Hello!
I just thought I'd post about something that I haven't seen mentioned here. I lost someone to an overdose of depression medicines and I think that the doctors need to closely monitor people who are severely depressed. These people are not always hospitalized. I refused hospitalization once because it was impossible for me to do so.

When I had suicidal ideation the doctor only gave me small amounts of medicine and I had to go back often. I think it was a good thing she did that but I don't know how many other doctors are doing that.

Another thing about these medicines. Quite often they work for some time and quit working. It happened to me many times. In fact, I'd become very tired after awhile and more depressed and increasing them would only increase the tiredness and depression. I know of many others who have had the same experience. That's why I think it's important to have other solutions to use if the medicines are not working or quit working or if none of them ever worked. There are some who have never gotten relief from antidepressants. Then they need to rely on something else of their choice-maybe support groups or therapy alone. I have tried just about all of the antidepressants (seriously) and with little relief.

I am going to be going to a new place that is supposed to have a great program for mood disorders and I hope they can find a medicine(s) that will help me. I have other dx besides depression, too. I have not found relief for those dx s either. I am not alone in this I'm sure. I have tried many many meds for many years. I have learned to do things to make myself feel better like distract myself from the defeating thoughts when I can. Or to try to treat myself extra special instead of beating up on myself. Exercise used to help me but I got out of the habit. It's been too hot here lately to ride my bike outside.

Having a pet to care for really has helped me to stay alive and get up every day to care for him.

On the other hand these drugs have helped many and I am glad for that. I wish it happend for me that way. All I am saying is that sometimes some people cannot find relief in them. I am one of them. Maybe that will change for me. I guess I feel disheartened at the moment from my own personal experience.

I am looking forward to going to the new place but after my experiences I am a bit skeptical. Yet, I'm willing to try again.

"Things work out best for the people
Who make the best out of the way things work out."
--- Author Unknown ---