Looking for med options and would like opinions

Hi.
I was previously medicated for depression and anxiety over 15 years ago. Since then, I've made many dietary and lifestyle changes that have mostly eliminated both conditions. But over the past several months I feel myself falling into depression again. My husband moved us from our community to another state, mostly for financial reasons. But because he travels for his job, I am left alone with two children with developmental disabilities and have had a hard time making friends. I consider myself a friendly gal, but I'm sort of a hippie, and I don't fit in here. At all. Rejection like I've never known. I spend many hours wishing I was dead. I don't remember my head ever being this bad before. Of course, I would never kill myself... I have to take care of my two boys. But the lonelinessis overwhleming. I never understood fully what people were talking about when they said they were lonely. Now I do. I know I need help, but I feel so lost. We have no mental health insurance. I was thinking I would see an internist and ask about medications for depression. All those years ago I was on Zoloft. But it annoyed my husband because I had no sex drive. Does anyone have any other recommendations so that when I go in I am better informed? Any help is very appreciated. Thank you so much.

There are a lot of different drugs that may help you, but I think it's important to note you already had one working for you. If Zoloft was working maybe it's better to stick with it and explain the situation to your husband. If you don't feel that's an option you should consider another drug that affects the same areas of the brain, such as lexapro, I was on that for awhile and actually switched to zoloft (brand name), sertraline is the generic name, and it's helping more than the lexapro. But perhaps lexapro will work for you. I hope you are able to find something that works for you. And remember even when you are alone, there are people in this world that care about you. Pm me if you ever feel lonely lots of hugs

What a lovely message, thank you so much!! I really appreciate the time you took to make suggestions. I wrote them Lexapro down so I won't forget. You are very kind!!

Dear Lise,
Everyone is different, so what worked for me, may not work for others. At times, I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and mood disorder (I have suffered with some depression since middle school but only asked for help/was diagnosed in my late 40s). For me, Wellbutrin (generic name Bupropion) did successfully stop me from dreaming about dying/ committing suicide. However, what really lifted my depression, was combining the medication with therapy. Of course, I gradually became seriously depressed due to a number of stressers. You obviously have stressers and talking to a therapist is more expensive than medication. I only still take Bupropion because I'm scared of becoming depressed again; however, it doesn't decrease my sex drive (I think it increased it) and I think it has even helped me lose weight. And let's face it, good sex makes you feel less depressed.

Sincerely
Myst

You just made me laugh. Thank you! How great that the side effects were positive ones. Another possibility to add to the list. I understand what you mean (what works for one might not work for another) but it is still helpful for me to learn about other's experiences. I just found a nurse practitioner midwife who works with depression cases. And she sees you for a whole hour to get a good picture of what is going on. I think she might be a good match for me to talk to and figure this out.

I so appreciate you inputting on this!!!

Dear Lise,
I think it would be only responsible to add, therapy is probably more important than meds for those of us who get depressed due to stressors. Fortunately, talking to a nurse for a whole hour is a bit like therapy Also, if you stop meds when you are still depressed, watch out!
Sincerely, Myst

Yes... agreed. I wish I had the money to go to a good therapist. (They're hard to find even when one does have the money!). Seeing the midwife is as close as I can get for now.

I weaned myself off last time (with doc's supervision) very slowly once I was no longer symptomatic. So I don't mess around with meds. Sigh. Though I wish I didn't need them, I'm glad I have the option.

Thank you again!!