was on zoloft for a few years and everyone I know will say it was like night and day. I was angry all the time, bumbed out, unmotivated, just unhappy... my doctor put me on zoloft and within a couple weeks I was a totally different person. My life got good and I was happy. However, be carefull if you decide to take meds. I found that while on the meds, when I did get down, I got really down... hard to explain... don't drink booze.. a/d's and booze do not mix. I'm also not necessarily saying "ya, take meds" but don't disregard the option as they can help in many cases... I think with me it was years of drinking and abusing drugs that changed my chemical balances in my good ol' brain and I needed something to balance them back out. When my life got to the point where I was really happy and confident in what I was doing, I quit meds, quit smoking, had other issues well under control and all went well. Well lately I have been in another rut.. been using drugs and drinking and partying quite a bit and now I have the abuse/partying under wraps again but my life is a bit screwed and I am in another rut (been going on for about 6 months).. I was to the point where I was tired all the time, couldnt even get out of bed, unmotivated, no interest in things I love (music, gym, etc) and my doctor suggested going back on zoloft. I have a bottle of pills but I havnt wanted to take them until recently, I am once again considering it because I know that they will probably help me get my life back in order.

I probably didnt help any but I hope it gives you something to think about... I hate pharmeceutical companies and corperate shit but a/d's can help.. I would do as much reading as you can and consider giving them a shot.

you might also want to give 5-HTP a try or do some research on it, I have used them as well with good results.

good luck my friend

 

[Growth&Courage]

I have now managed to slowly wean myself off of sleeping pills, not completely yet, I’ve quit drugs and drinking out of necessity. The only thing that kept me going was training through all of that I didn’t quit lifting. I find now I can cope with daily life, work 9-5 and go to the gym but I get little joy out of life and have trouble with personal relationships. On the weekends I get nothing done just sit around, watch TV and eat. I can’t seem to find a way to break the cycle and always think about getting back into my self destructive ways just out of boredom with life. I have a good job, a house, I’m now physically healthy and fit but I’m sad all the time.

You mentioned something that I thought about:

"I can't seem to find a way to break the cycle and always thinking about getting back into my self destructive ways just out of boredom with life"

Are you depressed because you're bored?
OR
Are you bored because you're depressed?

IF you are depressed because you're bored then you must find a new challenge in life. Life has so much to offer for you. Someone mentioned pick a new hobby- that's a great idea, socialize with those that you would have never imagined yourself with, do NEW things in life that you would have never envisioned of embarking on...if your 9-5 job is not helping you to get the joy out of life (if anything is limiting you from obtaining those joy of life) then have the courage to live differently perhaps taking a new job, moving to a different city with different environments that's going to stimulate you one way or another. Face new challenges and adventures - they'll give you some concrete sensations and hopefully help towards building a goal that you can work your way towards it. Target the boredom with a realistic + achievable goal- this way, you're in for a new facet of life.

IF you are bored because you're depressed then some medications + the solution above should help. In terms of medications, my view is that it is necessary ONLY for you to initially partake in cancelling out the boredom aspect of the equation. Once you have a goal and you can feel the excitement of everyday slowly reaching that goal: whether to make yourself healthier, more approachable/datable , better looking, improving a photography technique that you enrolled yourself in etc etc then the medications has done its part.

Either way, I see that you will need some emotional support, may be from your friends? If not, then your family. If no support from them too then let this not be your obstacle into expereincing the joy of your life as I know that thousands of other individuals from all walks of life are too walking towards your path without you ever realizing it.

 

[bigstve12]

see a psychologist insteas=d of a psychiatrist. psychologist cant prescribe any medication they use other methods to help...usually much more effective then meds as well

 

[outset2]

Thank you for posting all these well thought out replies to my post. I did some thinking about you’re question (Growth&courage ) “Are you depressed because you're bored? Or Are you bored because you're depressed?” I think I’m board because I’m depressed but hopefully by making small changes I can pull myself out of this dive, I’m going to see a new doctor next week and talk about treatment with both meds and therapy.

I have thought about just selling everything I own and moving away to start again, I have very few ties here anymore, and I know sometimes major change is good but I’m not going to make any decisions like that in my present condition.

I really appreciate all the ideas, input especially MikeMartials success story, which almost cracked a smile on my face and gave me hope.

Thank you,

Outset2

 

[van_wilder]

Try some St. John's Wort...it's helped me through mild depression/anxiety...and a friend of mine came off all of her depression meds which she'd been taking for years by starting up on St. John's... it's not expensive so give it a try! PM me if you have questions about it.
VW

 

[Growth&Courage]

Thank you for posting all these well thought out replies to my post. I did some thinking about you’re question (Growth&courage ) “Are you depressed because you're bored? Or Are you bored because you're depressed?” I think I’m board because I’m depressed but hopefully by making small changes I can pull myself out of this dive, I’m going to see a new doctor next week and talk about treatment with both meds and therapy.

I have thought about just selling everything I own and moving away to start again, I have very few ties here anymore, and I know sometimes major change is good but I’m not going to make any decisions like that in my present condition.

I really appreciate all the ideas, input especially MikeMartials success story, which almost cracked a smile on my face and gave me hope.

Thank you,

Outset2

There are plenty of people that are suffering much more than you, think of them too when you start to put everything into perspective and move forward.

Also, small changes are great, just as long as it's going towards the goal of your life - in acheiving the "joy of life".

Be strong and courageous in the low times of life. Things will be better because nothing is fixed, life is dynamic - it is always changing, so change will take place.

 

[bigtbone]

see a psychologist insteas=d of a psychiatrist. psychologist cant prescribe any medication they use other methods to help...usually much more effective then meds as well

WHAT!!! Okay, don't listen to that. Psychiatrists are much more qualified than psychologists. That's just wrong.

The most likely reason your psychiatrist focused on psycotherapy is because it sounds like you may fit the criteria for dysthymic disorder. It is a chronic and less severe form of major depression. It requires a minimum of 2 years of chronically depressed mood most of the time. Associated symptoms include changes in appetite and sleep, fatigue, decreased concentration, and hopelessness. At times, major depressive episodes may co-occur and we call it double depression. Treatment is similar to major depression except that psychotherapy may play a larger role. The problem with Dysthymia is that it can be chronic and is often treatment refractory meaning treatment is difficult or ineffective.

My suggestion is to resume therapy with a pyschiatrist (a new one if you prefer).

Good luck

 

[benny1970]

I agree with Canadian Cutie, get out and get some hobbies. Start competing in sports, find something that motivates you and allows you to set goals in. Get into running/Cycling/swimming, etc., anything healthy that you could start competing in, meet new people.
Get some friends together and go travel. Go away on a ski trip for a week, or a week in the sun somewhere. Then come back with a new plan, new hobbies and goals.
You only live once, so get busy living!!! Remind yourself that 10 years from now you'll wonder why you wasted so much time sitting around starring at the tv..
Do you have health coverage that pays for some of the psychologist stuff? If yes, I wouldn't give up on it. At least you won't be sitting wondering whether or not you should be seeing one...
Best of luck. Depression is no fun, but you can absolutely beat it.

 

[markshark]

im only 22 and have had sleep problems for a year now. ive been taking xanax for the last few weeks and it has calmed my nerves and helped me get sleep. i feel 10 times better getting 7 hours of sleep from xanax than 2-3 hrs of sleep without it. is this bad? will this affect my workouts? although i do feel groggy sometimes, my strength hasnt really decreased from taking the drug, but still unsure of long term side effects, or short-term for that matter. any comments?

 

[BrothaBill]

Just go with the electro shock therapy for depression, its works wonders.
Its now called ect or electro convulsive therapy. check it out. Or going on meds and thats done by a Psychiatrist, not a psychologist which helps you change the way think about things and changing behaviors. Psychiatry works hand in hand with a psychologist for best results.

 

[MikeMartial]

Just go with the electro shock therapy for depression, its works wonders.

Yes, it may work, and there is some published studies quoting positive outcomes, but it still is EXTREME treatment---as in, nothing else on the face of the earth works.

I can imagine inducing seizure-like activity would jump start your brain into producing decnt levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, but I'm sure not all the effects would be positive.

I've assisted anethesiologists while doing ECT; it's not a pretty sight. Unless you've exhausted all other courses of treatment, I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[BrothaBill]

Yes, it may work, and there is some published studies quoting positive outcomes, but it still is EXTREME treatment---as in, nothing else on the face of the earth works.

I can imagine inducing seizure-like activity would jump start your brain into producing decnt levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, but I'm sure not all the effects would be positive.

I've assisted anethesiologists while doing ECT; it's not a pretty sight. Unless you've exhausted all other courses of treatment, I wouldn't recommend it.

LOL, I was joking, ECT would never be performed without exhausting most possibilties prior to this. But it has made somewhat of a revival as a treatment to severe depression. Like just rebooting the brain. Certainly not advocating its use as a first line course to depression, just having a lil fun.

 

[lovemoney]

a year ago i would have said screw the meds,i dont need that shit.my phychatrist gave it to me after talking out my problems with my psychologist.he gave me paxil.i dont think pschos can write scripts,they just talk shit out with you.the paxil changed my life.like someone said before its nite and day.before paxil i could hardly be out in public.i would swing at you for the slightest thing.it got so bad i thought a was becoming a diabetic because my addrenalin rushes would fuck up my sugar levels.i feel great on paxil.try a second opinion.if they suggest meds try it.more people take them than you think.i think you made the first step by posting here and talking about it.good luck

 

[Nicorette]

My opinion on some drugs...

Paxil: Helps you sleep, sometimes too much. Also, be prepared to gain some weight and have a hard time getting off of it. Withdrawal is intense.

Wellbutrin: if you think falling asleep is hard now, wait until you try this stuff. But it definitely helps lift depression and lose weight. It is also easy to come off of.

Zoloft: it’s all right. No side effects.

Lithium (mood stabilizer): it gets a 10/10 but the side effects are insane.

Tegretol: Didn’t do shit except add 5 Lbs

Klonapin: great for sleep but highly addictive and tapering off is EXTREMELY difficult.

I'm manic-depressive so my list gets longer than this lol so I think I'll stop here.

Drugs suck but depression is worse. In most cases you can't bring yourself out of a depression and so they become necessary. Depression is a serious mental illness. Most people who suffer from it can barley get out of bed so telling them to get a hobby or meet new friends isn’t the best advice.

Take care.

 

[powerhouse972]

If you aren't livin good travel wide

 

[USMC fighter]

OK what i think works the best is psychotherapy with a med that works for you, meaning you might have to try a bunch of meds to find the right one. Ive tried prozac and hated the sexual side effects, so i switched to wellbutren ( way better for me) this in addition to the psychotherapy, has pretty much saved my life. Just remember derpression is normally a mixture of events combined with a chemical imballance. You cant just pull yourself out of it, or change your thinking, or get a new hobby. Also keep in mind that some doctors are paid to sell a certain med by the company, so beware the doc that tries to sell a med as the end all ,be all of anti depressants. As far as psychotherapy goes, if you dont feel good about the therapist right away find another one. Its like the meds, you have to find the one that works for you. Anyway good luck, and please forgive my spelling.

 

[bigtbone]

Also keep in mind that some doctors are paid to sell a certain med by the company, so beware the doc that tries to sell a med as the end all ,be all of anti depressants.

We are not allowed to receive anything worth more than $5.00. People think docs get kickbacks........just not true! For the most part anyways. Anyone caught doing that would lose their license and thats just not worth any amount a pharmacuetical company would pay.

 

[enigma79]

Hey man,
I have GAD (General Anxiety Disorder). No one in my day to day life knows about it but me and I like to keep it that way. Its one of those unexplained things that can only be something biological. I have had no tramatic experiences. I am a very attractive guy who tends to have 3-4 girls looking at him every time at gym or out at night. Its just how it is. I've tried to cope with it, but meds seems the best solution for me.
I have tried a lot of meds (paxil, paxil cr, lexapro, nortipilene, effexor, welbutrin, st johns wart, 5htp.. yada yada). No one can suggest a med accurately. You have to be a test experiment until you find the one that works. For me it is 20mg Paxil tabs (not 24 hr extended, just regular pink tabs). This stuff makes me great, I go out and talk to everyone, anywhere. My confidence is nuts on this stuff. Good luck and don't listen to people crapping out their mouth saying meds aren't necessary. If they make your life better, there is nothing wrong with doing it.