I'd like to know exactly how they certainly to the conclusion you had TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION?

Mom4, I'm so sorry to hear this. I understand that they just upped you to 20mg of Lexapro. The frustrating thing about these drugs is the amount of time they take to start working effectively. Do you think the increase might help? I understand your frustration as I am on day 6 of Lexapro and I've had a roller coaster of emotions all week. From crying, insomnia, to a few good days. 4-6 weeks might as well be 4-6 years. This is going to take time. How many different medications have you tried? I have only heard of one other case of this and it was a misdiagnosis. They had a thryroid and hormone disorder. Also, they could just need to tweak the strength. The jump to 20mg could make the difference. Has the doctor discussed TMS and Electro with you? Really feel for you.

Thank you. I am hoping the dosage increase might help but so far not much. I have been on many different meds in the past but was med free for the past 4 years and functioning just fine until I started menopause and a stressful job last year. I am considering TMS and/or ECT. I'll try anything. This is the closest story I have read to what I am feeling: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2203593/My-midlife-meltdown-MARIAN-KEYES-tells-terrifying-story-detailing-reality-breakdown.html

I never knew that was a thing until just now, but I'm assuming it goes without saying just what it is. Keeping busy is the best medicine. Finding hobbies and uplifting activities helps wonders. There will probably always be a point in the day where you're alone to yourself, but it's so much easier to cope with if you can keep yourself busy and remain in positive environments. Surround yourself with people who genuinely care and want to be there for you and eliminate the negative things that are worsening the issue for you. Best wishes! I know you'll find just what turns your bad days into great ones. :)

The menopause is significant. My mother in law is a clinical psychologist and she had some of your same issues when she hit menopause. She started on HRT and antidepressants but only started feeling better when she started using bioidentical estrogen. For some reason, the bioidentical made a huge difference. There are many good articles out there. Her body did not respond to synthetic. I just have a gut feeling you are treating the wrong problem. I don't know why. Please wait on TMS or ECT. Your lack of response to traditional depression therapy makes me feel like you need to look at your hormones again. What do you think?

I think that may be a good idea, thank you. I have not had bloodwork done recently. Should probably check the thyroid and for anemia, etc.

I think it's time to look at everything again. My mother in law swears by her bioidentical estrogen. Here is an article about the topic:
http://www.webmd.com/women/news/20090115/oprah-and-bioidentical-hormones-faq#1
This is a little dated but it explains it well. Also, it might be better to try something like this before you consider things like TMS or ECT. Thyroid also. Make sure they do a full thyroid panel. Here is an article about how thyroid problems can look like mental illness.
http://hypothyroidmom.com/when-thyroid-disease-masquerades-as-psychiatric-disorder/
I'm not saying you don't have depression, I just think you need to look at everything since you are not responding to treatment. Do your homework and get the right specialists for thyroid and hormones. These things can be easily misdiagnosed if you don't find the right doctor.

Thank you

Sure, please report back. I know you are feeling terrible and desperate right now. You are talking about drastic treatment. Please rest the best you can and do some more research about menopause/depression and thyroid/depression. Some of the research is eye opening. I had the same feelings about going to the hospital. This wasn't because I couldn't find a way to cope. It was because I wanted immediate attention. I think you want this also. Maybe ask your current doctor for some Xanex to help with the hardest days?

You are so right, that is exactly how I feel. I need relief immediately. I need to get back to work asap. Unfortunately I cannot take Xanax, I was accidentally addicted to it in the past and it was hell coming off of it. So I have to stay away from the benzo family of drugs.

Sorry to hear that about Xanex. I use it on days that are the hardest. I know this might sound silly, but look up Mary's Medicinals.
http://www.marysmedicinals.com/products-properties/
I used an Indica patch everyday to help me relax before I was able to get into a specialist. If you are anywhere near a legalized marijuana state or can get your Dr. to prescribe it, it lasted for 12 hours with no side effects. Very relaxing.
Don't worry about work, you are in a panic mode and need to find ways to relax. I know you will work this out. Do some research and start eliminating possible problems before jumping to drastic treatment. Wishing you the best of luck. I know the menopause timing is not an accident. You can't rush back to work in this state. You need to figure out what's going on. Praying for you.

Thank you