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.
Hi. It's my first time posting here. I have been struggling with anxiety and depression for most of my life. Over the past couple months, it has become debilitating. I feel like a skeleton of a person... everything doctors have suggested over the years hasn't been effective (over 15 different antidepressant medications, even cutting edge treatments). I'm currently on an antidepressant and anxiety medicine, but I still feel awful. All I want to do is sleep. Sleeping is the only time I feel at peace. Any words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.
Welcome to DS and this group. I have no doubt you will receive friendship and support here. Remain anonymous but give us ample info. I am glad you have joined us.
This is my first post as well, well not post as it is a reply. I joined the depression group and there was your post right at the top. It resonated with me because I have struggled with depression/anxiety for YEARS, it finally got to the point of chronic fatigue all day, and like you said, sleep was the only way to escape.
The fatigue was debilitating. I bought this book called " Why am I still depressed?" or something like that, I don't know if that was the exact name. I read the entire book, what I got out of it, for ME, was to go on lamictal. That was 6 years ago. It took a good 2 months or titrating up, but after that, my chronic fatigue was gone. I'll never be one of those super cheery happy people, and I still struggle with a lot, but I no longer needed naps and sleep my life away. In a way lamictal saved me.
Its ironic that I am writing this today because my psychiatrist retired and my new one said that I was on too high of a lamictal dose (300mg). He said I should be on 200mg, well, what do you know, I have been SO debilitated with tiredness since going down on the dose I am determined to work through this and eat right and start to excersize rather then go back up to 300 mg.
But I will say, that it is not all meds but a good part of it is with me, but I have maladaptive coping skills, so it is imperative that I keep those appointments. Are you seeing a counselor? I would love to talk to you more including what cutting edge treatments you have had. I am trying to get into a ketamine program at this time. Feel free to PM me. I don't even know if they have that on this site as I am new here.
They are known as ECT and TMS. The wife of a well known politician is resistant to medication and suffered from severe (suicidal) depression. She has had a documentary produced about her. Her name is Kitty Dukakis. You might want to google her. She says these modernized treatments have saved her life and she does not suffer anymore.
Many people are afraid of them due to their 'ancient' reputation. They really were not very acceptable .....UNTIL now. One or the other is the next step when medication therapy simply does not work.