[PrayingForSmiles]

I have struggled with depression all my life, and have been able to beat it, but this bout has been overwhelmingly awful. I am simply unable to beat it. I just called my doctor this morning about antidepressants, and am waiting to hear back about an appointment. This spell has lasted for almost 2 months now, and it's driving me crazy. All of my coping skills aren't working. I had lost 40 pounds and felt amazing, and then the depression hit and I gained 30 of it back. This is, of course, not helping. And it's a vicious cycle.

I used to take Effexor, and it worked well, so I'm going to ask for that again, take it for awhile, and then hopefully wean off of it after a time.

Any advice or info would be appreciated.

[whimsygirl]

Originally Posted by PrayingForSmiles

I have struggled with depression all my life, and have been able to beat it, but this bout has been overwhelmingly awful. I am simply unable to beat it. I just called my doctor this morning about antidepressants, and am waiting to hear back about an appointment. This spell has lasted for almost 2 months now, and it's driving me crazy. All of my coping skills aren't working. I had lost 40 pounds and felt amazing, and then the depression hit and I gained 30 of it back. This is, of course, not helping. And it's a vicious cycle.

I used to take Effexor, and it worked well, so I'm going to ask for that again, take it for awhile, and then hopefully wean off of it after a time.

Any advice or info would be appreciated.

Hello pfs.....So sorry that you're suffering. I know for me the seemingly "random return" of the stupid depression demon has always been the hardest thing to handle, and so discouraging. To be honest I don't necessarily have any brilliant advice, as our stories sound rather similar, and I'm really struggling (again) lately, but I do want to let you know that you're not alone in the way you're feeling. I did wonder if you're seeing a therapist.....especially if there is someone who you've worked with before, and who you had a good relationship with, perhaps it might help to at least touch bases again? Or if there is no one like that, perhaps a good time to reach out for it? Otherwise, a potential return to meds sounds like a good plan, especially as you say Effexor seemed to help. In the meantime I'm glad you posted, and sending warm wishes.....~whimsy ps....If you ever want to talk by Private Message I'm here

[Leed]

Hi ~ I would NOT wean off any antidepressant. Since you've been struggling with depression for a long time, it's possible you have clinical depression, so I'd STAY on the antidepressants. I also have clinical depression and I MUST stay on antidepressants or else I'd be in the pits of HE$$ in a heartbeat. I just cannot function without them. It's possible you're the same way.

So must some advice -- don't get off them. Why suffer when you don't need to?? Why go thru these bouts of depression when you don't have to? It's miserable when you do. The ups and downs are awful. Stay on an even keel and keep taking them. Your life will be so much nicer. Talk to your doc about it.

Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, Lee

[whimsygirl]

Originally Posted by Leed

Hi ~ I would NOT wean off any antidepressant. Since you've been struggling with depression for a long time, it's possible you have clinical depression, so I'd STAY on the antidepressants. I also have clinical depression and I MUST stay on antidepressants or else I'd be in the pits of HE$$ in a heartbeat. I just cannot function without them. It's possible you're the same way.

So must some advice -- don't get off them. Why suffer when you don't need to?? Why go thru these bouts of depression when you don't have to? It's miserable when you do. The ups and downs are awful. Stay on an even keel and keep taking them. Your life will be so much nicer. Talk to your doc about it.

Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, Lee

Everyone's situation is different. Those decisions should be between the physician and the patient.....the people who know all the details. What's right for one person is not necessarily right for everyone. In other words....they are personal

Originally Posted by PrayingForSmiles

I have struggled with depression all my life, and have been able to beat it, but this bout has been overwhelmingly awful. I am simply unable to beat it. I just called my doctor this morning about antidepressants, and am waiting to hear back about an appointment. This spell has lasted for almost 2 months now, and it's driving me crazy. All of my coping skills aren't working. I had lost 40 pounds and felt amazing, and then the depression hit and I gained 30 of it back. This is, of course, not helping. And it's a vicious cycle.

I used to take Effexor, and it worked well, so I'm going to ask for that again, take it for awhile, and then hopefully wean off of it after a time.

Any advice or info would be appreciated.

Hi ((((Praying)))) I am sorry you are struggling so much right now. I can relate so much to what you are going through right now. My heart to yours, it is absolutely awful. AND it is even more awful because you remember all the times you got up again...but this time just cannot seem to do it, so it's even more upsetting

I am so glad you were able to reach out to your doctor. Do you have a T, as well?

I wish you the best. Please keep posting and let us know how you are feeling / doing.

Rose

[PrayingForSmiles]

Hello all! Thank you for the replies.

I do not have a therapist. I went to one once who barely spoke three words with me and then handed me a bunch of drugs. My primary care physician then put me on Effexor. I have a new doc now, who I will be going to see in two days, and when I do I will discuss a therapist with him. I think it's time.

As far as staying on meds forever - I'm not ruling it out. But if I am capable of maintaining an even keel on my own for an extended period of time, I'd rather do that than keep using chemicals. As someone else said, each person's treatment plan is different. And I am hoping some therapy will make it possible to maintain the even keel even longer after the meds.