Depression (Official Thread)

[asteria]

I have to go see a shrink soon, and he's most likely going to put me on some type of medication for depression.

I'm not too familiar with what's out there for that.

Can anyone give me a heads up for what to expect from the medication?

[popdisaster00]

I was on Prozac for 6 months when I was in high school. I stopped because I realized that the pills are meaningless. I just changed the shit in my life that was getting me down and started having a positive outlook on all things. Not saying this would work for you, but pills are not always the answer.

I had 0 side effects, but I guess acne and diarrhea are common?

Oh, and "anal."

[Fallinto_rhythm]

I take Prozac before I fly, and of makes me feel pretty damn good.

[immorehxcthanu]

I can't really give you more info if you don't know what he's putting you on yet. A lot of side effects include weight gain/lose, change in sleeping patterns and lose of libido. I've never really dealt with any of those except for sleep problems...you just need to give the meds a few weeks to kick in.

[Smash Adams]

different medications work for different people, that's why there's more than one
you might have to try a few before finding something that works for you, I can tell you that from experience though I don't have depression- there are very few anxiety drugs and apparently anxiety and depression are similar medically

[asteria]

alright, thanks.

[PezMullet]

Ativan

[mellzie14]

anti-depressants messed me up. i was on them for years. i think short term they are ok, but in the long run i think they do more damage then good.

[Hermux-Tantamoq]

Sometimes, they try to stimulate the unhappy literature in your grey matter by acting as if you were a fridge and they were a magnet that came free with morning cereal. Keep your wits about you.

[Kassie09]

xanax for the win.

[Smash Adams]

xanax for the win.

you're only supposed to use that when in stressful situations, are you abusing your drugs

[Kassie09]

you're only supposed to use that when in stressful situations, are you abusing your drugs

Of course not, father Ian.

[tomakebelieve]

Anti-depressants did nothing for me. I was on them during two different periods of my life. The first time, after 5 months, I ended up feeling like it wasn't cutting it/no change, so I quit. The second time was after my dad died earlier this year. I stayed on them for four months, but I don't think they helped at all. I've felt better these last few months without them than with.

Sometimes anti-depressants work wonders for people, and then sometimes, they don't. I think I've been better off not taking meds.

[vixsummer]

I have seasonal affective disorder, so I would go off my anti-depressants in the summer, and back on in the winter. This is the first year since I was 19 that I'm not sure I'm going to take them... I went back on for a little while, and it seemed to make everything much much worse for me, so I'm not sure yet. I was on Paxil first and had awful side effects, but then switched to Wellbutrin, and that's worked for me for the past 5 years.

[SauzaGold]

My therapist always tells me that medication should be the absolute last resort. If they are to be prescribed, its like someone said up there, they're - somewhat - ok short term.

[kaycey]

go to your happy place.

[bung]

I've read a lot of hate on Paxil (probably because it's supposed to be the most potent SSRI--according to my doc at least), but it changed my fucking life. I actually used to think about suicide multiple times daily. :-d

Anyway, it treated my major depression and social/generalized anxiety disorder quite well.

[4N6 science]

Ibuprofen works really well.

[caLLmEnOoNe]

don't get addicted to the meds

[daniel.e]

Ibuprofen works really well.

That's some crazy shit.

[nikkidynac]

I was on Lexipro when I was in High school.
The only thing that it did to me was when My baby cousin died, it wouldn't let me really cry. and I wanted too.
other than that it was great... I just don't need it anymore.

[ammar]

I can't believe no one'es mentioned Marijuana. It's great for depression.

[samsara]

meds scare me.
im afraid that i would become dependent on them
and my dad took some and it freaked him out because they made him hallucinate

[CrenshawPunch]

I have to go see a shrink soon, and he's most likely going to put me on some type of medication for depression.

I'm not too familiar with what's out there for that.

Can anyone give me a heads up for what to expect from the medication?

I was on Prozac for 6 months when I was in high school. I stopped because I realized that the pills are meaningless. I just changed the shit in my life that was getting me down and started having a positive outlook on all things. Not saying this would work for you, but pills are not always the answer.

I had 0 side effects, but I guess acne and diarrhea are common?

Oh, and "anal."

Listen to this man.

[lew_1987]

Sucralose.

[the color theft]

I tried zoloft for a while. It didn't do anything positive for me. The worst part was it made me not be able to pee. Haha it was awful.

So that didn't work and I was put on paxil cr which, at the time, I felt helped a bit. I eventually stopped taking it because I felt like it didn't work anymore.

In retrospect I don't really think it did all that much for me.

Good luck though.

[xfantabulousx]

I take Prozac before I fly, and of makes me feel pretty damn good.

This is good to know. I'm extremely terrified of flying and I'm probably going to be doing a lot of it when I get to college. Perhaps I need to find me a psychiatrist...

[bung]

This is good to know. I'm extremely terrified of flying and I'm probably going to be doing a lot of it when I get to college. Perhaps I need to find me a psychiatrist...

You actually don't even need to go to a psychiatrist. I personally go to my regular doctor.

[xfantabulousx]

You actually don't even need to go to a psychiatrist. I personally go to my regular doctor.

Well my dad's a psychiatrist (and actually suggested I take something I can't remember the name of when I went to England a few years ago), so I wouldn't need to look too far. But if I decide I need it and my dad won't prescribe it, I'll probably end up going to my regular doctor then.

[WakeUpBlondie]

I've read a lot of hate on Paxil (probably because it's supposed to be the most potent SSRI--according to my doc at least), but it changed my fucking life. I actually used to think about suicide multiple times daily. :-d

Anyway, it treated my major depression and social/generalized anxiety disorder quite well.

Good for you man

Talking Heads ftw

[kaityangst]

anti depressants suck.
really, don't get yourself into that.
there is no positive way to really know what will be best for you. which might mean taking a medicine with negative effects that make you feel even worse than before. and then if you switch to a new one, the transition is often hard as well.
but if you absolutely feel the need, i just recently got on pristiq and it's been absolutely amazing for me.
never felt better.

[asteria]

thank you everyone for your information.

I know that going on medication is going to be strain on my life.

I do agree with what many people have said about it being good for short term use.

I'm hoping I won't be on it for long.

Thank you again.

[4N6 science]

That's some crazy shit.


Yeah it's out of control.

[asteria]

Yeah it's out of control.

It really is.

All these drugs out there. All of them created just so we can damper aspects of our mind.

[.invisible ink.]

if you don't like the prescriptions (which i don't blame you) you might want to look into taking 5-HTP (5-hydroxy tryptophan). It's a naturally occurring amino acid that you can take to increase your seratonin production. It has worked wonders on me. I have "clinical deppression" for which I was prescribed Prozac and Buspar when I was in high school. It wasn't that bad but it completely killed my sex drive (which I cannot put up with)! I have been taking 5-HTP for many years now and it makes a huge difference. There's no side effects and it's purchased in vitamin shops. I take 200-400mg at night before I go to bed. It's not cheap (like $35 a bottle) but it's fantastic. Google it and you'll find lots of information on it. Oh, and unless you have an extremely unusual psychiatrist, they will never tell you about it because they're so far deep into the drug companies pockets they don't even realize it.

[popdisaster00]

Listen to this man.
;-)

[asteria]

if you don't like the prescriptions (which i don't blame you) you might want to look into taking 5-HTP (5-hydroxy tryptophan). It's a naturally occurring amino acid that you can take to increase your seratonin production. It has worked wonders on me. I have "clinical deppression" for which I was prescribed Prozac and Buspar when I was in high school. It wasn't that bad but it completely killed my sex drive (which I cannot put up with)! I have been taking 5-HTP for many years now and it makes a huge difference. There's no side effects and it's purchased in vitamin shops. I take 200-400mg at night before I go to bed. It's not cheap (like $35 a bottle) but it's fantastic. Google it and you'll find lots of information on it. Oh, and unless you have an extremely unusual psychiatrist, they will never tell you about it because they're so far deep into the drug companies pockets they don't even realize it.

I'm actually on 5-HTP right now. I do 200mg now, but it's not really helping me out too much.

[4N6 science]

It really is.

All these drugs out there. All of them created just so we can damper aspects of our mind.

Your statement is true, but I was being sarcastic about the use of Ibuprofen as an anti-depressant.

[pilot_light_out]

I can't believe no one'es mentioned Marijuana. It's great for depression.

i was going to mention it. the op should move to California and get it prescribed to her.

[asteria]

Your statement is true, but I was being sarcastic about the use of Ibuprofen as an anti-depressant.

Yeah, I kind of figured as much.

Hmm marijuana.

Nah. I never really liked smoking that back in high school so I can't take that route. Good idea though!

[asteria]

Ha. I just realized this is now the official Depression thread.

[BrokenMirror]

I'm on Sertraline (100mg). Apparently in some it can cause problems with ejaculation/achieving sexual climax. However I've had no problems in this department.

Yeah, depression can suck. The real cure for depression is fresh air and exercise.

[asteria]

Mmm. fresh air. I haven't gotten a lot of that in awhile.

Yeah, I really don't want any sexual problems when I'm taking this medicine.
Sex is a pretty important aspect of my life.

[_Andrew]

I was on Zoloft for about a month and a half this year... I didn't really notice a difference, so I just moved states lol.. things are better now, but I still get depressed sometimes (like now), for no apparent reason.

It's kinda weird, but it's the story of my life...

[asteria]

I was on Zoloft for about a month and a half this year... I didn't really notice a difference, so I just moved states lol.. things are better now, but I still get depressed sometimes (like now), for no apparent reason.

It's kinda weird, but it's the story of my life...

Well what is it that depresses you?

[mattmatumbo]

i had 4 friends who all hung themselves while on prozac... all within 3 weeks of eachother. that was pretty depressing. now no one in moab takes that shit.

[Fallinto_rhythm]

This is good to know. I'm extremely terrified of flying and I'm probably going to be doing a lot of it when I get to college. Perhaps I need to find me a psychiatrist... tramatic experience?

You actually don't even need to go to a psychiatrist. I personally go to my regular doctor. yeah, my doctor prescribes me them. I've never even been to a shrink.

[kaycey]

i had 4 friends who all hung themselves while on prozac... all within 3 weeks of eachother. that was pretty depressing. now no one in moab takes that shit.
woooh! that sucks.

[bung]

I once knew a kid who hung himself, but he was kind of an asshole so I secretly rejoiced ..I hope that doesn't make me a bad person.

[xfantabulousx]

tramatic experience?


Nothing other than a couple of flights in less-than-decent weather (with lots and lots of turbulence). I've always been a bit claustrophobic and afraid of heights though, so flying is like combining two of my worst fears. I either have to be completely distracted, or completely knocked out, when I fly.

[Fallinto_rhythm]

Nothing other than a couple of flights in less-than-decent weather (with lots and lots of turbulence). I've always been a bit claustrophobic and afraid of heights though, so flying is like combining two of my worst fears. I either have to be completely distracted, or completely knocked out, when I fly.

flying is fun. I enjoy it, bit any reason for a doctor to prescribe me pills I take them up on the offer.

[.invisible ink.]

I once knew a kid who hung himself, but he was kind of an asshole so I secretly rejoiced ..I hope that doesn't make me a bad person.

deja vu.

[open mind]

i've been prescribed effexor, wellbutrin, zoloft, seraquil, abilify, lithium, and a handful of different sleep aids in the past year.......none of them helped, but they did all have shitty side effects.

i got off the meds and tried acupuncture for awhile, that helped for a couple months but then nothing, so now i'm just sort of coasting on nothing which means i'm depressed but i'm not as screwed up as i was when i was trying all this stuff that was supposed to help me.

[HarryPotter]

I hit a low yesterday. At my age I know that it'll pass, but it sucks when you're at the height of it. It'll return unless I do something to fix my problems. But man, yesterday was horrible.

[Cereal_Killer]

i would try self medicating. the only annoying side affect of liquor is an inability to drive.

[Dan1234]

I once knew a kid who hung himself, but he was kind of an asshole so I secretly rejoiced ..I hope that doesn't make me a bad person.

Damn that would be awesome. Whenever someone is a total asshole to me i always hoped that they would die but they always just keep on living. I always thought it would be the greatest feeling to hope someone you hate dies.... and then they end up dying.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

I hit a low yesterday. At my age I know that it'll pass, but it sucks when you're at the height of it. It'll return unless I do something to fix my problems. But man, yesterday was horrible.
Aww hang in there! :hug:

i would try self medicating. the only annoying side affect of liquor is an inability to drive.
Clinically ineffective for depression or perhaps anything else that requires clinical attention. Alcohol calms you down, but it is an addictive substance and will not help alleviate symptoms in the long run.

[my_aim_is_true]

Damn that would be awesome. Whenever someone is a total asshole to me i always hoped that they would die but they always just keep on living. I always thought it would be the greatest feeling to hope someone you hate dies.... and then they end up dying.

I want to believe this is all in jest, but that is extremely in bad taste, especially in a topic about depression.

[Dan1234]

I want to believe this is all in jest, but that is extremely in bad taste, especially in a topic about depression.

feel free to lick my asshole

[xhmnimx]

I constantly find myself depressed. I can't get over the fact that I'll never be 16 or 17 again, I can't stand change, I lost all my best friends from high school, I'm 19 almost 20 and haven't been able to finish high school yet, I constantly get sad when I hear old songs me and my girlfriend used to listen to, they're good memories(we're still together), but knowing I can't ever relive those moments again hits me so hard. I get so depressed because I constantly worry that one day my girlfriend will leave me and when I say she's what I live for, I truly mean it. I know my life would completely fall apart if she were to ever leave me, she's my constant thoughts, everything I look forward to since I was in tenth grade. Also, I'm poor and I come from a very poor family. I'm so negative no matter how hard I try not to be, toward myself and my outlook on life. I'm a loser. I got my first job recently, at McDonald's. All I want is to get a car, go to college, learn, become someone, marry my girlfriend and most of all, be happy. I just don't know.

[tommylin]

I constantly find myself depressed. I can't get over the fact that I'll never be 16 or 17 again, I can't stand change, I lost all my best friends from high school, I'm 19 almost 20 and haven't been able to finish high school yet, I constantly get sad when I hear old songs me and my girlfriend used to listen to, they're good memories(we're still together), but knowing I can't ever relive those moments again hits me so hard. I get so depressed because I constantly worry that one day my girlfriend will leave me and when I say she's what I live for, I truly mean it. I know my life would completely fall apart if she were to ever leave me, she's my constant thoughts, everything I look forward to since I was in tenth grade. Also, I'm poor and I come from a very poor family. I'm so negative no matter how hard I try not to be, toward myself and my outlook on life. I'm a loser. I got my first job recently, at McDonald's. All I want is to get a car, go to college, learn, become someone, marry my girlfriend and most of all, be happy. I just don't know.


You just have to know that the only thing that is real is the here and now. You can't attach yourself to the past because well those things already happened and you can't take them back, you can only reflect on them. You can't attach yourself to the future because the future hasn't even happened yet so what have you too worry about? And even if you do lose your girlfriend or not become "somebody" why does that even matter? The world goes on.

Look all i'm saying is, you can't find happiness through external things. You have to dig deeper into yourself. Get rid of all those negative emotions and just let life be as it is, because a happy life is a peaceful life. Trust me.

[my_aim_is_true]

You just have to know that the only thing that is real is the here and now. You can't attach yourself to the past because well those things already happened and you can't take them back, you can only reflect on them. You can't attach yourself to the future because the future hasn't even happened yet so what have you too worry about? And even if you do lose your girlfriend or not become "somebody" why does that even matter? The world goes on.

Look all i'm saying is, you can't find happiness through external things. You have to dig deeper into yourself. Get rid of all those negative emotions and just let life be as it is, because a happy life is a peaceful life. Trust me.

This is very insightful. It's just extremely hard to put into practice. But to the poster, it'll happen. You just need to actively work on changing your thought process.

[tommylin]

This is very insightful. It's just extremely hard to put into practice. But to the poster, it'll happen. You just need to actively work on changing your thought process.

Exactly

[my_aim_is_true]

It is such a struggle trying to make someone who doesn't have depression understand what it's like to have it. They think I can't "handle" what's going on. Though I am trying every single day, it doesn't matter. I'm not in control of how I deal with things because I can't be. I have a chemical imbalance. I could be in Disney World, the happiest place on earth, and still not be able to cope with what is going on because my body is working against me.

[Cereal_Killer]

feel free to lick my asshole

:-p


















Sorry, I couldn't resist. :lol:

[my_aim_is_true]

Ever since last weekend and things fell apart again, I've found myself so exhausted all of the time. I hope I can fight against it this time. The last time I was like this was terrifying. I wish people realized how much of an effect they can have on a person.

[holybatmon]

I wish there was a rant thread. I kinda feel stupid, typing my bullshit to some forum, but w/e. Yeah, I'm just tired of not being happy, really. Simple. This degree I'm doing is bloody hard, which is fine, but it just seems endless. I'm no natural at it either. I don't want to end up with a result that doesn't reflect the effort I put in. I'm working harder than ever, but there's always this feeling of guilt underlying everything I do- whether it be spending money, Uni work, social obligations etc etc. It's tiresome. I know what I want to do with my life but I've got this feeling it'll never really happen. I have no idea what I'll do if it doesn't, besides beat myself up over nothing turning out how I want it. Never had a girlfriend, and it's my fault, but I still have the people skills of an awkward 13 year old boy, it feels. Meh. I've had enough of the sinking feeling I get whenever I lie in bed thinking about "life in general". My moments of extreme pessimism are sometimes interjected with the complete opposite, and I feel fucking great, but the littlest things just make me flip from one to the other. I don't know. I feel like, by admitting to myself that I'm not happy, that I'm some kind of failure. I look at the things I have and feel guilty for not feeling great. Then I look at other people and don't understand how they can be happy- like there's either something I know that they don't, or vice versa. I just have no idea how I'm going to pull myself out of this hole, as I always seem to lack the ability to really, really change.

X-)

[jkim4007]

*sigh* I was looking for this thread.
I've never been to a therapist, and don't plan on it, so I've never been officially diagnosed with depression or anxiety or anything, but I've had five or six episodes lasting several months each over the course of the past few years, and those episodes were filled with not having the motivation to get out of bed, oversleeping, hating myself, having suicidal thoughts, hurting myself, etc., etc. so I'm calling it now and self diagnosing.

Anyway, the rest of this is just a pointless rant, but I fucking hate how my emotions are so turbulent. I would rather be constantly depressed and have the same mindset for a lengthy period of time instead of having to deal with being miserable and insane (as in my thoughts are all over the place) one day, unusually motivated and optimistic the next, then back to being miserable. I can't even predict my cycles. I literally don't know whether I'll be completely down in the dumps, suicidal, feeling worthless, etc. tomorrow or the most focused and vibrant person on earth. I also used to and still am (all the time except on my usually positive days, which are rare) afraid and avoidant of social situations, because I can't articulate myself well. I get SO anxious when I'm around other people that the words just don't come out of my mouth. I didn't leave the house for two weeks straight during winter break because I was so scared of being placed in a situation where I would have to engage in a conversation. and It just SUCKS because very very recently, this started happening, and I end up making a commitment on one of my good days (like, enrolling in a class, volunteering to be the debate opener in one of my classes) then when the time to fulfill the commitment comes, I'm the most self conscious miserable suicidal trainwreck ever and have to put so much effort into not falling apart and breaking down in public.
This didn't start long ago, it used to be just months and months of being depressed, then a few weeks of being "normal", then back to depressed, etc. but this whole turbulence thing started this month and it's driving me INSANE.
also, I hate being triggered by the most trivial and insignificant thing and feeling like a piece of shit for what the average person would consider "nothing".

ugh.

[deanster321]

*sigh* I was looking for this thread.
I've never been to a therapist, and don't plan on it, so I've never been officially diagnosed with depression or anxiety or anything, but I've had five or six episodes lasting several months each over the course of the past few years, and those episodes were filled with not having the motivation to get out of bed, oversleeping, hating myself, having suicidal thoughts, hurting myself, etc., etc. so I'm calling it now and self diagnosing.

Anyway, the rest of this is just a pointless rant, but I fucking hate how my emotions are so turbulent. I would rather be constantly depressed and have the same mindset for a lengthy period of time instead of having to deal with being miserable and insane (as in my thoughts are all over the place) one day, unusually motivated and optimistic the next, then back to being miserable. I can't even predict my cycles. I literally don't know whether I'll be completely down in the dumps, suicidal, feeling worthless, etc. tomorrow or the most focused and vibrant person on earth. I also used to and still am (all the time except on my usually positive days, which are rare) afraid and avoidant of social situations, because I can't articulate myself well. I get SO anxious when I'm around other people that the words just don't come out of my mouth. I didn't leave the house for two weeks straight during winter break because I was so scared of being placed in a situation where I would have to engage in a conversation. and It just SUCKS because very very recently, this started happening, and I end up making a commitment on one of my good days (like, enrolling in a class, volunteering to be the debate opener in one of my classes) then when the time to fulfill the commitment comes, I'm the most self conscious miserable suicidal trainwreck ever and have to put so much effort into not falling apart and breaking down in public.
This didn't start long ago, it used to be just months and months of being depressed, then a few weeks of being "normal", then back to depressed, etc. but this whole turbulence thing started this month and it's driving me INSANE.
also, I hate being triggered by the most trivial and insignificant thing and feeling like a piece of shit for what the average person would consider "nothing".

ugh.
Please, reconsider seeking professional help. Or at the very least confide in someone you feel comfortable doing that with. It's really not as bad as you're probably thinking.

[jkim4007]

Please, reconsider seeking professional help. Or at the very least confide in someone you feel comfortable doing that with. It's really not as bad as you're probably thinking.

Hey thanks, I appreciate the suggestion. Gonna ride it out for as long as I can until I reach breaking point, then I'll probably get help.

[deanster321]

Hey thanks, I appreciate the suggestion. Gonna ride it out for as long as I can until I reach breaking point, then I'll probably get help.
No problem. I don't want to put pressure on you, but do it as soon as you feel like you can. Good luck.

[open mind]

after years of trial and error with various medications, and alternative medicine approaches i've found vitamin d supplements and fish oil pills have been the most effective thing for me, and i haven't noticed any negative side effects.

the vitamin d seems to effect my energy levels. i sleep 6-8 hours instead of 10-12, and when i wake up my mind is sharper. the fish oil pills seem to help curb my moods a bit, so i don't get as down, and i don't stay bummed out for as long as i have in the past.

[Passion Man]

after years of trial and error with various medications, and various alternative medicine approaches i've found vitamin d supplements and fish oil pills have been the most effective thing for me, and i haven't noticed any negative side effects.

the vitamin d seems to effect my energy levels. i sleep 6-8 hours instead of 10-12, and when i wake up my mind is sharper. the fish oil pills seem to help curb my moods a bit, so i don't get as down, and i don't stay bummed out for as long as i have in the past.

I also take fish oil and it is helping out alot. Everyone should consider giving it a try if they haven't yet.

[Alison1488]

I kind of feel like I'm never going to get this under control again. I was fine for years, and then I had my heart broken, and I haven't been right ever since. It's hard to explain to people that don't understand what depression feels like. I just want to feel like me again, and I am so scared that I won't.

[FindingEuphoria]

[QUOTE=asteria;23580852]I have to go see a shrink soon, and he's most likely going to put me on some type of medication for depression.

I'm not too familiar with what's out there for that.

Can anyone give me a heads up for what to expect from the medication?


Most tend to range from nausea, vomiting, appetite loss to (increased) suicidal thoughts and panic attacks.
It really depends on the drug you're prescribed. And don't expect a miracle in one night, things like these take time. GoodLuck!

[xxemo_kittyxx]

I had my first diagnosis at 17, went on antidepressants for a year, stopped for six months and went back on them after a relapse almost two years ago. Ever since I started studying in college, I've been reading a lot of publications on the treatment of depression and discuss them with my therapists. I am now taking antidepressants indefinitely as a buffer against potential relapse, as my early onset puts me at high risk of relapsing.

I am really proud of myself for being able to take care of myself this far, and go into such great lengths to make sure I'm doing better - but to be honest, I don't really feel any better. I can function a lot better compared to when my depressive symptoms were at its peak, but as grateful as I am for that, I don't believe I'm getting any happier.

It's hard because there's nobody that I can talk to about this. I've told a couple of friends, but that ended up being something I really regret because they never really end up supporting me the way I wanted them to. They don't really understand the magnitude of all the things I have to deal with - medical bills, doctor's appointments, the necessity of managing my lifestyle and making it as stress-free as possible. I guess most people still believe that depression is something that is all in your head, and it's so hard to convince them otherwise when the line between mentality and a legitimate disorder is heavily blurred.



I also take fish oil and it is helping out alot. Everyone should consider giving it a try if they haven't yet.
How does fish oil work? I heard that it helps with concentration, but I haven't heard of it as an alternative treatment to depression. I'm curious :)

[Alison1488]

I am really proud of myself for being able to take care of myself this far, and go into such great lengths to make sure I'm doing better - but to be honest, I don't really feel any better. I can function a lot better compared to when my depressive symptoms were at its peak, but as grateful as I am for that, I don't believe I'm getting any happier.

It's hard because there's nobody that I can talk to about this. I've told a couple of friends, but that ended up being something I really regret because they never really end up supporting me the way I wanted them to. They don't really understand the magnitude of all the things I have to deal with - medical bills, doctor's appointments, the necessity of managing my lifestyle and making it as stress-free as possible. I guess most people still believe that depression is something that is all in your head, and it's so hard to convince them otherwise when the line between mentality and a legitimate disorder is heavily blurred.



I think I just found my soulmate in you. As cliche as it is to say, people that don't have depression don't understand how it works. Sometimes, it doesn't matter what efforts you go through to change the situation, you succumb to it. I'm not crying everyday and I can go to work and converse with people, but am I happy? Not at all. I say it's like living in a black and white world. No color.

[deanster321]

Is it ok to drink alcohol while you're on sertraline? I mean, I know alcohol is a depressant as opposed to the drug being an anti-depressant, but would there be any long-term effects?

[Passion Man]

I had my first diagnosis at 17, went on antidepressants for a year, stopped for six months and went back on them after a relapse almost two years ago. Ever since I started studying in college, I've been reading a lot of publications on the treatment of depression and discuss them with my therapists. I am now taking antidepressants indefinitely as a buffer against potential relapse, as my early onset puts me at high risk of relapsing.

I am really proud of myself for being able to take care of myself this far, and go into such great lengths to make sure I'm doing better - but to be honest, I don't really feel any better. I can function a lot better compared to when my depressive symptoms were at its peak, but as grateful as I am for that, I don't believe I'm getting any happier.

It's hard because there's nobody that I can talk to about this. I've told a couple of friends, but that ended up being something I really regret because they never really end up supporting me the way I wanted them to. They don't really understand the magnitude of all the things I have to deal with - medical bills, doctor's appointments, the necessity of managing my lifestyle and making it as stress-free as possible. I guess most people still believe that depression is something that is all in your head, and it's so hard to convince them otherwise when the line between mentality and a legitimate disorder is heavily blurred.




How does fish oil work? I heard that it helps with concentration, but I haven't heard of it as an alternative treatment to depression. I'm curious :)

To be honest, I'm not sure. It was just recommended by my psychiatrist. You can try it yourself, it's not a drug, that's why I was so keen in trying it. *shrugs* Sorry if this isn't the answer you were looking for. :/

edit: I'm not sure if it's classified as a drug or not, but I still stand by fish oil.

[Alison1488]

To be honest, I'm not sure. It was just recommended by my psychiatrist. You can try it yourself, it's not a drug, that's why I was so keen in trying it. *shrugs* Sorry if this isn't the answer you were looking for. :/

edit: I'm not sure if it's classified as a drug or not, but I still stand by fish oil.

You actually noticed a difference from before you took fish oil to after you started taking the pills? Weird question, but any bad after tastes or anything? I just get a gross mental taste in my mind when I think "fish oil".

[Starbursting]

Is it ok to drink alcohol while you're on sertraline? I mean, I know alcohol is a depressant as opposed to the drug being an anti-depressant, but would there be any long-term effects?

I wouldn't make it a habit.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

I think I just found my soulmate in you. As cliche as it is to say, people that don't have depression don't understand how it works. Sometimes, it doesn't matter what efforts you go through to change the situation, you succumb to it. I'm not crying everyday and I can go to work and converse with people, but am I happy? Not at all. I say it's like living in a black and white world. No color.
Oh gosh, thank you for posting this, you just made things a little better :)

There's just a lot of pressure from society in general for people with depression to repress how they feel. There are many people with the same underlying causes to our so-called psychological problems and are just as distraught as we are, except they react through different means. My roommate is prone to psychosomatics. Everytime she gets "sick", there's always some kind of psychological reason triggering it, but in the end, she gets a lot more sympathy from others because her pain is considered as being more "real". That's the biggest misconception about depression - what we feel may be related to the workings of our minds, but the discomfort is never less tangible than "physical" pains. I remember having a really bad flu once, and waking up in the morning felt exactly the same as waking up during an episode. Although I've learned to deal with that and can now force my self to get up (though almost always later than I should), it is still quite hard, and harder to do when others don't appreciate how much effort you've made by getting up in the first place.

To be honest, I'm not sure. It was just recommended by my psychiatrist. You can try it yourself, it's not a drug, that's why I was so keen in trying it. *shrugs* Sorry if this isn't the answer you were looking for. :/

edit: I'm not sure if it's classified as a drug or not, but I still stand by fish oil.
I'm not sure if it's a drug in the therapeutic sense, as it is a supplement. I'm just curious on the mechanism of it to help alleviate depressive symptoms, and the only possible conclusion that I can come up with is that it helps improve your concentration - which is something depressed people tend to lack.
Is it ok to drink alcohol while you're on sertraline? I mean, I know alcohol is a depressant as opposed to the drug being an anti-depressant, but would there be any long-term effects?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Got that from RxList (http://www.rxlist.com/zoloft-drug/consumer-missed-dose.htm). Looks like alcohol is a no-go for Setraline. There are some antidepressants which do not interact with alcohol, therefore making alcohol consumption safe from a pharmacological point of view. Nevertheless, most health professionals suggest that the consumption of alcohol and other addictive substances are to be avoided for patients with depression, as they have a higher risk of developing an addiction.

[deanster321]

Thank you both. It's not really a big loss to me seeing as I don't drink often currently and haven't in the time I've been taking it anyway, I was just wondering in the event. I'll probably go ask my doctor just to be sure.

[Alison1488]

Oh gosh, thank you for posting this, you just made things a little better :)

There's just a lot of pressure from society in general for people with depression to repress how they feel. There are many people with the same underlying causes to our so-called psychological problems and are just as distraught as we are, except they react through different means. My roommate is prone to psychosomatics. Everytime she gets "sick", there's always some kind of psychological reason triggering it, but in the end, she gets a lot more sympathy from others because her pain is considered as being more "real". That's the biggest misconception about depression - what we feel may be related to the workings of our minds, but the discomfort is never less tangible than "physical" pains. I remember having a really bad flu once, and waking up in the morning felt exactly the same as waking up during an episode. Although I've learned to deal with that and can now force my self to get up (though almost always later than I should), it is still quite hard, and harder to do when others don't appreciate how much effort you've made by getting up in the first place.


I totally understand. I went through a month where I barely left my bed. I just could not bring myself to do it. People don't understand that. Or how you can be in a great situation and not be happy, or lose interest in everything you loved. It's a struggle everyday, and some people just think you're not trying hard enough. It's so hard when the chemicals in your brain are working against you.

[Passion Man]

You actually noticed a difference from before you took fish oil to after you started taking the pills? Weird question, but any bad after tastes or anything? I just get a gross mental taste in my mind when I think "fish oil".

No after tastes. "fish oil" does sound nasty now that I think about it. :-d

[NotebookMusic]

I think I just found my soulmate in you. As cliche as it is to say, people that don't have depression don't understand how it works. Sometimes, it doesn't matter what efforts you go through to change the situation, you succumb to it. I'm not crying everyday and I can go to work and converse with people, but am I happy? Not at all. I say it's like living in a black and white world. No color.

This..
I always thought that the way that I felt day to day was just normal. Forcing myself to face life (or trying at least,) and everything that I used to do with ease feeling like a strain.
Went to a couple of psychiatrists and practitioners for my eating situation and got diagnosed with severe depression, and sadly, anorexia. People will never fully understand when they're on the outside looking in.

[Alison1488]

I'm starting counseling this week, and I was wondering what I can expect? I'm really nervous. I've shut down A LOT about the reason I'm going and I'm not so sure how easy it will be to open up to a stranger about love, sex, and just not feeling worth it. I have a 25 page form to fill out before I go. I wish it didn't come to this, but I've been convinced for 6 months that this relationship broke me and I want to feel whole again.

[phil19]

im coming off my meds now

[xxemo_kittyxx]

This..
I always thought that the way that I felt day to day was just normal. Forcing myself to face life (or trying at least,) and everything that I used to do with ease feeling like a strain.
Went to a couple of psychiatrists and practitioners for my eating situation and got diagnosed with severe depression, and sadly, anorexia. People will never fully understand when they're on the outside looking in.
It takes a while to build rapport with practitioners - I know I didn't really feel comfortable with my current therapist until the fourth session. Nobody will ever really fully understand, unless they've been there. But even with that, we all have different experiences. Cut yourself some slack and accept the fact that people don't understand, but they don't have to, sometimes they just can't. It's more important to understand your situation yourself and deal with what you know, no matter how tough it is.

When you have that susceptibility - be it childhood maltreatment, abnormal levels of serotonin, ongoing unresolved issues, whatever it is that made you depressed - you really have to appreciate every second you stay alive because staying alive is hard. If all the people you know can feel the way you do, most of them probably can't even make it. Being able to keep yourself alive is a massive, massive achievement. Celebrate it, appreciate it.

Just wanted to share that bit of positivity there, hope it helps :)

[Cereal_Killer]

Get Drunk

[NotebookMusic]

It takes a while to build rapport with practitioners - I know I didn't really feel comfortable with my current therapist until the fourth session. Nobody will ever really fully understand, unless they've been there. But even with that, we all have different experiences. Cut yourself some slack and accept the fact that people don't understand, but they don't have to, sometimes they just can't. It's more important to understand your situation yourself and deal with what you know, no matter how tough it is.

When you have that susceptibility - be it childhood maltreatment, abnormal levels of serotonin, ongoing unresolved issues, whatever it is that made you depressed - you really have to appreciate every second you stay alive because staying alive is hard. If all the people you know can feel the way you do, most of them probably can't even make it. Being able to keep yourself alive is a massive, massive achievement. Celebrate it, appreciate it.

Just wanted to share that bit of positivity there, hope it helps :)

Those are some really, really great words emo_kitty. I appreciate that very much. I'm not going to lie, that gives me a bit of a new perspective on things.

[Passion Man]

It takes a while to build rapport with practitioners - I know I didn't really feel comfortable with my current therapist until the fourth session. Nobody will ever really fully understand, unless they've been there. But even with that, we all have different experiences. Cut yourself some slack and accept the fact that people don't understand, but they don't have to, sometimes they just can't. It's more important to understand your situation yourself and deal with what you know, no matter how tough it is.

When you have that susceptibility - be it childhood maltreatment, abnormal levels of serotonin, ongoing unresolved issues, whatever it is that made you depressed - you really have to appreciate every second you stay alive because staying alive is hard. If all the people you know can feel the way you do, most of them probably can't even make it. Being able to keep yourself alive is a massive, massive achievement. Celebrate it, appreciate it.

Just wanted to share that bit of positivity there, hope it helps :)
very inspiring (I'm not being saracastic either, I appreciate what you said.)
Get Drunk
this made me lol :-d

[deanster321]

I'm starting counseling this week, and I was wondering what I can expect? I'm really nervous. I've shut down A LOT about the reason I'm going and I'm not so sure how easy it will be to open up to a stranger about love, sex, and just not feeling worth it. I have a 25 page form to fill out before I go. I wish it didn't come to this, but I've been convinced for 6 months that this relationship broke me and I want to feel whole again.
It feels weird, even bad at first but the more you do it the better you'll feel.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

Those are some really, really great words emo_kitty. I appreciate that very much. I'm not going to lie, that gives me a bit of a new perspective on things.

very inspiring (I'm not being saracastic either, I appreciate what you said.)

Thanks, I'm really glad I helped.

[JuneJuly]

sup, guys. gonna get real.

so my family has had a history with bipolar disorder. my dad and grandpa both have it. I've had issues with depression the past, I've been on two medications, albeit for a short amount of time. But lately (this whole academic year) I've been feeling anxious at times, I've had trouble sleeping, I've been feeling depressed, and while I've never thought about killing myself, I have recently thought about suicide just in general. But I really have no idea how this stuff works.

[Alison1488]

sup, guys. gonna get real.

so my family has had a history with bipolar disorder. my dad and grandpa both have it. I've had issues with depression the past, I've been on two medications, albeit for a short amount of time. But lately (this whole academic year) I've been feeling anxious at times, I've had trouble sleeping, I've been feeling depressed, and while I've never thought about killing myself, I have recently thought about suicide just in general. But I really have no idea how this stuff works.

Those were the same exact symptoms I had that originated me getting put on depression/anxiety medicine. School stressed me out beyond belief that I actually fell into a really deep depression. You should go to the doctor and see what they have to say.

[Kozzy333]

I have been having weird pains/feelings in my chest. I went to the hospital and it's not physical it's likely anxiety/depression/panic. I am probably going to get put on anti-depressants or something. I've always figured I had some problem and I thought knowing this would liberate me a little bit. It has made me feel even worse. I just don't understand this right now.

[NotebookMusic]

I've been on Lexapro for two to three days (5mg, anti-depressant) and I'm already noticing some changes. I don't feel as deep in a hole, though I feel kind of numb for most of the day. Kind of euphoric. It's awkward, and my sleep has been pretty disrupted. Nausea as well. We'll see what's up in a few weeks.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

sup, guys. gonna get real.

so my family has had a history with bipolar disorder. my dad and grandpa both have it. I've had issues with depression the past, I've been on two medications, albeit for a short amount of time. But lately (this whole academic year) I've been feeling anxious at times, I've had trouble sleeping, I've been feeling depressed, and while I've never thought about killing myself, I have recently thought about suicide just in general. But I really have no idea how this stuff works.
Get help. I'm not trying to state that this is messed up or anything - but it's always good to take precautions, especially when you have a family history of mood disorders and have had a depressive episode yourself. You sound like you might be symptomatic, but I'm not entitled to give such judgment, so I would really suggest you get some medical or psychological advice from professionals. Try to do something before it escalates into something worse. Good luck :)

I've been on Lexapro for two to three days (5mg, anti-depressant) and I'm already noticing some changes. I don't feel as deep in a hole, though I feel kind of numb for most of the day. Kind of euphoric. It's awkward, and my sleep has been pretty disrupted. Nausea as well. We'll see what's up in a few weeks.
From my experience, the side effects will escalate after one or two weeks and you'll feel a difference in your functioning by then. Of course, people have different reactions to medication, and I myself was on twice the dose you're taking. Hope it works out for you :)

[Alison1488]

I've been on Lexapro for two to three days (5mg, anti-depressant) and I'm already noticing some changes. I don't feel as deep in a hole, though I feel kind of numb for most of the day. Kind of euphoric. It's awkward, and my sleep has been pretty disrupted. Nausea as well. We'll see what's up in a few weeks.

Lexapro was a godsend for me.

[NotebookMusic]

Lexapro was a godsend for me.

It's been pretty decent. I feel like, "comfortably numb" so-to-say. Definitely not as down in a hole as I was.

[Alison1488]

It's been pretty decent. I feel like, "comfortably numb" so-to-say. Definitely not as down in a hole as I was.

When I first got put on it, 10mg, I never got the "numb" feeling. I just wasn't as anxious or down in the dumps. A few months ago, I got upped to 20mg, and now I'm kind of feeling a little numb. But all in all, it saved my life.

[NotebookMusic]

When I first got put on it, 10mg, I never got the "numb" feeling. I just wasn't as anxious or down in the dumps. A few months ago, I got upped to 20mg, and now I'm kind of feeling a little numb. But all in all, it saved my life.

Without a doubt. 5mg probably effects me a little more because I'm underweight as well. But, yeah, it's decent.

[CallMeTroy]

Got hold of a (mostly full) bottle of Prozac. Let's see where this goes.

[Passion Man]

haven't felt this depressed in a long time.

[Kozzy333]

Definetly not feeling fantastic at all lately, especially tonight. For fucks sakes.

[Jaded87]

I can feel myself slowly sinking back into it.

[Tautou107]

i've been really good for the past few months and i'm terrified of sinking back into it

[jkim4007]

I wonder how long it'll take me to give in to these thoughts.