[Caelix3]

I know that feeling unmotivated and stuff is part of depression. But I feel like something is seriously wrong with me. I've noticed other people with depression are still able to enjoy things they love or used to love. But with me I feel like I only enjoy things for a second, and then I don't feel any joy. Constantly trying to find something because I'm so "bored". I'm not trying to say I'm a special snowflake or whatever but I just don't understand why I feel like this, almost all the time.

My therapist pointed out that I have tried many medications and have seen no results. That I am running out of medication to try, since I have tried almost all of them. I often feel like I am just existing and will never truly feel joy or just happiness again. But what frightens me the most is the fact that I have tried almost all depression medication and none have worked. What if I reach the point where my last resort is to try Electroconvulsive therapy [ECT] and it doesn't work?

Then what will I do? Just be stuck in this never ending cycle of depression for the rest of my life? I am seriously at a loss. Any advice? or comments?

There is rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) and also ketamine treatments, if you have exhausted all other options.

Who is your psych meds provider? Do you have the option of seeing someone else?

[Dbird]

I feel your pain. In a similar position myself having battled depression for 15 years. Feel free to pm me if you need someone to listen. Might benefit both of us

[Fuzzybear]

[Dbird]

I feel your pain. Sending warmth and positivity. Feel free to PM me if you need someone to listen. It would benefit me too.

[i dont matter]

I think happiness is a state of mind. You either choose to find positives or you don't (or CANT).

Not to minimize depression (I am fully enveloped in it - so I know it isn't easy) - but part of me believes that if I could only look on the positive side - that my depression and thus the endless negativity would cease.

Just my two cents. Best wishes to ya.

[vital]

Originally Posted by Caelix3

I know that feeling unmotivated and stuff is part of depression. But I feel like something is seriously wrong with me. I've noticed other people with depression are still able to enjoy things they love or used to love. But with me I feel like I only enjoy things for a second, and then I don't feel any joy. Constantly trying to find something because I'm so "bored". I'm not trying to say I'm a special snowflake or whatever but I just don't understand why I feel like this, almost all the time.

My therapist pointed out that I have tried many medications and have seen no results. That I am running out of medication to try, since I have tried almost all of them. I often feel like I am just existing and will never truly feel joy or just happiness again. But what frightens me the most is the fact that I have tried almost all depression medication and none have worked. What if I reach the point where my last resort is to try Electroconvulsive therapy [ECT] and it doesn't work?

Then what will I do? Just be stuck in this never ending cycle of depression for the rest of my life? I am seriously at a loss. Any advice? or comments?

Dear Caelix3,

Did you know the emotional numbing is one of the common side-effects of antidepressants?

There is a sort of generic standard "meds + therapy" way to treat depression. You try multiple antidepressants, you try therapy. If that doesn't work, you go to ECT. In my opinion this is a TERRIBLE PLAN that is not likely to help you at all.

My advice is to insist on a reasonable plan from your doctors. It is very natural to just put yourself in the hands of the experts and do whatever they decide is best for you, but, especially in the case of depression, I think that this is a very bad idea. I think you have to stand up for yourself here and you have to be active in looking for ways to get better.

You can get lots of ideas from this forum. Here is what I think is the best plan:

http://forums.psychcentral.com/4262681-post105.html

(you may need a non-tappatalk browser to follow that link).

Here are some notes that may help:

http://egg.bu.edu/~youssef/SNAP_CLUB...0164151576.pdf

Look in the depression success stories section. Look for what has worked for others. Be active.

If you have been told that you have a chemical imbalance in your brain that's causing your depression, that is just not true. There is no known biological signature for depression. It's important to realize that you are not fated by biology to feel this way. You can improve on your own.

GO GET EM Caelix. We're here to help.

- vital

[Caelix3]

Originally Posted by vital

Dear Caelix3,

Did you know the emotional numbing is one of the common side-effects of antidepressants?

There is a sort of generic standard "meds + therapy" way to treat depression. You try multiple antidepressants, you try therapy. If that doesn't work, you go to ECT. In my opinion this is a TERRIBLE PLAN that is not likely to help you at all.

My advice is to insist on a reasonable plan from your doctors. It is very natural to just put yourself in the hands of the experts and do whatever they decide is best for you, but, especially in the case of depression, I think that this is a very bad idea. I think you have to stand up for yourself here and you have to be active in looking for ways to get better.

You can get lots of ideas from this forum. Here is what I think is the best plan:

http://forums.psychcentral.com/4262681-post105.html

(you may need a non-tappatalk browser to follow that link).

Here are some notes that may help:

http://egg.bu.edu/~youssef/SNAP_CLUB...0164151576.pdf

Look in the depression success stories section. Look for what has worked for others. Be active.

If you have been told that you have a chemical imbalance in your brain that's causing your depression, that is just not true. There is no known biological signature for depression. It's important to realize that you are not fated by biology to feel this way. You can improve on your own.

GO GET EM Caelix. We're here to help.

- vital

Thanks for the advice it was helpful.

Sent from my SM-G386T using Tapatalk

[Caelix3]

Originally Posted by Dbird

I feel your pain. Sending warmth and positivity. Feel free to PM me if you need someone to listen. It would benefit me too.

Sure. I'll PM you.

Sent from my SM-G386T using Tapatalk

[Caelix3]

Originally Posted by jo_thorne

There is rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) and also ketamine treatments, if you have exhausted all other options.

Who is your psych meds provider? Do you have the option of seeing someone else?

I had no idea about rTMS and the ketamine treatments. When you say is there an option to see someone else, do you mean psychiatrist or therapist?

Sent from my SM-G386T using Tapatalk

When you say is there an option to see someone else, do you mean psychiatrist or therapist?

I was thinking primarily about your meds provider. You might have to ask around. You might need to go to the psychiatry department at a medical school or at a large hospital with a reputation for good psychiatric care.

You might need to see a psychopharmacologist.

I have experienced emotional numbing from antidepressants. It tends to make me not care very much about anything. It does not make me unable to laugh at funny things. I still enjoy lots of things like a walk on a sunny day, good food, and music that I like at least part of the time.

I'm basing my recommendations on what you've said here. It's not always easy to describe emotions, but what you are describing sounds like depression with anhedonia.

I'm a believer in treating depression with meds plus therapy plus non-drug methods like exercise, meditation, healthy diet, etc. This article lists several good things to do. (I'm not endorsing the saffron, St. John's Wort, or CBT.) The article mentions "mild depression" because it's talking about treating depression with the methods it lists instead of a prescription drug. Everything there can be used as an "add-on" treatment for depression, though.

If you're a believer, I'd add "go to worship services" to the list as well as singing/playing music/creating art/dancing if you like to do any of those.

[Caelix3]

Originally Posted by jo_thorne

I was thinking primarily about your meds provider. You might have to ask around. You might need to go to the psychiatry department at a medical school or at a large hospital with a reputation for good psychiatric care.

You might need to see a psychopharmacologist.

I have experienced emotional numbing from antidepressants. It tends to make me not care very much about anything. It does not make me unable to laugh at funny things. I still enjoy lots of things like a walk on a sunny day, good food, and music that I like at least part of the time.

I'm basing my recommendations on what you've said here. It's not always easy to describe emotions, but what you are describing sounds like depression with anhedonia.

I'm a believer in treating depression with meds plus therapy plus non-drug methods like exercise, meditation, healthy diet, etc. This article lists several good things to do. (I'm not endorsing the saffron, St. John's Wort, or CBT.) The article mentions "mild depression" because it's talking about treating depression with the methods it lists instead of a prescription drug. Everything there can be used as an "add-on" treatment for depression, though.

If you're a believer, I'd add "go to worship services" to the list as well as singing/playing music/creating art/dancing if you like to do any of those.

Thanks I'll check this stuff out, but I'd have to check with my mom on possibly switching psychiatrist. Due to insurance issues and stuff like that.

Sent from my SM-G386T using Tapatalk

[flockpride]

Emotional numbing and inability to enjoy stuff is depression. I do things I "enjoy" without enjoying them. It's a fake it 'til you make it approach. Not sure it works. I need positive interactions with other people to feel better.

[cmiller02]

Hello

I was where you are at now until i started ect which is a real help. Medication alone doesnt always help esp. with motivation. Support groups are important too.

Originally Posted by Caelix3

I know that feeling unmotivated and stuff is part of depression. But I feel like something is seriously wrong with me. I've noticed other people with depression are still able to enjoy things they love or used to love. But with me I feel like I only enjoy things for a second, and then I don't feel any joy. Constantly trying to find something because I'm so "bored". I'm not trying to say I'm a special snowflake or whatever but I just don't understand why I feel like this, almost all the time.

My therapist pointed out that I have tried many medications and have seen no results. That I am running out of medication to try, since I have tried almost all of them. I often feel like I am just existing and will never truly feel joy or just happiness again. But what frightens me the most is the fact that I have tried almost all depression medication and none have worked. What if I reach the point where my last resort is to try Electroconvulsive therapy [ECT] and it doesn't work?

Then what will I do? Just be stuck in this never ending cycle of depression for the rest of my life? I am seriously at a loss. Any advice? or comments?