[FluffyMuffins230]

Before anything else, my apologies if this isn't in the right forum, I couldn't find one with a general chat for updates and such.

So last Tuesday I went and took a psyche evaluation test. The psychiatrist was really nice to me too. After answering a good amount of questions in about like 30 minutes? for what usually takes longer, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Now it's not severe depression or anything. He ended up asking me if I wanted therapy or medicine and I chose both to try it out.

My mom wasn't too excited on the idea, even if I am a young adult by now who can make her own choices. The medicine they gave me was Citalopram, 10mg and one tablet / pill everyday. I know it takes a bit of time to work but so far I haven't had any real negative thoughts or felt down. I only had the minor side effect of nauseau, but it could've been the heat one day since I went to visit my dad in the hospital right after eating, and the second was probably from my cookies. :P

We are going to see how it is overall after we finish the bottle but I been taking it since Thursday maybe? I kind of forgot. (Bad idea to forget). If anything we'll inform the psychiatrist or I'll do it when I go back in six weeks if I finish it by then.

[250.mrs.b]

Welcome to pc. The people here are awesome.

I was on citalopram for a while but now i am on effexor as cit gave me bad side effects. Wish you all the best!

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[francisR]

Hi Fluffymuffins

You did well. choosing both as that is the best combination for recovery. But sometimes, getting the correct medication is a matter of trial and error till the right one is identified. Hopefully you won't have to go through that.
The difficulty is that people who have not experienced depression don't understand it. However, there is stuff that can be downloaded from the Internet on how to support a loved one with depression. I don't know if your mom would benefit from reading that. Her attitude could just be concerned about you. I'm glad the medication is working well for you. so far. Keeping the mind busy doing things does take the focus away from depression and anxiety. Setting and achieving small goals makes you feel good and builds confidence. I hope and pray it all works out well for you. And that you have a really great day. God bless and best wishes from your friend Francis

[FluffyMuffins230]

@250.mrs.b - That is interesting to know but I'm sorry that cit gave you bad side effects. So far (if at all) the only side effect I had was nauseau, but like I said, it might of been from being in the heat and the second time, just from a stomach ache or something.

@francisR - Thank you for saying that, it means a lot. And I agree, it is a trial and error process until we find something that works, even if we may not exactly enjoy it to the fullest. I can try and find it and show my mom one of these days, but usually shes been busy so it's hard to get her to be still. I'll try though.

And like any parent, it probably is one of concern, since I've never taken medication for anxiety or depression, though I didn't have depression until what feels like recently. And for the things to keep my mind distracted? I'll try and do other things rather then sit on my behind all day on the computer. I love technology, but I hate it for it being addictive.

[francisR]

hi Fluffymuffins

I do hope and pray you find a medication that really works for you. And certainly keeping the mind busy doing things all of the time distracts from depression and really does help me as it would you. It may sound a bit unusual. But if it is difficult to get talking to your mom about things writing it in a letter and handing it to her might be a way forward. I hope and pray your weekend will be really good. Take care. God bless and best wishes from your friend Francis

[kiwi33]

Originally Posted by FluffyMuffins230

He ended up asking me if I wanted therapy or medicine and I chose both to try it out.

For me a combination of an anti-depressant and non-pharmaceutical approaches has been far more effective in dealing with my Major Depressive Disorder than either has been in isolation.

Non-pharmaceutical approaches that you could investigate include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness/meditation methods.

In my experience a skilled clinical psychologist who has experience of using these approaches with his/her clients can make a big difference.

[francisR]

Hi Kiwi

I agree. A good clinical psychologist using the appropriate therapy is vital. They do say that medication only takes the edge of depression. Anyway, and you need the right coping strategies to get a handle on it. I have read where some psychiatrists will use two different antidepressants working on two different sets of brain chemicals for maximum effect, and this has been found to be effective. Take care. How is everything with you? I hope and pray today will be really good for you. God bless and best wishes from your friend Francis