Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Dealing with psychotic features

StuckAtHome
StuckAtHome
I really could use some advice for how to deal with my situation. I have major depression with psychotic features. I have been hospitalized once when I was 15 because the depression got bad enough that the psychotic features kicked in. I am now 27 and have been on Zoloft for years to manage my depression and have not had any further issues with the psychotic bit until now. Recently I developed panic disorder with agoraphobia. I have become very depressed about my current situation and it causes some stress and tension at home with my significant other. In the last four of five days I have been out of it and I know it. I feel detached from myself. I find myself zoning out for hours. I feel numb. And logically I know that I am becoming paranoid. When my boyfriend and I went to the video store yesterday he picked up a scary movie to look at the cover. It looked like the scary chick on the front was looking at me (specifically me) in a menacing way. I know that these symptoms and changes are all in my head but it's still scary. I have an appointment with a new psychologist this afternoon. I don't know if I should tell him about all of this or not. I can't deal with being hospitalized again and I am worried that he might try to. I have children that need to be taken care of at home. I am not a danger to myself or others because I know when something isn't "real" after it happens. I want to be proactive and get help early before it gets worse. I increased my dosage of Zoloft to help with the depression/stress issue two days ago and it seems to be helping a bit. (I have been prescribed more than this by a doctor before so I know that it is safe for me even though I shouldn't have done it on my own.) Can a psychologist have you hospitalized against your will as an adult? Should I talk to him about it? I need someone to tell me if I am being unreasonably paranoid because I don't trust my judgement at the moment. Any advice, support, or words of comfort would be appreciated. This whole situation has me scared. Thanks for any help in advance.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm sorry you are going through this, as I have many a bout with depression, anxiety and panic. Some left so devastated I feared I too would never recover and be locked up and have the key thrown away,
You obviously had an "episode", and unless the progressively get worse and more frequent, I would chalk it up to just that..an episode. I know, they leave you rattled for days. I'd certainly mention it to the doctor, he may want to alter your medication/dosage, but at the same time I would also examine your environment for what may have triggered this. Argument, death in family, allergic reaction to something you may have eaten, money problems, a glass of wine that may have interacted with your meds... maybe a combination of things that just stressed you and set you off. I know a doctor may strongly recommend you go to a hospital ( some do this to just cover their own behinds), but NO, unless you present as a danger, they CANNOT force you into a hospital. I'd try not to worry obsessively either, that always made things worse for me. I'd have a panic attack, and then the "what ifs" would start until had worked myself up into another.
Try to relax a little, see your doctor and let us know! Best wishes to you ~SE
StuckAtHome
StuckAtHome
Thank you SummersEve, I really appreciate the support. I kind of gradually pulled out of it yesterday. Today I feel almost like myself again. Last time this happened to me it lasted for about a year. Do you know if a psychotic episode can last for only a week? I'm a little confused as to what the heck happened, it was horrible. I'm focusing on how I feel now so I don't panic myself but I would like to figure this out so I can feel more confident about how to manage it if it happens again. I really appreciated the reassurance yesterday. I did talk to the psychologist about it yesterday, so hopefully I can get this all straightened out soon. :-)
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hello there, I know how you feel I've experienced that one . Before I had a panic attack before going to bed , then theres other time that I smell onion outside and I think it was a candle it just a paranoid thoughts . But later on I try to control myself not to be stressed out things , but sometimes you can't avoid it . Maybe try to relax for a bit , I know its hard bec even myself I have hard time to keep everything go back to its situation . But good thing is we have this community that support to each other ,your not alone . If u need to talk feel free to message me .Have a good day and God bless.
Kaitrin
Kaitrin
I have severe depression w/ occasional psychotic features (as well as agoraphobia/panic,which certainly can make the depression worse!) I take antipsychotics for my psychotic periods--curenly,I take Seroquel,but other drugs in this group include mellaril, trilafon,and zyprexa. Since a psychologist cannot prescribe you medication,I would definitely tell your prescribing doctor or a psychiatrist about your psychosis.I remember being scared to tell mine,even embarrassed, but there is nothing to fear,as you are clearly not a danger to yourself or others,no one will hospitalize you against your will.You know you have a problem w/ some psychosis--and you want to get better--and you can.My own psychosis never used to last longer than a day,and was very rare--maybe 3 times ayear,i would have it...but the Seroquel keeps me from having any more of them,preventively.Pschotic episodes are so scary and cannot be controlled by antidepressants alone,so I really urge you to talk about trying an anti-psychotic with your doctor.It can be a huge weight lifted from you,to not have to worry about the psychotic features of your depression on top of everything else. Please feel free to pm me if you would like to discuss any of this further...Best of luck to you;please hold on.You can get through this;others have,too.
Community LeaderWanderingVet
WanderingVet
this thread is a little outdated .. but I hope you DID inform your doctor of everything you describe. A simple change in medication can correct the problem which, without your doctor's attention, can progress.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have a psychotic disorder so understand your feelings. A psychologist can't commit you against your will. I commend you for being able to handle a bit of psychosis. I get it from time to time and I will myself out of it. Like you I have been hospitalized in the past. I would definitely tell the doctor about it, the one who prescribes your pills so that you can go on an anti-psychotic for a while. Zoloft is not an anti-psychotic and won't do anything about the paranoia and the detached feeling. ((hugs)) to you, i know how it feels.
deleted_user
deleted_user
and yes, psychosis can last less than a week. I've had it where it lasted a few hours and then I was okay. Still, the more it happens, the worse it can get.
StuckAtHome
StuckAtHome
I did tell the psychologist at the clinic when I went to my appointment yesterday. He freaked out and tried to convince me that I should voluntarily go to the hospital. When I told him this was not something I was willing to do (especially due to my agoraphobia) he got pushy. I spent 20 minutes debating the issue with him. He talked to his supervisor and said my other option was to come back for an emergency appointment later in the day. I had to call my mom out of work for a medical emergency. My mom, dad, and boyfriend were all upset about the whole situation of course. And when I came for my appointment they came out and talked to my mother and I in the waiting room in front of other patients. They told me there had been a mix up and I would have to wait until Friday. I'm not feeling very confident about trusting these people with my mental health. Does anyone have any opinions about their competence level, if I should go back, and possibly an alternative for going to see these people? I chose them because they are close and I have driving issues. They are also the mental health clinic that handles the county I live in. I have had other psychologists and psychiatrists through the years but none of them have seemed to know what is going on with me. On top of all of this I believe I may have the wrong diagnosis. I think that it may be bipolar instead of depression with psychotic features. If this is the case the medication that I am on can actually make my condition worse. I am at a total loss as to what to do, and I am thoroughly frustrated.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would go to the appointment on Friday and explain to them you think you have been misdiagnosed and investigate what other options you have in terms of another hospital or clinic for the future.
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