[moxg45]

Short version: I'm looking for recommendations on types of therapy and medication combinations that may help me.

Long version: I am a female, 27 yo. I was in therapy from the age of 4-19, and have seen two different therapists in the last 9 months trying to find a fit. Over the years I have been diagnosed with various disorders ( major depressive, various anxiety disorders, various mild personality disorders, but mainly borderline, ADD) and was on a slew of different medications. A few months ago, one of the therapists I was seeing suggested that maybe I have bipolar disorder, despite my being tested as a teenager. I was also hospitalized twice and was a resident at 18 in an acute residential program for 2 months. The medication situation seemed to be a bit of a snowball effect after my first hospitalization at 17. I was prescribed various anti-depressants (almost every ssri at one time or another), anti-anxiety meds, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, and a mild anti-psychotic. It seemed that as a side effect popped up another drug as prescribed until I s taking 23 pills a day. I chose to wean myself off of these drugs at 19 and discontinue therapy, and actually experienced about 5-6 years of what I you'll call normalcy. However, over the last 2-3 years, and especially the last 18 months my symptoms have returned. I am actively trying to get back into therapy, but money is a struggle, and am willing to consider medication again.

What I really am looking for is a combination of therapies and medication. I did find DBT to be moderately effective for a time. Emdr was suggested at one time, but never enacted. Another treatment that had been VERY briefly discussed was ECT. Do any of the professionals on here have an opinion that might assist me?

Thanks so much in advance for any help. I just can't go on feeling like this forever. I've spent most of my life in darkness, and I think I deserve a bit of relief. Thanks again.

[Leed]

Hi ~ I'm sorry you've had such a struggle. I have clinical depression, so mine is pretty 'simple.' I've never had ECT, so I can't really help you with that.

I just wanted to let you know someone was here, and tell you I've had lots of luck with Cymbalta, Prozac and a bunch of others that I can't remember. I've been on them for 40 years, so it's no doubt I can't remember them all. lol I also took Abilify on top of the Antidepressant, and that helped immensely. I had to stop, because it caused swelling of the legs.

Anyway -- I hope others will reply. I wish you all the luck! God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee

[catsrhelm]

I am sorry you are having a struggle, but I went through that too. I was hospitilized once and put on Risperdol. I didn't like what that did to me. The second time I was hospitilized, I was given the right diagnosis of bi-polar disorder and put on Tegretol. I had to eventually be put on Abilify too. So, you may have to go through hell to get the right medication combination for whatever is ailing you as well.

[shery53]

I have had ECT several times and it proved to help me very much. Sorry you have had such a journey. At my age 59 I just go with what they tell me but I have hope for the younger generation.

I feel best way is to involve yourself in hobbies. They help the best to cheer up.

[moxg45]

Thanks so much to everyone who has responded, I really appreciate it. :thank you:

I was also prescribed abilify at one point during my time at the ACT program. I was only on it for a very short time because it made me incredibly anxious (felt like my insides were trying to jump out through my pores), as well as a slightly altered sense of reality. I was definitely not a fan, which is why I always get nervous when I hear people receive it for depression. Of course, though, whatever helps - I definitely understand the desire for relief.

Thanks again for the support. It really means a lot to me, and that's exactly what I came on this forum to give and receive.