[elin95]

Hello I'm Elin

I am struggling with depression since age 13. I'm 19 now.

Do you guys think that it's harder or even impossible to fix your depression when you have it for many years? To me, it's just a huge part of my life, I'm used to feeling of being depressed. Every day I ask myself; why would it get better if it only got worse the last few years.

And can every depression be fixed? Or are there some types of depression that haunt you forever.

I'd like to hear your opinion of this topic.

[lonely-and-sad]

I think the evidence is that depression is fairly treatable. Its difficult to make sweeping statements as it is a complex condition and each of us is unique. But I would agree that the earlier the treatment or intervention if you like thw better. It seems that for many of us depressive types we need to take an approach that is equivalent to a long term management.

[Altered Moment]

They say that the longer and deeper you are in a particular episode the harder it is to get out. Its best to try to prevent it or really attack it when you are slipping. I know that's not really what you are asking though.

You can probably find my story around here but I will tell you my daughters story.....

She experienced depression pretty much through all her teens. It actually started when she was 12. The happiest girl on earth, loved school, great friends, softball, good family. Then all of a sudden she totally lost interest in school. She is very stubborn and she couldn't care less about it. Noticeable change in mood. Sleeping all the time. Dumped her friends. Started hanging with the bad girls and partying. She really had no interest in anything but her friends and sleeping and watching tv and her phone of course. Her mom and I were very understanding because of our own experience but we tried doing whatever we could. We tried online school. She took anti depressants when she was 16 for awhile but didn't want to so we didn't force her. We got her in therapy. She was trying very hard and I knew that. She did not graduate with her class.

Here is the thing. When she was 19 she totally snapped out of it like a switch went off. She decided she wanted to get her diploma and went to adult school and got it. She is 21 now and in college with a 3.5 and has a job. She is vise president of the environmental club and is making all new friends. She ditched the bad girls. She is full of energy and happy all the time. Eats good, exercises. The difference is absolutely amazing. She has some anxiety issues but has learned how to manage that pretty good.

Her teens weren't one long depression. She had some good times and ups and downs, but it was pretty bad. Even a half assed suicide attempt. But for over two years now, happy, joyous and free, and functional. So you never know. You can't imagine how happy her mom and I are for her.

Some might say that it was just normal teenage years stuff but that is not true. When I compared her to the set of friends she had earlier and the average girl her age she was way below the norm. When I say bad girls I don't mean that in a derogatory way. Just a saying I guess from that show. They had similar problems.

My genes are dominant in her and we are so much alike so I worry still. We are very very close because we are so much alike. So far so good.

Being that you are 19 if you start doing whatever you are capable of now to fight it and treat it your odds are much much better.

As lonely-and-sad said it is a very complex subject with many possible causes and we are all very unique in how it affects us and how we respond to treatment.

Don't lose hope and do whatever you can to fight the bastard.

[elin95]

Originally Posted by lonely-and-sad

I think the evidence is that depression is fairly treatable. Its difficult to make sweeping statements as it is a complex condition and each of us is unique. But I would agree that the earlier the treatment or intervention if you like thw better. It seems that for many of us depressive types we need to take an approach that is equivalent to a long term management.

Yeah, I agree with that

[elin95]

Originally Posted by zinco14532323

They say that the longer and deeper you are in a particular episode the harder it is to get out. Its best to try to prevent it or really attack it when you are slipping. I know that's not really what you are asking though.

You can probably find my story around here but I will tell you my daughters story.....

She experienced depression pretty much through all her teens. It actually started when she was 12. The happiest girl on earth, loved school, great friends, softball, good family. Then all of a sudden she totally lost interest in school. She is very stubborn and she couldn't care less about it. Noticeable change in mood. Sleeping all the time. Dumped her friends. Started hanging with the bad girls and partying. She really had no interest in anything but her friends and sleeping and watching tv and her phone of course. Her mom and I were very understanding because of our own experience but we tried doing whatever we could. We tried online school. She took anti depressants when she was 16 for awhile but didn't want to so we didn't force her. We got her in therapy. She was trying very hard and I knew that. She did not graduate with her class.

Here is the thing. When she was 19 she totally snapped out of it like a switch went off. She decided she wanted to get her diploma and went to adult school and got it. She is 21 now and in college with a 3.5 and has a job. She is vise president of the environmental club and is making all new friends. She ditched the bad girls. She is full of energy and happy all the time. Eats good, exercises. The difference is absolutely amazing. She has some anxiety issues but has learned how to manage that pretty good.

Her teens weren't one long depression. She had some good times and ups and downs, but it was pretty bad. Even a half assed suicide attempt. But for over two years now, happy, joyous and free, and functional. So you never know. You can't imagine how happy her mom and I are for her.

Being that you are 19 if you start doing whatever you are capable of now to fight it and treat it your odds are much much better.

As lonely-and-sad said it is a very complex subject with many possible causes and we are all very unique in how it affects us and how we respond to treatment.

Don't lose hope and do whatever you can to fight the bastard.

Thanks for your reply. That must be a hard time for her, but it's great to hear that she is doing better now. Good to see how people can change their lives in a positive way. Thank you.

[vital]

Hi Elin,

Originally Posted by elin95

Do you guys think that it's harder or even impossible to fix your depression when you have it for many years? To me, it's just a huge part of my life, I'm used to feeling of being depressed. Every day I ask myself; why would it get better if it only got worse the last few years.

No, I don't think it gets harder. I had depression WAY longer than you and it dissolved completely just within a few months. Even in the first few days, I knew that things were going to get much better.

Originally Posted by elin95

And can every depression be fixed? Or are there some types of depression that haunt you forever.

I suspect that essentially every depression can be fixed.

- vital

[Young_frogger]

Can be fixed with what? Therapy, Meds, or both? Or does it just vary from person to person?

Can it simply be a matter of changing one's mentality and utilizing natural remedies like meditation?

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by Young_frogger

Can be fixed with what? Therapy, Meds, or both? Or does it just vary from person to person?


Can it simply be a matter of changing one's mentality and utilizing natural remedies like meditation?

All the above. It does vary. You have to try and see what works. It depends on causes and how severe. Therapy, meditation, self help, support network, healthy relationships, diet, exercise, meds are up to you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[lonely-and-sad]

Respectfully disagree. But thinking its more the choice of words. It can be well managed in most people. You have to remember its likely that people are here because the depression is chronic and at least fairly severe. Some people may be very successful with treatment but the best most can hope for is good management. We would need to examine the scientific evidence for my opinion I suppose but I really would be surprised if many people with severe chronic depress 'fix' it. I think we need to encourage members to view it this way.

[hellboy]

Originally Posted by lonely-and-sad

Respectfully disagree. But thinking its more the choice of words. It can be well managed in most people. You have to remember its likely that people are here because the depression is chronic and at least fairly severe. Some people may be very successful with treatment but the best most can hope for is good management. We would need to examine the scientific evidence for my opinion I suppose but I really would be surprised if many people with severe chronic depress 'fix' it. I think we need to encourage members to view it this way.

It's a chronic illness that can be treated. I know of no cure or fix as it were. It is a medical condition and the first and best line of treatment is medication that can be supplemented by those other things.

Hellboy

[lonely-and-sad]

Agreed. A shame about the sexual side effects that condemn me to even more isolation.

[hellboy]

Originally Posted by lonely-and-sad

Agreed. A shame about the sexual side effects that condemn me to even more isolation.

Adding wellbutrin can help reduce those effects, and cialis is very good.

Hellboy

[lonely-and-sad]

I haven't tried wellburton. I am actually Australian and I am pretty sure it doesn't have much status here. Cialis I tried without much success. I am running thru all the available AD's with the hope that there is one that doesn't do it. I can tell you it isn't much fun.

[vital]

Originally Posted by lonely-and-sad

I haven't tried wellburton. I am actually Australian and I am pretty sure it doesn't have much status here. Cialis I tried without much success. I am running thru all the available AD's with the hope that there is one that doesn't do it. I can tell you it isn't much fun.

lonely-and-sad and elin,

Before running through all available ADs, you should know that there are quite few medical conditions which can cause depression, for instance

1. Gluten -> Autoimmune disease thyroid
2. Acid reflux -> acid blockers -> vitamin B12 deficiency
3. Vitamin D deficiency
4. Took antibiotics -> Altered gut flora -> Changes the way peptides and neurotransmitters are produced
5. Love Sushi -> Mercury poisoning
6. Hate fish -> Omega 3 deficiency
7. Love sugar -> Prediabetes

as discussed in this talk

If you have any of these things, ADs won't fix the underlying problem.

You should also know that ADs often just don't work

Why Antidepressants Don't Work for Treating Depression | Mark Hyman, MD

and that most people end up wanting to come off them, sometimes with significant negative consequences

Celexa (Citalopram) Withdrawal Symptoms: How Long Will They Last?

Also, you should see this thread.

http://forums.psychcentral.com/psych...-imagined.html

- vital

[Webgoji]

Personally I have Major Depressive Disorder. My first trip to the psychiatrist was at 16 and I'm 41 now. I'll be on meds my remaining life. Some depression isn't Major Depressive Disorder and people will resolve it and not fight it again. Others it's a chronic mental illness that can only be managed their whole life.

[Nammu]

Even within major depression there are differnt remedies, AD don't work for everyone and there are different types of therapies it is all individual and the best way to find out which is best for you is by consulting with a team.

Everyone here can say what worked for them but that's no guarantee that any one of those will work. But that is not a reason to despair because there is a unique treatment for you. Yes for most of us this illness is forever but there will be good times, it takes maintenance and a support system. There will be good times too.

[vital]

Originally Posted by sidestepper

Even within major depression there are differnt remedies, AD don't work for everyone and there are different types of therapies it is all individual and the best way to find out which is best for you is by consulting with a team.

Everyone here can say what worked for them but that's no guarantee that any one of those will work. But that is not a reason to despair because there is a unique treatment for you. Yes for most of us this illness is forever but there will be good times, it takes maintenance and a support system. There will be good times too.

It may not be clear what's going to work, but what I think is pretty clear is the order you should try things in:

1. Check for medical issues
2. Try for ANY non-drug solution that helps, especially the ones that are healthy for you anyway
3. Talk therapies, possibly in parallel with 2.
4. Antidepressant drugs, possibly, only as a last resort, and only out of desperation.

- vital

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by vital

and that most people end up wanting to come off them, sometimes with significant negative consequences

Celexa (Citalopram) Withdrawal Symptoms: How Long Will They Last?

Also, you should see this thread.

http://forums.psychcentral.com/psych...-imagined.html

- vital

Vital- I would suggest using the below link for antidepressant withdrawal. The link you used is a blog and specific to Celexa. I know I used it but that was because it was Celexa specific in that case.

Going Off Antidepressants - Harvard Health Publications

I would also suggest the below link for those wishing to be educated on psyche meds.

NIMH · Mental Health Medications

Whether you want to believe me or not Peter Breggin has a goal of getting rid of all psyche meds period. No one should take them ever in his view. He has tactics he uses to try to achieve that goal. We probably agree that this is not responsible evidence based medicine.

I think everyone who may want to take or does take them should be thoroughly educated on them but not by that source.

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by lonely-and-sad

I haven't tried wellburton. I am actually Australian and I am pretty sure it doesn't have much status here. Cialis I tried without much success. I am running thru all the available AD's with the hope that there is one that doesn't do it. I can tell you it isn't much fun.

Unfortunately lonely and sad I think you will find that all the SSRI's and SSNRI's have sexual side effects. At first they effected me in such a way as I actually liked it. I am male, if that makes sense. Over time I have not liked the effects.

[lonely-and-sad]

Yes well I can assure those that are contributing to this thread that I have in fact been dealing with the issue for decades. Blood tests and addressing deficiencies etc has all been tried and done many many years ago. Although diet and lifestyle plays a role in mood it appears to be driven by biology in my case. As was said it is a medical condition.

@ zinco I have finished with the ssri and ssnri meds. And am moving to the tricyclic medications.

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by lonely-and-sad

Yes well I can assure those that are contributing to this thread that I have in fact been dealing with the issue for decades. Blood tests and addressing deficiencies etc has all been tried and done many many years ago. Although diet and lifestyle plays a role in mood it appears to be driven by biology in my case. As was said it is a medical condition.

@ zinco I have finished with the ssri and ssnri meds. And am moving to the tricyclic medications.

Wellbutrin may not be popular in Australia but it is very effective for a lot of people and has no sexual side effects. Better choice than TCA's I think.

[lonely-and-sad]

The problem in Australia is that it is only available (as zyban) as a stop smoking aid and prescribed for 3 months. I might be able to get it by alternative means if you follow what I am suggesting. @ zinco do you know much about agomolatine? Strangely that is available in the States by alternative means but is actually available here and is what I was going to try next.

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by lonely-and-sad

The problem in Australia is that it is only available (as zyban) as a stop smoking aid and prescribed for 3 months. I might be able to get it by alternative means if you follow what I am suggesting. @ zinco do you know much about agomolatine? Strangely that is available in the States by alternative means but is actually available here and is what I was going to try next.

I have not heard of agomolatine. Can't find much even googling it.

Agomelatine (Valdoxan/ Thymanax): risk of dose-related hepatotoxicity and liver failure ? updated warnings and monitoring guidance. : MHRA

Liver toxicity problems it looks like.

Agomelatine is an antidepressant indicated for the treatment of major depressive episodes in adults. Agomelatine is a melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptor agonist, and antagonist at the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor, thereby increasing levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in areas of the brain involved in mood control.
Following several reports of liver injury, including hepatic failure, all available data on elevated transaminases and hepatotoxicity with agomelatine use have been reviewed.

In the US when a med is not approved by the FDA but maybe is approved in Europe you can sometimes get a waiver to use it from the FDA. I did this once with reboxotine. I wonder why wellbutrin is not approved in Australia.

If you don't want SSRI's or SSNRI's and can't get wellbutrin your choices are limited. I have taken Remeron and Trazadone but only for sleep. I don't think they help my depression much.

You may try supplements like
5HTP
L tryptophan
L methyfolate
St. Johns Wort
Fish Oil
Melatonin
Vitamin D
B vitamins.

All you can take with an antidepressant except 5HTP. 5HTP you would want to be careful with if taking an AD.

[lonely-and-sad]

Hey yep tried all these (and others) many years ago. I still supplement with fish oil and I believe it is a wise thing to do for anybody. The liver toxicity problems associated with agomoletine are much overstated. In a couple of hours time I am going to drive my car for half an hour. The is a chance of death or disability but it isn't going to stop me from taking the journey.

[TorturedSoul92]

I was 16 when depression took ahold of me and 20 when I finally decided to seek help. It has made all the difference! This disorder, like any other, varies by individual but is it highly treatable? Absolutely. I think with a combination of therapy and antidepressants, you'll most definitely see a drastic change. You've gotta do the work though. otherwise, it's counterproductive.