I think I have read on another post somewhere to give them a couple of weeks to see if there is a difference.

It's my understanding that it can take up to 6 weeks for an anti-d to kick in.

Please be aware that originally anti-d's were meant to be used temporarily in conjunction with therapy, not as a fix all drug. Now most people I know say their drs just hand it out for everything w/o ever suggesting therapy.

We all want to feel better fast, but honestly the only way past the pain is thru it. Sad but true. I was overdosed w/anti-d's several years ago & that did way more harm than good. Once I got off of them I actually felt better, but the pain was still there. So I found a great therapist & it took three years of intense therapy (working thru a lifetime of abuse), but I am so much better now.

Two things really turned me around. One was my therapy. The other was starting a daily gratitude list. Because of that I realized that what we focus on expands. And the more I focused on the positive, the better & more joyful I felt. Again, it didn't happen over night - not by a long shot. I started & stopped several times. lol

Back to the anti-d's. The point of an anti-d is not to stop the emotions. It's to even out the mood just enough to get started in therapy & to help w/rough parts in the beginning of therapy.

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. I definitely remember those days. I highly recommend therapy w/a qualified therapist who specializes in recovery from abuse & ptsd.

Please take good care of you!

Big hugs!!!!!

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

Perhaps with time the anti depressant will take effect.

"We all want to feel better fast, but honestly the only way past the pain is thru it. Sad but true. " MyTrueColors
You are so right I know. I just am at the point I want to be numb. I am also at the point that I am afraid to feel anything for anyone, even in my own family as my emotions are so messed up. It is easier to just close myself off, going to work and going home, that way no one can hurt me.

I work too many hours currently to be able to do therapy. It does sound like it would be helpful. Perhaps the daily gratitude list is a start.

As for a specialized therapist, doubtful I will find one in this area. Maybe one day. Thanks again.

Yes, antidepressants take a few weeks to kick in. My dr described them as like throwing a life preserver to a drowning person. They bring back the equilibrium so that you can think through things rationally, rather than through the fog of depression. My dr was reluctant to recommend therapy right off, likening that to trying to teach a drowning person to swim. However, the reasoning probably had something to do with limited coverage. I started couselling about six months after starting the meds. It was very helpful.

The point is, give yourself time. The fog will lift (or change meds) and then you can think more clearly about how to rebuild your life and start choosing how you reaxh out to people..

In the meantime, aggressive self care. Do something nice for yourself, you deserve it. You might also want to look into "mindfulness" training. There is a book called "the Mindful Way Through Depression " which is quite excellent at describing depression. Treat it as the illness it is and five yourself time to recover.

It took about two months before I started noticing a difference from my meds, and I was taking them at max dosage. When they started kicking in I found them to be extremely helpful. They didn't really cure anything or numb anything but they did make everything that little bit easier to deal with. I'm seriously considering going back on them again. I'm really not feeling very good right now at all.

Thank you guys for the advice and support. It is so appreciated. For anyone struggling with depression, I wish you happier days ahead.

If you don't notice a change, maybe another one would be better. Effexor is a good one (works for me!)
It helps w/ anxiety too. I also try to journal, exercise and talk to either a counselor or pastor.
Try to do little things outside the home too, treat yourself to a lunch w/ a friend or get your nails done....pamper you!!!!! You are worth it!

Thanks for the advice Peaceful12. I have only been on the wellbutron higher dose for a short time so I will give it a few more weeks. Funny that you should mention excercise, I got into a spurt where I bought some DVDs and workout clothes, weights, vitamins..and then I lost my motivation. ARghh.
I hate going out to eat by myself, I am too self concious. People have said to treat myself to a movie, but I would feel the same way. I need to figure out something.

Hey hon--There are a TON of antidepressants available. I took perhaps two or three before I found the one that worked for me. Stick with trying the medicine you are on and know that if it doesn't work you have more medical options available to you. Life is too short to just exist.

I also recommend daily cardio exercise. This is the best and cheapest antidepressant that I know of and it's totally free if you go for a long walk. Weight training also adds to the endorphin level which will pick up your spirits.

Be patient, work with your doctor and seek out something, anything that you can be passionate about, or that can hold your interest...

I am sorry for your pain and I'm sending you hugs...

Thank you and I realize I have to get motivated. Thanks for the kind words and thoughts.