I know I'm depressed. On meds, see a therapist. Now what??

1. 71

   stanwshuraposted 10 years ago

   I know I'm depressed.  On meds, see a therapist.  Now what??
   
   Having trouble "initiating" - even getting ready for the day is an intimidating and wearying chore.  I Just want to be able to process my thoughts and make the simplest plans without becoming exhausted.  How do I find that flow and clear head, and the drive to bring whatever I'm remotely able to conceive into action?

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2. 79

   PoeticPhilosophyposted 10 years ago

   This is a long answer, but I have the perfect knowledge and answer's your looking for, for this situation. I use to have BAD depression, I was actually diagnosed with HI-Depression it got so bad that I couldn't work cause of it, but now to this day! I am depressed free. You got some work to do but hopefully this helps you . All the best,
   
   http://poeticphilosophy.hubpages.com/hu … al-Stamina

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3. 89

   Bishop55posted 10 years ago

   Try therapy and natural routes first.  I have tried every anti-depressant out there.  The only one that works for me is a very low dose of Tramadol, which is only prescribed for pain in the US.  The US for some reason won't treat depression with this medication.  I don't take it every day, maybe about 1x every other day and 50mg at most, it takes the edge off and has very little side effects.  If you try all other meds and find nothing works, I'd ask your doc about trams.  Do not abuse this drug though, and check interactions with other medications because it interacts with just about everything.  And DO NOT take it with other SSRI's, because you can develop something called serotonin syndrome with is very serious, don't even take it with 5HTP. Good luck.  I hope you resolve your depression soon.  Depression sucks!  I was diagnosed when I was 14.  I'm now 34.  It's been a rough path, not only for myself but for my friends and family.  Also..if you drink alcohol, stop!  It may seem to take the edge off of depression, but it is a natural depressant and makes it so much worse!  Refrain from self-medicating at all costs.

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4. 92

   Susana Sposted 10 years ago

   My suggestion is to try a fabulous book called "Manage Your Mood". It teaches you some simple behaviour activation techniques that WILL slowly help you improve your activity levels (without the exhaustion).
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Manage-Your-Mood- … +your+mood

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5. 0

   Sri Tposted 10 years ago

   It depends on whats causing the depression. Is it taking in too much of the world's problems? Is it coping with personal problems? Is it just worried about the future? Is it thinking and feeling negative thoughts and moods because of others behavior? Not enough sleep? The remedy is the same. You have to change the thoughts. You have to change your outlook on life. You have to cultivate happiness and not be affected by others opinions or the world's problems. If it's personal problems, you have to sort out the correct solutions and put them into action immediately. It always comes down to the thoughts passing through your mind throughout the day. You can detach from them and remain blissful. There is no reason to remain unhappy if you don't have to.

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   1. 89

      Bishop55posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Or it's a chemical inbalance that requires medication.  Not everything can be solved with change of perspective.  A case of the blues?  Sure.  Clinical depression...probably not.

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6. 78

   Mighty Momposted 10 years ago

   Oh boy. Depression is a motherf#4ker. I can so relate to what you are saying, Stanwshura. I will not gloss over the seriousness of the exhaustion that is  depression. When people say, "Oh, get some exercise-- take a walk and enjoy the sunshine" or "Eat healthier..." it doesn't help.
   I don't know how long you have been sufffering from depression or if you feel
   that you feel that your meds are working. Sounds like you could use a med management tweak. Or maybe you need a different SSRI (or other) type of antidepressant altogether. What work for one may not work for another. And upping your dose by even a little can sometimes work wonders.
   Also don't know what type of therapy you are in.
   That, too, can make a big difference.
   In fact, sometimes being in a group therapy situation where you see and listen to others who are REALLY depressed can make you feel better. There but for the grace of God...
   Even by offering a suggestion from your own experience you will feel better (get out of self -- great concept!).
   I can recommend a book that is so simple but really laid it all out for me.
   It's called "There Is Nothing Wrong with You" by Cheri Huber. In fact, it is published by Keep It Simple books.
   (And trust me, I am not a self-help books kinda girl).
   The last thing I can suggest is not to fight the depression but to go with it.
   If today is a real low energy day and you know you will only be able to do one simple task, pick the task you CAN do. And do it. And tomorrow, maybe you can do two tasks. Or if your depression comes and goes (ebbs and flows) take advantage of the days you do have energy and do more things.
   But don't overwhelm yourself further by setting your goals too high.
   I used to have days years ago, when my depression was horrendous and self-medicated (not a good idea) when in a given day I could take a shower OR change the cat litter. That was really all I could muster.
   But I kept at it. I kept fighting till I found the right mental health professionals for ME. We kept trying until we found the right combination of meds for ME.
   I won't even bother to tell you what they are, because chances are they will not
   be right for you anyway.
   But don't give up!! You can beat depression, if not for good, at least for most days.
   On those other days, let it go and wait for the mood to lift.
   MM

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   1. 71

      stanwshuraposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, MM.  Your words are some of the most empathetic I've received, online AND in person.  I can tell that you "get it".  Duh, that probably has something to do with the fact that you, too, get *it*.  Thank you for your comforting support.

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7. 69

   KL Kleinposted 10 years ago

   I wish I could offer you some magical solution, but I haven't found it myself yet.
   I can't find the energy to do anything, and although the meds do help me somewhat, they don't help enough.
   I just wanted to let you know you're not alone in this. I hope you feel better soon.

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