[want2shine]

Just want to tell someone, tell you guys, I suspect I have depression and not just depression but that I think I have the dysthemia type - the one that runs like an undercurrent, on a mild level - throughout my life. I function quite well on the outside world but it's a struggle you know? And I just can't find what happened to my interests, or joy. I cry easily. Yet I keep on keeping on. I have such a disconnect from the real world sometimes. I am slow to act, and slow to connect my feelings or thoughts with my words. I space out quite easily, and as much as I know I don't want to be alone I have a strong sense of independence & a need to be alone, and find it very difficult to let people in to my heart. Very difficult to trust anyone. I don't know if I really love, I'm so closed off, sometimes. Then there's the anxiety that goes with it all. Oh, just another day in the office!! Ha!

I've never thought to take drugs to help, but now I'm seriously considering it. Anyone been in the same boat & started medication (even if temporarily)? How did it go for you? I'm stubborn you know, and I never liked the idea of taking medicatoin (I don't like taking anything artificial in general) but now I'm wondering if it could really help me -- even if for the short term while I adjust to being in a new country? Are they addictive?

Hello want2shine,

I don't believe anti-depressants, or other medications used for treating depression, are addictive. Some medications used for anxiety can be...valium and ativan come to mind (or, if they're not addictive, some people become dependent on them). However, I'm not a professional by any means, so don't take my word for it! :P

Have you ever tried therapy? If you're not wanting to try medication, therapy is a great choice. Personally, I require therapy & medication. However, I have Bipolar Disorder so my situation is quite different from yours.

We are all unique individuals - what may work for one depressed person may not work for you, and vice versa. I would encourage you to see a professional, so you can discuss your concerns. They will be able to provide their opinion on what course of treatment is right for you.

Whether it's therapy, meds, or both, I hope you find something that works for you.

[want2shine]

Thanks so much Melissa. I have had months of therapy twice weekly, with a great therapist, but now that I'm in a new country & without regular income therapy is a little out of my budget. It's all exacerbated by the changes I'm sure, but sometimes I feel like I would just like to chill out & lighten up because really, in the big scheme all is indeed well. I have looked at and looked at my issues & can rationalise lots of things.. now I just feel like I need to get on with it you know? :-) I will speak with my doctor next Friday - and see if there is some support available in the country I'm in. And discuss the meds situation too.

How do you find your medication helps you? I think the combination is good - to have the therapeutic support & meds. I really like your phrase about always in recovery. It's more realistic to me, than trying to achieve some ideal where beyond that point all will magically be well. It's difficult to live with the realities of things.. I'm trying to do this now I guess.

Thank you for your comments.

Originally Posted by melissa.recovering

Hello want2shine,

I don't believe anti-depressants, or other medications used for treating depression, are addictive. Some medications used for anxiety can be...valium and ativan come to mind (or, if they're not addictive, some people become dependent on them). However, I'm not a professional by any means, so don't take my word for it! :P

Have you ever tried therapy? If you're not wanting to try medication, therapy is a great choice. Personally, I require therapy & medication. However, I have Bipolar Disorder so my situation is quite different from yours.

We are all unique individuals - what may work for one depressed person may not work for you, and vice versa. I would encourage you to see a professional, so you can discuss your concerns. They will be able to provide their opinion on what course of treatment is right for you.

Whether it's therapy, meds, or both, I hope you find something that works for you.

Originally Posted by want2shine

Thanks so much Melissa. I have had months of therapy twice weekly, with a great therapist, but now that I'm in a new country & without regular income therapy is a little out of my budget. It's all exacerbated by the changes I'm sure, but sometimes I feel like I would just like to chill out & lighten up because really, in the big scheme all is indeed well. I have looked at and looked at my issues & can rationalise lots of things.. now I just feel like I need to get on with it you know? :-) I will speak with my doctor next Friday - and see if there is some support available in the country I'm in. And discuss the meds situation too.

How do you find your medication helps you? I think the combination is good - to have the therapeutic support & meds. I really like your phrase about always in recovery. It's more realistic to me, than trying to achieve some ideal where beyond that point all will magically be well. It's difficult to live with the realities of things.. I'm trying to do this now I guess.

Thank you for your comments.

I have had quite the struggle with finding medications that work for me...simply because some would trigger a manic episode, and some made me feel worse. Some did nothing at all. I was fortunate, after a couple of years, to find a combo that worked well. I currently take Zoloft (200mg), Seroquel XR (350mg), Tegretol (400mg) and Lamictal (175mg).

The Seroquel has helped with my anxiety issues. It also provides me with a great night's sleep. And, because it is an anti-psychotic, it prevents any psychotic symptoms (usually they only happen with mania).

Tegretol is a mood stabilizer...doesn't help me much but it helps me with my epilepsy A LOT. (Yes, it stops seizures too! :P)

The Zoloft is an anti-depressant, helped a bit for a while. But I only started feeling GOOD when we added Lamictal and increased the dosage. So really, I am most thankful for that Lamictal. Wow...sorry for that long description of my medication! I also take Fish Oil supplements, they have been proven in several studies to help with mood/depression.

Remember that if you DO go the path of medications, especially anti-depressants, they can take quite a few weeks to start working. So patience is key. Once again, sorry for that rant. xD I hope you are feeling better soon.

[want2shine]

Thank you again Melissa.. I know we have different things to deal with but I really appreciate your openness. I think it is helping me to see how medication can be of benefit, and how they too are not a quick fix but a matter of trial and error and of course, taken together with professional support & advice. I'm happy that you have found help after your struggles finding the right medications.

For me, I'm feeling quite threadbare at the moment & looking to find for myself my internal locus of energy. I've ignored all my life this part of being and I think have always been one of those people who manages to get by if some external force requires it of me. It's causing a lot of confrontation of issues to finally be in this spot inside that I've always avoided.. mostly cos it's hollow and dark. While I don't want to avoid it, I wonder if something (meds) can help walk me through this period. Anyway, I know we have different things, but thank you anyway for listening to mine for a bit. I wish you well on your recovery journey.

[quote=melissa.recovering;2141118]I have had quite the struggle with finding medications that work for me...simply because some would trigger a manic episode, and some made me feel worse. Some did nothing at all. I was fortunate, after a couple of years, to find a combo that worked well. I currently take Zoloft (200mg), Seroquel XR (350mg), Tegretol (400mg) and Lamictal (175mg).

The Seroquel has helped with my anxiety issues. It also provides me with a great night's sleep. And, because it is an anti-psychotic, it prevents any psychotic symptoms (usually they only happen with mania).

Tegretol is a mood stabilizer...doesn't help me much but it helps me with my epilepsy A LOT. (Yes, it stops seizures too! :P)

The Zoloft is an anti-depressant, helped a bit for a while. But I only started feeling GOOD when we added Lamictal and increased the dosage. So really, I am most thankful for that Lamictal. Wow...sorry for that long description of my medication! I also take Fish Oil supplements, they have been proven in several studies to help with mood/depression.

Remember that if you DO go the path of medications, especially anti-depressants, they can take quite a few weeks to start working. So patience is key. Once again, sorry for that rant. xD I hope you are feeling better soon. [/quote