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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emotionsbylinds 04/15/2018

I have really been struggling the past year. I find joy in nothing. I’m just completely empty. I’m going to therapy and doing all the right coping mechanisms- but nothing takes away the emptiness. I feel like meds are the only way for me to feel better, but I don’t want to go through that. I’m on meds currently, and I’ve been on these meds at these doses for a couple years now. They did definitely help at first, and I do even think they still help now, but I’m not where I’d like to be. I have tried a couple different medications within the past few months, but they have not worked. I’m getting my meds from my family practice doc, and he says that he’s done all he can do in regards to meds for me and suggests I see a psychiatrist for better help. However, I don’t want to go through that. Between the appointments and the meds, it’s so expensive. And I’m worried about bad side effects. I may not be doing my best now, but I’m managing and I’m not suicidal. I don’t know if it’s worth the risk. I really don’t want to try new meds, guy is that the only way I will feel better?

TotalRegret 04/15/2018

Hi EBL. I understand where you're coming from. The first year after my diagnosis, I was being treated by my PCP - she was fantastic. We tried lots of the 'newer' meds and some of them worked for a very short time, then they'd stop and I'd move on to another one. She also reached the point where she said that she had done all that she could and it was time to see a psychiatrist, in part because she was a little reluctant to try combination therapy.

So, I went and saw the psychiatrist and I've never looked back! This is what they do. They work solely on trying to balance the chemicals in your head. I would strongly recommend you do as your PCP suggests. What do you have to lose? Take care. TR

WanderingVet 04/15/2018

In my opinion, you have the best chance with a psychiatrist. Mainly because they specialize in mental health AND can prescribe medications. MDs can also prescribe .... but I can easily see the advantage in consulting a psychiatrist.

Anna1212 04/15/2018

Sorry you are feeling not great. I personally don't like taking meds because they make me feel worse and I'm kind of an anti drug person. I understand you not wanting to go to a psychiatrist and keeping adding on meds. because it's expensive and the side effects. I think it's good you aren't suicidal. Sometimes I think that life is just sort of not as great as we'd like it to be, and we have to accept it and just try the best we can and hope for the best. I don't know. I'm in my 50's now. I'm trying to accept my feelings and situation even when it's not that great and just live the day as best I can, just doing self care type stuff and relaxation. I don't know what the best thing for you is. Do you do relaxation or meditation or anything like that? Maybe sitting quietly, or meditation the answer will come to you. Maybe you could see a psychiatrist once and see how that goes and then go from there. Good luck..

Carolin57 04/15/2018

meds help me greatly but there are some alternatives to meds out there you may try first. Exercise is said to be good but first you must have the energy and inclination to get going which can be difficult when even speaking is an effort.
Talking therapy might help. I would research alternatives and give them a trial period then seek out a psychiatrist who may be helpful before you are prescribed meds if all else fails.

etohbegone 04/15/2018

Depression can be difficult to manage. My psychiatrist tried various psych meds and combinations of these.. I stopped all types of alcohol since it is a depressant and can cause sleeping problems. It took a while but we finally found the right combinations. I found it was a bit of trial and error and was frustrating at times but I feel so much better today.

LouiseS 04/15/2018

Standardized St. Johns Wort works well for many but can cause some drug interactions, like with birth control so you have to watch out for that. My mom and I take sublingual Vitamin B12 1 to 2.5 mg/day for a quick boost. You could also try the supplements SAMe and 5 HTP and see if they help.

doncornelius 04/16/2018

I personally don’t think there’s a be all end all magic pill that will help with depression. I’ve recently been diagnosed with low vitamin d and some other things and while I’ve only been takings vitamin supplements a few days now I feel like it’s helped. I have a script for an ssri but like you I’m not fond of all the side effects and really don’t want to take a pill the rest of my life but I know that I have it as an option so that makes me fell more comfortable knowing I have a fall back plan.

cbreez 04/17/2018

Although my ailment is different i too been looking for something more than a pill but i don't know if it's available or even created yet, unfortunately there's big money in doping people up for the rest of their lives and unfortunately again even th6"natural" way has begun taking advantage of us giving us hope by selling us nothing calling it holistic,

eli_mom 04/17/2018

Hi- I'm sorry that you are going through this. We are here for you.
Many studies proved that therapy and medication can help treat depression and will help you find ways to manage your symptoms. If your primary physician suggested you to see a psychiatrist, you can try it. Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has the knowledge to help you get better.

I pray that you will be healed from depression and things will go well with you. Keep us posted. God bless.

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