JJNelson

Close Depression
Type: Clinical (Major) Depression

Depressions has been a major theme in my life since my early teen years. I grew up in a chaotic, unstable household with a diabetic father whose symptoms were not well managed. Life with him was similar to life with an alcoholic, though he didn't drink. I did manage to get some relief from my depression during my 20s with the help of a psychiatrist using only talk therapy. After the birth of my first child I had a severe depressive episode and eventually started using Prozac .

Treatments

Effexor Working / Worked

Effexor has been helpful for the most part.. With the onset of menopause, though, HRT has been necessary. With the HRT I've raised the Effexor but still have severe depression particularly with progesterone.

Prozac Working / Worked

It worked initially but seemed to lose effectiveness after a couple of years.

Walking Working / Worked

I power walk every day for 45 minutes and it helps.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Working / Worked

Initially amazing success with just the estrogen but when I added progesterone I experience severe depression while on it.