amaranthe

Close Depression
Type: Clinical (Major) Depression

30 very long years of depression/anxiety. 7(!) wonderful kids, managed to graduate RN school, but now sabotaging career due to said diagnosis, marriage falling apart due to uncomprehending/nonsupportive husband...help

Treatments

Celexa Not Working

severe nervous-system SE: mouth numbness, twinges/tingles in face & hands, not much effect on depression

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Somewhat Helpful

can't seem to stick to it. sounds great in theory.

Cymbalta Somewhat Helpful

currently on, have had dose increased to 90 mg daily, still just 'okay', been better.

Effexor Not Working

no effect for me

Lexapro Working / Worked

worked great, got bad rash, had to quit

Meditation Somewhat Helpful

again, If I can push myself to do it.

Paxil Not Working

no effect

Positive Thinking Somewhat Helpful

I feel that my True Personality is Deeply Spiritual and Optimistic, but it is Drowning underneath the weight of the depression.

Prozac Working / Worked

wonderful for 6+ years, then plateaued. tried others, went back to it, never got same effect. Damn! Interesting Side Note: took throughout pregnancy; daughter is, at 13 yrs old, most self-assured, mature, kind, self-motivated, intelligent, fun & interesting person I've ever known. (our 'Prozac Baby'?!?)

Psychotherapy Not Working

never found a shrink I didn't end up disliking. seems all the best ones are in the med-prescribing area, unavailable for talk therapy. nothing but Negative experiences otherwise!

Seroquel Working / Worked

helped me sleep, but then I used it in an attempt. (not truly suicidal, just wanted it to all go away)

Support from Friends & Family Somewhat Helpful

Best Friend since age 2 (39 years!! Lucky Me!) is the Only Support I really have. Husband of 20 years Sucks. 20 year old daughter, despite her own bouts with depression, through which I supported her, Sucks even worse!

Trazodone Not Working

made me wasted/groggy for day or so after, with no good effect

Wellbutrin Somewhat Helpful

Bad SE: nausea/vomiting, nervous-system effects, headaches...ick!

Writing Somewhat Helpful

occassionally makes me feel better, more often brings me down deeper.

Zoloft Not Working

no effect

Lamictal Working / Worked

worked great, but got the potentially deadly rash, so it went in the trash bin.

Close Asperger Syndrome