Depression Support Group

Hey there AnnabellLee,
I'm really sorry you're going through all this. I too suffer from Major Depression... Mine is mostly in remission, though it still sometimes rears its ugly head.

Prozac was actually the first medication I was ever put on (I was 12), and it did help until they took me off it. Then when they tried to put me on Prozac again, I'd built up an immunity to it. From there the doctors/psychiatrists put me on an array of medications, half of which I can't even remember their names anymore. Finally last year they put me on a new medication called Lovan, which is a "sister" medication to Prozac, and I'm a completely different person. At least I think I am, I kind of can't remember what it used to be like. I know I was very difficult to live with.

So yeah, I have been through a similiar situation. I'm 26 now, so I know how frustrating it can be to go through years of depression. At times you're going to feel like a guinea pig with all the different things they put you on. Lots of times I opted out, and went solo, only to dig myself down deeper into the ground and have to see a psychiatrist to have another go at it all. I know it's frustrating.

You said you've given Prozac months to work? Honestly I think you know when a medication isn't working. If you feel it's not working then I think you should trust yourself enough to try something else.If you're not already keep a diary of your moods. Rate and compare them from the previous day. Record any bad thoughts you have. Then take all that you've written down to the doctor. If he still won't listen to you, it's time to find another doctor who will.

For now until you do find a medication that does work, find a safe outlet for your pain. I used to write really dark poetry when I was feeling like crap, it helped me to avoid more dangerous ways of coping.

I really hope you start feeling better soon. Please look after yourself.

~ Blossarina

Blossarina is right on.

It does take time for medications to work (I'm still waiting for mine to stabilize but I have started to see improvement). If you are getting this treatment from a general doctor - I think it's really important that you go to your psychiatrist. And if this doctor had been a psychiatrist it's totally fair to get a second opinion.

From what I've read, you may be bipolar - there are different levels. Some people cycle quickly, others tend to stay toward manic, others tend to stay toward depression. Anyway, your psychiatrist should be able to help you. And it's hard since it seems you weren't getting the help you needed from your doctor, but you've done the right thing! You are taking steps and you still want to feel better - and that's really positive.

Do you also have a therapist? Talking to your therapist to come up with coping strategies for right now might really help.

So far, the thing that has most helped distract me from the pain of waiting for the fog to lift and the medication to kick in, is to find small things that I can concentrate on other than my own feelings. Even though you probably don't want to be with people at all (I totally understand - I hid from my cleaning lady yesterday) being around other people has helped - only in that it takes me out of my own head. Try exercising (like walking) which will help give you some mood lifting and then hopefully make you tired enough to sleep at night. I know how hard it is - I really do - because I haven't been able to do it much myself - but I'm getting there - which is why I know you can too.

Feel free to get your feelings out - there are so many people here who have been so supportive.

I know how frustrated you are. I've been on the medication merry go round for over a year now. From trazodone, amitryptaline, lexapro, prozac, effexor to seroquel with many months of trail and only error. Without my two dogs and their daily walks I don't know how I could keep on going. People tell me that patience is the key. I'm tired of waiting. I am going to request a neurotransmitter metabolite panel to see if there are actual serotonin, norepinephrin, and dopamine imbalances. I however suspect that the majority of depression may be related to low levels of beta endorphines and enkephalins. Chronic migrane sufferers are known to have low levels of the previously two mentioned chemicals. Imagine what even lowered levels would do to health.

Thanks everyone. I contacted a psychiatrist I saw in hospital. I am going to see him and might be re-admitted.

Try to relax. I think you need a second opinion. If it has been 'months' on Prozac and you have not improved, there are hundreds of others that could be tried. Your psychiatrist very well may have a different diagnosis or opinion and put you on something else. Try to 'hang on' until you see the psych.

Be SURE to tell the psych EVERYTHING. The more he knows the better he can treat. I feel strongly you will improve after seeing him. Yes, medications to take some time to help, but it has been long enough for the Prozac (in my opinion).

Hang in there .. don't harm yourself. You can do it. There will be a BIG and positive difference after you see the psych. It would be a great idea to print your post on a piece of paper and show it to him.

Here is something for DS newcomers you will find helpful:

http://www.dailystrength.org/group...

i think wandering vet speaks the truth.
please don't hurt yourself. you're so close to being an adult, and the whole other world and freedom that brings.

Blossarina
Is a blessing!

Yes. My meds aren't working either. I have major depression and I'm having trouble coping with this terrible feeling. You are not alone and the meds should hopefully kick in soon. I will say a prayer for you (and for myself and others struggling with this). You are young and stronger than you think in your heart...God bless you.