[bluemountains]

Hello,

If you suffer from hypothyroidism and depression, how often do you have a major episode of depression and how often must you have your medication changed? I have been treated for depression for 10 years with four changes/additions in meds and dosages. I have been treated for thyroid problems for three years with this medication being increased three times. I have had three major "crashes" during this time, with each being worse than the last. During my last episode I had suicidal thoughts and had to be treated immediately instead of waiting for an appointment.

My fear is what the next episode will bring since each time I go into a major depression it seems worse than the last time. Right now I feel better-I am taking cymbalta and wellbutrin, along with therapy. In my therapy sessions I am finally facing the childhood abuse I lived through and going through CBT.

So how long can I expect controlled feelings to last? The last episode really scared me.

Thanks for your input.

[nicoleb2]

I have hypothyroidism. My thyroid meds have been stable for a long time now. Psych meds have not. They are changing quite frequently, but I really don't think it, or my major episodes are caused by my thyroid issues.

How long you can expect stability would all depend on your meds, how your body reacts to them, and what kind of stresses you are under and how that affects you. Nobody, no matter what med they are on can really say, ok, this med is going to last, or not last because everyone is different and things can change quickly

[Beholden]

how often do you have lab work done for your hypothyroidism? You didn't mention what your dx was with depression, is it bipolar or major depression? So many things need to be considered with medications and we are all different. It's good you are getting therapy. It is best to talk with the therapist about meds.

Do you see your family doctor or a pdoc for maintenance of you prescribtions?

Once I used to think that some of the alternative stuff was bunk, but I'v changed my mind about getting exercise. I walk every day and try most days to enjoy nature even when it rains. Like today. I like sunshine much better, but I do have to push myself because I have a dog to walk. But once your meds get straight - your talk therapy will start to go better also. Good luck.

I have hypothyroidism too and once you have your thryroid levels right you should be ok, However if you're diagnosed with something the depression won't go away, I have BPD and Depression so I don't know sometimes if it is my thyroid or Depression.I have blood tests every 6 months to check (next one on Friday) I hope you get it sorted as the symptoms for this can be nasty Good luck

[madisgram]

my doc does bloodwork of all 3 profiles every 3 months for my hypothyrodisim. recently had a major shift in the numbers. if done at regular intervals/bloodwork it may help.
my depression on meds is caused by my depression since my thyroid rx up to now has not contributed to my depression.

[bluemountains]

Thanks for the help. I have major depression, diagnosed about 10 years ago, but probably around a lot longer. I definitely agree that exercise is helpful. Of course, when I'm at a low point, exercise is the last thing I want to do. I have blood work done every six months, again when in a depressed state I have let this go as well. On the last visit to the doc, she escorted me to have my next appt. made because I had let it go for 9 months. I used to have the pdoc prescribe meds, but now my family dr. does so because I see a psychologist and she gives recommendations. The psychiatrist I saw was terrrible, 10 minutes a visit with no explanation of why meds were changed. I would answer a few questions and that was it. The family dr. is fine with this route as long as it continues to work.

I really hope I can stay maintained for a while, although it would be nice to feel really happy instead of just not depressed!