[adampeps]

Hello all,

I was diagnosed with depression a couple of years ago which reared its head after my wedding. I wasn't sad about the marriage process, but when it was all over I just felt empty and looked forward to nothing like I normally would. And I am a male which makes this even stranger. It just felt like there were so many events, so many people to have fun with and then gone. Nothing could compare to it.

Last week, we had my sisters wedding. I would have never thought this could happen (my wedding sort of made sense), but after a night full of fun, friday & saturday or activities like rehearsal dinner, getting my daughter prepared, wondering how she'd do with everything, having people gloat on how pretty she was, etc. I woke up Sunday morning thinking it was just slightly hungover (tired), but it did not go away. By Tuesday I knew it was back. I worried about this past weekend as we had nothing special to do. What is it with wedding that do this to me?

Some things I am going through:
- Feel like I have no friends. My wedding was small and my dad was my best man. My sister and husband had a full wedding party, etc. I've always been shy and never that outgoing. This never bothered me until now that I have no close friends
- I used to be fine being on my own, just my wife and I. I'd watch football on my own and other sports as well. We'd watch our TV shows as well. I can barely muster to do this now. I feel like its not enjoyable, have no one to share the experience with, etc.
- Having trouble eating. Normally I can eat easily, but now feels like a hard things to do.
- Look forward to bed time and night in general. Things feel easier.

Hoping someone can explain this, or has any sort of advice at all!

Thanks!

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Adampeps. Depression in males after a significant life event is entire possible.

The symptoms you describe are consistent with depression. When you were diagnosed earlier, how did your doctor(s) treat you?

For reference:
10 Things You Should Know About Male Depression - Psych Central
Depression Symptoms May Manifest Differently in Men - Psych Central
12 Depression Busters for Men | World of Psychology - Psych Central

[Yoda]

hi and welcome to PC

It sounds like part of the problem is you are lonely. I don't have many friends either and most of my contact is with internet friends.

I hope you find PC helpful.

[adampeps]

Thanks for the quick replies.

When I finally got around to knowing and accepting that I had a problem, my doctor prescribed Zoloft. At that period we felt it was anxiety that caused the depression as I had another issue around me that made me nervous. That issue is gone now, but I once again find myself in this rut. The zoloft worked and I ended up feeling much more like myself after a few months. Fast forward about a year and a half and life felt good, I was decreasing my dosage and was my happy regular self. My wife and I now have a 6 month old daughter who I love like crazy. About 2 months ago I was off my medication and had no depression issues or anxiety. I felt like I had won the battle. But now it's back again

Loneliness is what I feel now no doubt about it. But what bothers me is my last depression episode I didn't feel that way (just anxious about another issue). I'm not the most social person and have never been bothered by that. Was content doing my thing, hanging out with my wife, doing things with the neighbours every once in a while, etc. Up until this recent episode I was fine, but not now. I just don't get it. The need to all of sudden have a ton of people to share things with.

Is it normal to be feeling good at night, but not in the morning?

Thank you again!

[adampeps]

Just wanted to see if anyone had more thoughts on the medication as well? I'm wondering if Zoloft is the wrong stuff for me.

[yellowfrog268]

Sounds like Zoloft did work. If your depression or anxiety is due to a chemical imbalance in your brain then it would make perfect sense that your symptoms would come back.

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by adampeps

Is it normal to be feeling good at night, but not in the morning?

It is not unusual for depression sufferers to experience fluctuations in mood throughout the day or have patterns peculiar to themselves.

I'd guess your doctor would stick with Zoloft if it worked for you in the past when you were taking a therapeutic dosage. Antidepressants can stop being effective, then it's usual to try another or "potentiate" the current antidepressant with a second antidepressant.

How are you doing now? How long does it take in the mornings for your mood to lift? (No need to answer; things to think about and possibly discuss with your doctor.)