[GBmanNC]

I've been suffering from depression for at least 4 years, although its probably been with me in less obvious forms most of my life. I sleep 8-10 hours a day and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed every day. Im 21 years old and can't even start my life...

I've gone through at least 6 anti depressants and at least another 6 depressants for insomnia. I just received results from sleep studies performed by duke showing no obvious sleep disorder (apnea, narcolepsy), but showing characteristics that people with depression tend to exhibit like quick to fall into rem sleep (under an hour) and zero stage 4 sleep, which some theorize causes many of the symptoms of depression but no one knows how to correct. I currently see a psychiatrist and therapist, neither helping and both seem to be out of ideas. Even though the "depression" part of depression has been somewhat absent the fatigue and tiredness is ******* me.

Im just hoping someone here has been in some kind of similar position and been able to find some relief. Any ideas would be helpful, its just all been so frustrating and I don't know if I have the strength to go through another round of "what drug doesnt make me puke my guts out or make me feel even more miserable".

[neome]

Ive definitely been there. I did sleep more then 8-10 hours though. It was usually 9-13 for me. Sometimes I would wake up and eat something, then go back to my room and lie in bed or do something else to pass the time. I was lonely and sad. Not a person in the world for me. I was also bitter and angry.

Their is no depression cure, so for me, I didnt like the whole pill idea. In my opinions, medication is just a scam from the big companies to suck our monies out of our wallet. Money we dont even have. So I stayed clear from them. Instead, I looked to alternatives to helping myself. I knew that depression was the cause of my sadness, my ailments, and my negativity. I knew that once I figured out a way to get rid of it, I would be able to enjoy my life as it is. Nothing is as bad as it seems, depression makes it only SEEM that way. Depression is a sick disorder that is the result of this society and its people and their lack of goodness of heart.

Here are some things I did: I exercised about 3-4 times a week. Hard core cardio. Its not something we WANT to do, unless it truly is your passion. But for others, we literally have to force ourselves into it. We have to get up early, get outside, smell the fresh air, put those jogging clothes on, and run! If you need to start slow, start walking first, taking strolls, then try using a treadmill or elliptical , then go to running. Dont let this idea scare you! Exercise is one of the most energizing and fulfilling things you could do for yourself. If you need more tips, let me know. Also, change your eating habits. No more fast food, and most definitely, no more soda. Not even diet. No cheats. Water, green tea, orange juice, and so on. Try at least one salad a day (go to the store and buy some and make it together at home). Eat as many good earthy foods as you can and cut out the junk! Be for real. Every once and a while is okay, like when going out to eat with friends, but not as snacks or major every day meals. Are you in college? If not, consider in acquiring an education. And dont give up either! Are you living by your self, with a friend or with your parents? Do you have a job? Is that job totally necessary (nothing in this society is)? I remember that I started to improve in my feelings once I quit my job working as a cashier at a grocery store. I remember how absolutely miserable it made me feel. I just said, the money is not that important, not more important then my happiness. So I quit. I was living alone at the time, so I went back home to my parents and go to college full time. Start going to social gatherings, small ones. Sometimes, being social and friendly is scaring and its a big NO WAY on the list of a depressed persons things to not do list, but it is important that you keep that social contact. Your 21! You should be going out and seeing people and having fun!

I dont know your current situation very well but if you want more help just let me know. I cant make you change anything, but I can help you try to help yourself. :)

[Lizzy]

I dont' believe that many depressions are resistant ....... I think we are looking for a cure and when the drug/therapy suggested doesn't give us that, we continue searching ........ how long were you on medication? What other types of treatment have you been offered? I found that talking therapy helped me down-load my anger so that I came to terms with my childhood angst: following that I discovered that i have cyclic depression so require ADs daily for life. That took a LOT of acceptance on my part but now I down my 5mg nightly and never think about why, where, how ....... I do know that Hubby and I have a life together again.

Are you in the UK or State-side?

[Mayana]

Ask your doc about your thyroid - hypothyroidism can cause depression. If your TSH is higher than 3.0, it could indicate that. I was sleeping up to 16 hours per day 10 years ago.

[GBmanNC]

neome, on Mar 29 2008, 10:21 AM, said:

Here are some things I did: I exercised about 3-4 times a week. Hard core cardio. Its not something we WANT to do, unless it truly is your passion. But for others, we literally have to force ourselves into it. We have to get up early, get outside, smell the fresh air, put those jogging clothes on, and run! If you need to start slow, start walking first, taking strolls, then try using a treadmill or elliptical , then go to running. Dont let this idea scare you! Exercise is one of the most energizing and fulfilling things you could do for yourself. If you need more tips, let me know. Also, change your eating habits. No more fast food, and most definitely, no more soda. Not even diet. No cheats. Water, green tea, orange juice, and so on. Try at least one salad a day (go to the store and buy some and make it together at home). Eat as many good earthy foods as you can and cut out the junk! Be for real. Every once and a while is okay, like when going out to eat with friends, but not as snacks or major every day meals. Are you in college? If not, consider in acquiring an education. And dont give up either! Are you living by your self, with a friend or with your parents? Do you have a job? Is that job totally necessary (nothing in this society is)? I remember that I started to improve in my feelings once I quit my job working as a cashier at a grocery store. I remember how absolutely miserable it made me feel. I just said, the money is not that important, not more important then my happiness. So I quit. I was living alone at the time, so I went back home to my parents and go to college full time. Start going to social gatherings, small ones. Sometimes, being social and friendly is scaring and its a big NO WAY on the list of a depressed persons things to not do list, but it is important that you keep that social contact. Your 21! You should be going out and seeing people and having fun!

The problem with exercise is first obviously there is no energy there to do it, and by energy I mean physical energy because restoring sleep just isn't there. I usually end up feeling worse. Second, I have minor tachycardia (resting heart rate around 100 bpm) which makes excericise even more difficult. As for college, going made the depression bad enough for me to realize it... I had to drop out. The ADD like symptoms of (memory, concentration etc,) sleep problems and depression made it impossible. Honestly, if I was 100% better tomorrow I don't think I would go back,it just was not for me. As for a job, I wish I had one! But yes I agree getting one would absolutly destroy me. I can barely get out of bed and take a shower some days let alone get ready to spend the day working. I try to see my friends as much as possible but they are usually busy with school, jobs, girlfriends ect...

Lizzy, on Mar 29 2008, 11:58 AM, said:

I dont' believe that many depressions are resistant ....... I think we are looking for a cure and when the drug/therapy suggested doesn't give us that, we continue searching ........ how long were you on medication? What other types of treatment have you been offered? I found that talking therapy helped me down-load my anger so that I came to terms with my childhood angst: following that I discovered that i have cyclic depression so require ADs daily for life. That took a LOT of acceptance on my part but now I down my 5mg nightly and never think about why, where, how ....... I do know that Hubby and I have a life together again.

Are you in the UK or State-side?

I was on each medication for about 6 weeks each medication, of course some overlap with certain medications. Im in therapy now, but it isn't really helpful since there isn't actually anything to talk about. Im in the US.

Thanks for the responses

[GBmanNC]

Mayana, on Mar 29 2008, 12:33 PM, said:

Ask your doc about your thyroid - hypothyroidism can cause depression. If your TSH is higher than 3.0, it could indicate that. I was sleeping up to 16 hours per day 10 years ago.

TSH is actually on the low side, around .5 was the average of all the tests. Actually saw an endocrinologist for a good amount of time but found no cause of abnormal tests, thyroid seemed to be in good health.

[yoursoleil]

Depression disrupts sleep big time. I was in a similar situation as you - SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired all the time. what helped me big time is seroquel! I take it only 25-50 mg at evening, and it helps me sleep deeply. after that I definitely felt more rested during days, and my sleep was very sweet. it literally changed my sleep structure.

hugs,
soleil

[GBmanNC]

yoursoleil, on Mar 29 2008, 03:01 PM, said:

Depression disrupts sleep big time. I was in a similar situation as you - SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired all the time. what helped me big time is seroquel! I take it only 25-50 mg at evening, and it helps me sleep deeply. after that I definitely felt more rested during days, and my sleep was very sweet. it literally changed my sleep structure.

hugs,
soleil

Currently taking seroquel. It helps in having sleep a little more structured, ie. going to sleep at 2 rather than 5, but other than that it doesn't help me feel any more rested. Also loses its sedative effects more quickly than normal (seems to be the problem with all drugs for me) so I have to take breaks frequently.

[Sheepwoman]

Having a heart condition doesn't mean you can't exercise. I have a valve defect in my heart that limits blood flow. Talk to your cardiologist about an exercise plan that you can do. Most docs recommend walking. The more you move, the more energy you will have (regardless of the amount of sleep you get). My sleep patterns have always been horrible and using sleep aids were the only things that helped. I have a small farm. My sis moved her 16 horses here and I feed them twice/day which takes 2 hours each time and a lot of walking to and from the feeders with their food. It's not "hard" exercise and I do it at my own pace. Carrying the buckets is great to keep muscle tone. I am tired at night and can sleep 5-7 hours (all that I require) without waking once and no sleep aid. The activity keeps me from being bored and sedentary. I raise sheep needing care plus fencing to maintain and a variety of other farm chores to be done on a daily basis.

As neome said, diet can play a part in your mental health as well. I have high cholesterol and I was put on a low fat (no red meat)/high fiber diet (no fast/junk/fried/prepared foods) by my doc. I lost a lot of weight and feel better physically and emotionally (better body image.)

When I was working, I had a job I liked and it gave me daily challenges. Interesting jobs motivates the brain into working. If you've never had gainful employment, you might try volunteering for a non-profit (Hospice, hospital, Heart Association, United Way, etc.) It will get you out with people and help with depression. You can also register with a temp agency for a variety of job experiences. Or, if you have an idea of what you would like to do for a career, try attending a vocational school for job training.

Have you tried CBT with your psychologist? It's been the best therapy for me. Ask your therapist about it. You have to do the work on yourself in order for it to be effective. It certainly changed my outlook on life.

I've had depression most of my life (40+ years). Medication does help if you stick with it (more than 6 weeks). I also learned that if you let depression rule your life, you will never feel better. "Can't" is a word eliminated from my vocabulary. Depression tells you you "can't" do this or that. Retrain your thinking to I CAN do anything. Sitting around doing nothing encourages depression and apathy. Whether you don't feel like it or have no energy, make yourself do something. Don't let depression rule your life. You're young. Take charge!

Keep posting. We'll give you encouragement and support. There's always hope. Don't give up.
Sheepwoman

[rehill]

I agree with Sheepwoman, meds often need more than 6 weeks. My dose of Wellbutrin was increased last summer by a psychiatrist who specializes in hard to treat patients, and it took 10-12 weeks before I really could say I noticed a difference. I would encourage you to give meds a longer try.

Getting a proper sleep is important too. Make sure you are doing all those "proper sleep hygeine" things like limiting/avoiding caffeine, dark room at the right temperature, no exercise 2 hours before bed, etc. I had one doctor tell me that a colleague of his figures that in the future what we currently define as mood disorders will be re-defined as sleep disorders. Something to think about. I too take Seroquel to sleep, it has been the best med I have taken for that.

Some studies show that exercise can be almost as effective as antidepressants, depending on the severity of your depression. Walking is great. No fancy clothes or equipment needed. And your GP or cardiologist would tell you that walking is a great place to start. I know it is often a case of forcing ourselves to go out, because the depression tells us it is no use. But I can say from experience that it does help.

Would you consider going to another doctor or psychiatrist for another opinion? My psychiatrist sent me to two other psychiatrists last year because both he and I were feeling "stuck". It was the best thing he could've done. Sometimes just getting fresh eyes to look at the problem can be a big help. But I do recognize that in the US the issue may be the cost associated with getting another opinion. If you can afford it I would try it.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[GBmanNC]

rehill, on Mar 30 2008, 01:10 PM, said:

I agree with Sheepwoman, meds often need more than 6 weeks. My dose of Wellbutrin was increased last summer by a psychiatrist who specializes in hard to treat patients, and it took 10-12 weeks before I really could say I noticed a difference. I would encourage you to give meds a longer try.

Getting a proper sleep is important too. Make sure you are doing all those "proper sleep hygeine" things like limiting/avoiding caffeine, dark room at the right temperature, no exercise 2 hours before bed, etc. I had one doctor tell me that a colleague of his figures that in the future what we currently define as mood disorders will be re-defined as sleep disorders. Something to think about. I too take Seroquel to sleep, it has been the best med I have taken for that.

Some studies show that exercise can be almost as effective as antidepressants, depending on the severity of your depression. Walking is great. No fancy clothes or equipment needed. And your GP or cardiologist would tell you that walking is a great place to start. I know it is often a case of forcing ourselves to go out, because the depression tells us it is no use. But I can say from experience that it does help.

Would you consider going to another doctor or psychiatrist for another opinion? My psychiatrist sent me to two other psychiatrists last year because both he and I were feeling "stuck". It was the best thing he could've done. Sometimes just getting fresh eyes to look at the problem can be a big help. But I do recognize that in the US the issue may be the cost associated with getting another opinion. If you can afford it I would try it.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Well the problem isn't only that I wasn't getting positive effects, but plenty of negative effects also. In particular sleep was becoming even more disturbed, and when you are already on the edge of insanity, continuing was not an option. Its an unfortunate side effect in a certain group of people. SSRIs also caused major gastrointestinal problems, puking and diarrhea in particular. Its really depressing actually studying depression. Everything we "know" about it is in fact theory. We don't know that a lack of serotonin causes depression or that ADs fix said lack. Through my studying, I basically believe depression/chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia are umbrella diagnoses for multiple as yet unidentified syndromes (no tests make it convenient for drs to diagnose). This would include sleep "abnormalities" that may make people predisposed for depression Now all ADs as a side effect inhibit rem sleep. Its very possible that all the positive effects of ADs are actually attributed to this inhibition of rem. Anyway I'm rambling... maybe an issue for a different thread...

As for exercise, I do try to do what I can do, which usually consists of taking walks. Not particularly helpful except for getting some sun on my face...

Im currently seeing my psychiatrist and therapist through some county program, I also get my drugs through the county pharmacy. Since Im not currently working I generally pay nothing. It has been incredibly helpful but of course it means Im kind of rigid on where I am. I actually like my psychiatrist, he's at least not one of those "Im god" type Drs. Therapist not so much... I suppose switching to another in the office would be possible but I just don't feel like starting over again.

[Moonlight_Magic]

Yes im in a similar situation myself. The depression part of my depression isnt whats bothering me as my mood isnt that low, its the fatigue, chronic headaches and the feeling generally ill thats been bothering me for the last two years. I too wake up feeling worse than i did before i went to bed, usually i feel as though ive run the london marathon in my sleep or i was hit by a truck whilst i was snoozing lol.

I have had some success with changing my diet when it comes to alleviating my symtpoms so i am continuing with that in the hopes that eventually it will completely obliterate them.

Id also recommend regular exercise, although for me at the present time it makes my fatigue and other symptoms worse rather than better. Im hoping to start introducing exercise back into my routine in the near future and if i take it veryyyyyyyyy verryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy slowly hopefully it wont keep aggrevating things and will start to benefit me instead. I think i will start with some gentle yoga, as i have found yoga to be beneficial for my anxiety and depression in the past and its a really really nice form of exercise. I used to love aerobics but if i do those i seem to end up feeling horrible the next day and i usually end up spending the day in bed bored out of brains cause i feel so naff. As much as i love them (and miss them) they are not the right form of exercise for me at the moment. In the future though i hope to be able to do them again. For now though, i may also introduce some gentle walking into my routine, as i do need some kind of cardiovascular exercise if i can do it. Walking can be quite gentle if you dont walk too fast or too far.

I would also recommend blood tests if you have not already had any.

Whlist my drs thinks its anxiety and depression making me feel so bad, i lean more towards it being chronic fatigue with some anxiety and depression thrown in, especially as it was preceeded by a viral infection (confirmed by blood tests at the time by an elevated white cell count) 3 years ago and a viral infection is thought to trigger it.

I continue on my antidepressants though.

I could be wrong but i do feel that if depression is treatment resistant that there is probably something else causing it that is not being addressed. But as i said, i could be wrong about that.

I do hope you manage to find answers soon, its horrible when you feel exhausted and ill all the time and you really really want to start living your life but cant cause you just feel too bad.

(((((hugs for you))))

This post has been edited by Enigmatic_Soul: 30 March 2008 - 01:25 PM

[Moonlight_Magic]

GBmanNC, on Mar 29 2008, 05:48 PM, said:

Mayana, on Mar 29 2008, 12:33 PM, said:

Ask your doc about your thyroid - hypothyroidism can cause depression. If your TSH is higher than 3.0, it could indicate that. I was sleeping up to 16 hours per day 10 years ago.

TSH is actually on the low side, around .5 was the average of all the tests. Actually saw an endocrinologist for a good amount of time but found no cause of abnormal tests, thyroid seemed to be in good health.

Have you looked up hashimotos (sp?) thyroiditis or hasimotos disease, as that is a thyroid condition that can cause similar symptoms to chronic fatigue and depression but when tested peoples thyroid hormones can still be within normal range, although they may be on the low side but not abnormally low, especially in its early stages. Its an autoimmune condition i think, but youd have to research it as i cant remember everything i read about it right now. There is a specific test for it though, so i dont know if your consultant at the time might have already run it????????

I think its hasimotos anyway, id have to look it up myself to be sure, so i could be wrong about the above.

On second thoughts according to google a high TSH is indiciative of hypothyroidism and hasimotos and a low TSH level is indicative of hyperthyroidism. However it can also indicate problems with the pituitary gland.

However i did also find this:

"Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is a common autoimmune condition in which one develops an allergy to one’s own thyroid gland. In the early phase when there is destruction of thyroid gland and spillage of thyroid hormone (T4), there is a hyperthyroid effect. In an effort to lower the T4 level in the blood, the pituitary gland decreases the amount of TSH it secretes producing a low TSH. The hyper-metabolic state that occurs usually stresses the adrenal glands and causes adrenal fatigue. When enough destruction has occurred and the thyroid gland can make only a small amount of T4, one goes into a hypothyroid phase. Now one has hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue. Autoimmune antibodies, Anti Thyroglobulin Antibodies (ATA) and Thyroid PerOxidase Antibodies (TPO), are almost always present on blood testing. The body can eventually counter the hyper-metabolic state by reducing the conversion of T4 to T3 (and increasing T4 to RT3 conversion). Thus metabolically, this is like stepping on the brakes in a car that’s going too fast."

If i were you, id really want to know why my TSH level was low. An i dont know just doesnt cut it. There has to be a reason and it could well be having an affect on you.

Id pester my gp.

This post has been edited by Enigmatic_Soul: 30 March 2008 - 02:09 PM

[GBmanNC]

Enigmatic_Soul, on Mar 30 2008, 02:44 PM, said:

GBmanNC, on Mar 29 2008, 05:48 PM, said:

Mayana, on Mar 29 2008, 12:33 PM, said:

Ask your doc about your thyroid - hypothyroidism can cause depression. If your TSH is higher than 3.0, it could indicate that. I was sleeping up to 16 hours per day 10 years ago.

TSH is actually on the low side, around .5 was the average of all the tests. Actually saw an endocrinologist for a good amount of time but found no cause of abnormal tests, thyroid seemed to be in good health.

Have you looked up hashimotos (sp?) thyroiditis, as that is a thyroid condition that can cause similar symptoms to chronic fatigue and depression but when tested peoples thyroid hormones can still be within normal range, although they may be on the low side but not abnormally low. Its an autoimmune condition i think, but youd have to research it as i cant remember everything i read about it right now. There is a specific test for it though, so i dont know if your consultant at the time might have already run it????????

Im somewhat familiar with hashimotos. I do remember having an antibodies test done. Most thyroid problems are autoimmune so antibodies would be present. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary from what I remember. But i guess it wouldn't hurt to look up hashimotos again and dig up some of my results.

[Moonlight_Magic]

"Im somewhat familiar with hashimotos. I do remember having an antibodies test done. Most thyroid problems are autoimmune so antibodies would be present. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary from what I remember. But i guess it wouldn't hurt to look up hashimotos again and dig up some of my results."

Did they check your pituitary gland at all?

This post has been edited by Lizzy: 01 April 2008 - 06:23 AM
Reason for edit: shortened to save pages

[GBmanNC]

Not from what I can recall.

This post has been edited by Lizzy: 01 April 2008 - 06:24 AM
Reason for edit: shortened to save pages

[Moonlight_Magic]

Its rare, so it unlikely but there is a condition called Hypopituitarism. Ive listed some symtpoms below. From what i understand from my reading then if there are problems with the pituitary gland then it can cause low levels of TSH (and various other hormones its responsible for, although it might only cause a deficiency of one or two of them). Anyway, it might be worth just getting them to run some tests just so you can rule it out really. The more things you rule out, the closer you can get to working out why your depression seems to be treatment resistant.

Signs and symptoms
Hypopituitarism is often progressive. Although the signs and symptoms can occur suddenly, usually they tend to develop gradually. They are sometimes vague and subtle and may be overlooked for many months or even years.

Signs and symptoms of hypopituitarism vary, depending on which pituitary hormones are deficient. The signs and symptoms may include:

Fatigue
A decline in energy
Muscle weakness
Nausea
Constipation
Weight loss or gain
A decline in appetite
Abdominal discomfort
Sensitivity to cold or difficulty staying warm
Visual disturbances
Loss of underarm and pubic hair
Joint stiffness
Hoarseness
Facial puffiness
Thirst and excess urination
Low blood pressure
Headaches
If you're a man, you may also have signs and symptoms such as:

Loss of interest in sexual activity
Erectile dysfunction
Decrease in facial or body hair
If you're a woman, you may develop:

Irregular or stopped menstrual periods
Infertility
Inability to produce milk for breast-feeding
Children may experience stunted growth, short stature and slowed sexual development.

This post has been edited by Enigmatic_Soul: 30 March 2008 - 02:54 PM

[GBmanNC]

Enigmatic_Soul, on Mar 30 2008, 03:52 PM, said:

Its rare, so it unlikely but there is a condition called Hypopituitarism. Ive listed some symtpoms below...

Hmm thats interesting. I was thinking of getting another round of blood tests done before I start with all the drugs again. Whats interesting is I found theres a blood test to determine if one might react to ADs badly.

"cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genotyping test. This test checks for specific genes that affect how your body uses antidepressants. The CYP450 test helps predict if you're likely to experience side effects or if an antidepressant has little chance of working for you. This may lead you more quickly to a better medication choice."

[Moonlight_Magic]

That sounds like a handy dandy test.

Ive had bad reactions to certain antidepressants before so i dont like having to rely on them too much or having to change brands too often. The reactions i had were to tricylics and SSRIs (so bad where the reactions i had to discontinue the meds straight away, and in the case of tricylics after only having taken one as i was a bit allergic to it). However i have been on mirtazapine (i cant remember what type it is but its not an SSRI or a tricyclic) for more than a few years (must be over 6 and getting close to 7 now) and ive not had any problems with them. I do think they might have pooped out on me, maybe thats why ive been getting problems with fatigue etc for the last 2 years (although i still feel its chronic fatigue with occassional bouts of depression and anxiety thrown in because even though ive been on the mirtazapine for so long i was still getting occassional bouts of depression and anxiety on them but i wasnt getting all the physical symptoms ive been getting in the last 2 years and the symptoms im getting now are incongruent with my mood anyway), but i dont really want to have to change brands if i can help it due to bad experiences in the past. I dont tolerate chemicals very well and its not just antidepressants i cant tolerate, i cant tolerate certain painkillers and antibiotics either. Heck i cant even tolerate caffiene, although i can get away with consuming it if i only consume it in small amounts. More than one cup of strong coffee though and i have the migraine from hell. Even one cup can trigger it sometimes. For that reason i always drink decaf, and it helps, i do get fewer headaches and i sleep a bit better too.

Anyway, a test like that would be good, it would certainly help with helping someone to find the right medication for them.

This post has been edited by Enigmatic_Soul: 30 March 2008 - 03:49 PM

[Lizzy]

"We don't know that a lack of serotonin causes depression or that ADs fix said lack. ... " 'We'? who is 'we'?

I KNOW because I've been told that lack of seretonin in some people causes depression: my depression is organic so my brain lacks the boost it needs to get up and go ......... certainly taking anti-depressant medication on a regular basis has saved my life. It took a LONG while to accept that I need to take ADs daily for ever; and if I do forget then my brain slows down so that after 2 and a half days I am unable to function. ADs are usually fast through the system which is why I need to take 5mg regularly.

Lack of motivation for me is when I am sooooo tired I can hardly move: like this morning, we altered the clocks in the UK and I feel I could sleep for England! But I have things I MUST do: so the 2nd load of washing is in the machine, the 1st load blowing on the line ......... my walking buddy is dragging me across the fields later because walking is GOOD for the majority of us: my spaniel had a heart defect but it never stopped her running or digging for mice and as stated, speaking with a cardiologist for a sensible exercise regime will be of benefit. Exercise kicks in the endorphins which keep us grounded!

Dealing with depression can be hard work at a time when we lack energy or interest in what is happening around us. Asking for help can be put off from week to week whilst the depression drags us down. Finding somewhere or someone to help can takes weeks/months sometimes espcially when the NHS has huge waiting lists!

I had awful side-effects with some ADs. Others I was able to tolerate. 6 weeks is not long enough for these drugs to be of benefit, the longer a person has suffered with depression the longer it takes the brain to 'use' the drug .......... some drugs are started at a low dose which is increased for 2-3 months to a maintenance dose so how can 6 weeks be recommended? <shrug>

I hope you are gaining some insight into how others have dealt /are dealing with depression. Having a re-think as to how your depression affects you, what treatments you have been offered and how you would like to handle your illness will give you positives to work on. Don't give up on the SSSIs' as many of us do get good results: not perfect but enough for us to be able to return to work, face people, be socialble once again.

Keep posting!

[GBmanNC]

Lizzy, on Mar 31 2008, 07:07 AM, said:

"We don't know that a lack of serotonin causes depression or that ADs fix said lack. ... " 'We'? who is 'we'?

I KNOW because I've been told that lack of seretonin in some people causes depression: my depression is organic so my brain lacks the boost it needs to get up and go ......... certainly taking anti-depressant medication on a regular basis has saved my life. It took a LONG while to accept that I need to take ADs daily for ever; and if I do forget then my brain slows down so that after 2 and a half days I am unable to function. ADs are usually fast through the system which is why I need to take 5mg regularly.

The seretonin theory is simply that a theory. The idea that a lack of neurotransmitters cause depression in some people is just the best idea we can come up with. And the exact mode of action of most ADs is also unknown.

Anyway I don't see my Dr till may 1st. So I guess I have time to figure out what direction I want to go in.

This post has been edited by GBmanNC: 31 March 2008 - 11:58 AM

[cfk1948]

I have been taking antidepressants for years, then Strattera for ADHD, still not working for me. I also take seroquel, which helps me to go to sleep, but I wake up just about every hour and turnover in pain. I also have Fibromyalgia which is partly caused by not getting stage 4 sleep, which heals the muscles. I ache all over, and that causes the depression to be worse. I can't find a job because of my work record for years. I was told by phychrists that this was probable caused by depression. I couldn't hold a job!! I am a single mom, no child support,(her biological father lives in London, England, he has never helped us. This was a lot of stress over the years. Now I have high blood pressure!! I am 59 and I feel like I am 90.

[Lizzy]

GBman: finding acceptance was the most difficult 'thing' for me. I did not want to end up taking drugs for ever ......... now I wonder why I had that attitude older and wiser now maybe ........ ;-).

Once I found a drug which worked for me it stayed active for 6 years until I underwent several difficult months with family bereavements, panic attacks and change of job: so my GP altered the drug to a more modern one which has so far been fine [since 1998]. I do have long, involved, busy dreams with it so feel tired most mornings. Do you have a better time of day? Mine is mid-afternoon to evening, when the commitments have been worked through and time is my own. Then there is less likely of a panic attack and I can enjoy evenings with hubby or friends.

Mornings can be grim as I face the day ........ eating correctly too is important as low blood sugar levels can cause anxiety. Here at DF we can talk and know that people understand!

Welcome CFk. there is a room for fibromyalgia - have a browse and join in!

This post has been edited by Lizzy: 01 April 2008 - 06:31 AM