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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Will I ever feel "good"

deleted_user
deleted_user
I am a 34 year old male. I have been suffering from depression and anxiety for a few years. I am seeing a therapist and on paxil, wellbutrin and will be starting lamactil. I have never experienced "feeling good" on the meds, I am just cruising along, so so. Due to a combo of stress and trying a different med, I hit bottom emotionally and am still trying to recover. My questions are: on meds, do you ever get to a point where you say "now I know what it feels like to be happy"? Or will life always be just so so? AND If you feel the meds aren't working how long do you stay on a med before you need your doctor to prescribe something different? I'd really appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Many stresses can be addressed directly and others cannot. Knowing the source of your stress can be important to reducing depression and anxiety.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If you feel the meds aren't working tell your Doctor right away. I had been on Zoloft too long I started to feel my memory leaving me. It was really scary. It took a long time for most of my memory to come back. I was then put on Lexapro. This is good but didn't take care of all my needs so they put me on Cymbalta and have been on that ever since and it works really well. I'm happy most of the time. I do have down days. But over all my life is a lot better all the time. I hope this helped. HUGS'n'LOVES Ashley-Rose
Kaitrin
Kaitrin
I think it is standard for doctors to tell you to wait 6-8 weeks before stopping a med,if it is making you feel no better whatsoever.However,if if helps but just a little, there are many combinations of meds that doctors can prescribe to augment the effect of your original antidepressant. Wellbutrin is occasionally one,as is Lithium and cytomel and Adderal and Abilify and lamictal. I have had the experience where the addition of Lithium to my antidepressant, and later cytomel, made my antidepressant of the time much stronger,and I felt a lot better.I think trying to add other meds to one currently working just somewhat can be preferable to going off then going back on a new one,which can take so long and be so devastating while that "waiting"period between meds is passing.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have experienced feeling happy on meds in the past, so it's totally possible.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, in my experience,medication has allowed me to be happy and well balanced in the past.

After 2 weeks the meds started to kick in.
Initially, the suicidal thoughts disappeared, then I noticed that I started to function eg.cooking,housework. I was left alone with my child after 5 weeks.

Within a couple of years, with regular physchiatrist's visits and the right combination of meds, I noticed that I was laughing and smiling and had broken through the darkness.

Managing the depression is an ongoing battle as for any disease. It can be done and I am witness to this claim. Keep fighting. I wish you well.
deleted_user
deleted_user
You will know when the dark cloud lifts. Try Klonopin for the anxiety. It's magical.
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