NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Apr 13, 2016 9:00:10 GMT -5
DH said after a few years on Wellbutrin he felt numb so he decided to stop taking it. I do wish he had done so under the supervision of a doctor/psychiatrist because it was SCARY. I don't recommend going off anti-depressants cold turkey.
He kept the anti-anxiety meds for awhile after that but eventually weaned himself off those too a couple of years ago.
He will admit they did help him immensely when he started taking them. He had no energy/drive/motivation to do anything other than lie in bed before that. It affected his job performance and our relationship. He was like a different person when he went on medication.
I've gone back and forth on whether I should explore anti-anxiety medication. A lot of my anxiety has been due to situational stress but I told DH I am worried that I've permentaly wired my brain to be anxious 24/7.
Part of my concern is that my great grandmother had a horrible near death allergic reaction to Zoloft. The doctor warned it is something we could inherit and we won't know if we have it and how severe unless we take it. I really don't want to test that theory.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2016 9:10:15 GMT -5
No, you should never go off them cold turkey. I was on a very low dose to begin with and went first to just taking them every other day for a couple weeks, then every three...
I can understand how those being put on med after med long term would just want to toss them all and see what they're like with nothing again. The side effects can get to be worse than the original problem...which might even be gone and you don't even know. My ex quit taking everything but his thyroid meds over a year ago now and has been doing very well.
Like I said, I was on a really low dose, but I still got weird sensations, crazy dreams, sex drive was nearly gone and I just felt "meh" about life in general. Not depressed, but not really excited about it either.
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Apr 13, 2016 10:27:05 GMT -5
I have heard horror stories about going off meds. Be careful and seek help from a medical professional if you do this. The side effects could be extremely dire!
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Apr 13, 2016 10:50:35 GMT -5
He got really really angry. I've never seen him that explosive before. It freaked me out to the point where I was going to tell him to stay at his mother's. That's when he told me he had decided to go off his meds cold turkey and see if he felt better without them. I could have killed him. He was on the second highest dose available of Wellbutrin, no way he should have stopped taking that without supervision. He also decided to go back on the anti-anxiety med, that it was too much to go off both at the same time. He mellowed out once he went back on the anti-anxiety medication. He stopped that cold turkey as well but at least gave me a warning. He was on the lowest dose of the anti-anxiety med so going of that wasn't near as scary.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2016 10:54:55 GMT -5
My ex stopped what was a really high dose of xanax cold turkey. Holy hell was that a bad idea. I remember we were driving home and he was going like 20 mph on the highway. He kept telling me it felt like he was going 90. It escalated to me yelling at him to pull over and let me drive but he refused. Both kids were in the truck with us and I was so pissed when we got home.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Apr 13, 2016 11:35:40 GMT -5
I had post partum depression. It was awful. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. mine started as PPD and now I'm dealing with more situational depression. For example, a childhood friend passed away almost a year ago and it hit very hard. I can usually tell when I'm spiraling down and force myself out but shortly before Christmas I went back to my therapist. She suggested going back on my meds. I didn't want to go back on my meds. So I talked with dh and he and I agreed on a plan and a timeline. I'm out of the woods for now, I think.
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Apr 13, 2016 11:44:58 GMT -5
I followed the advice for ween off what was one of the lowest doses for zoloft. It took months to do it that way. That's the main reason I didn't want to go back on them.
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finnime
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Post by finnime on Apr 13, 2016 19:33:25 GMT -5
My doctor told me years ago to plan on taking meds for the rest of my life - barring some miraculous "cure", the illness I have persists regardless of situations. For me it's not a sad feeling, but more of an emptiness that stretches over every part of my life. Sadness is there, too, and also no motivation, and no ability to focus clearly on problem solving.
There are times I fight knowing I need these medications, but - I do need them, and can live with that.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Apr 13, 2016 21:48:24 GMT -5
Sigh. After reading all of this, I really regret not seeking help during my early 20s. I don't think I can go into it now; I'll get too upset about how it probably affected my children. I'm so glad for those of you who were smart and strong enough to seek help. (I don't mean to be hurtful to those who didn't choose to seek help with that sentence.)
Currently, I take generic prozac as necessary. It's really for PMDD. I turn into a witch the week before my cycle starts, and other humans might die. It's only been about six months since I started that. I should have done it years ago. The internal dialogue of "no, just buck-up buttercup" lasted way too long.
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beergut
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Post by beergut on Apr 13, 2016 23:37:47 GMT -5
What are your experiences? Have you dealt with depression yourself or had a loved one who suffered? My DH was recently diagnosed - he said some pretty frightening things to me a few weeks back and I pushed him to see a therapist (I have been trying to get him to go for at least a year) I have no experience with depression. I understand anxiety and realize how powerful the mind is and how easily it can trick you into extremely powerful thoughts that aren't true. But I've never had to deal with depression... at least not to my knowledge. I do have an appointment to speak with my own therapist about this, but I'd be interested in first hand experiences if anyone cares to share. Does he exercise or go to the gym to workout at all? If he doesn't, encourage him to do so. Besides giving him something to do, it will also increase the amount of endorphins released in his brain, which will make him feel good about himself, and better about life in general.
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Apr 14, 2016 8:07:36 GMT -5
What are your experiences? Have you dealt with depression yourself or had a loved one who suffered? My DH was recently diagnosed - he said some pretty frightening things to me a few weeks back and I pushed him to see a therapist (I have been trying to get him to go for at least a year) I have no experience with depression. I understand anxiety and realize how powerful the mind is and how easily it can trick you into extremely powerful thoughts that aren't true. But I've never had to deal with depression... at least not to my knowledge. I do have an appointment to speak with my own therapist about this, but I'd be interested in first hand experiences if anyone cares to share. Does he exercise or go to the gym to workout at all? If he doesn't, encourage him to do so. Besides giving him something to do, it will also increase the amount of endorphins released in his brain, which will make him feel good about himself, and better about life in general. No he doesn't... I have been trying to encourage him to do so for a couple years now, mostly as an outlet for stress but also because he needs the health improvements. He used to lift weights and play sports in HS and college. Now an easy 5 mile hike and simple terrain makes him sore for 2 days. We have a vacation to europe planned and he agreed to start doing long walks with me because we will be walking so much while we are there. He can't get worn out and sore. We live in chicago... but his last job was in the suburbs so he had to drive every day. So for 4 years he hasn't been doing the typical, walk to the train, up the stairs, walk a few blocks to the office. Walk a few blocks to lunch etc. Just taking him.out of that normal city routine has made a negative impact. We started a free weight routine last year, but I hurt my shoulder and had to stop per dr. Order so of course he stopped. Time to start that up again I think. Sent from my SM-G920T using proboards
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MJ2.0
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Post by MJ2.0 on Apr 14, 2016 8:31:26 GMT -5
YOGA!!!! That shit is my exercise and therapy!
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Apr 14, 2016 8:37:26 GMT -5
Sigh. After reading all of this, I really regret not seeking help during my early 20s. I don't think I can go into it now; I'll get too upset about how it probably affected my children. I'm so glad for those of you who were smart and strong enough to seek help. (I don't mean to be hurtful to those who didn't choose to seek help with that sentence.)
Currently, I take generic prozac as necessary. It's really for PMDD. I turn into a witch the week before my cycle starts, and other humans might die. It's only been about six months since I started that. I should have done it years ago. The internal dialogue of "no, just buck-up buttercup" lasted way too long. my therapist told me that one of the drug companies figured out how to adjust their dosage for a 2 week PMS type prescription. So apparently you aren't supposed to have to worry about coming off it for the other 2 weeks.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Apr 14, 2016 8:51:16 GMT -5
I think I had PPD with Gwen. DH and my mom corrected me and said no you DID have it, there is no "thinking" involved. The thing is I did the 6 week post-partum screening and I passed with flying colors. I didn't lie, I answered the questions honestly. Looking back my symptoms did not line up with the questions being asked. I was still interested in life/my child, I wasn't constantly tired, I wasn't weepy. My symptoms ran more towards anxiety and paranoia. For example I stopped eating breakfast/lunch while on maternity leave because I was scared of running out of money so to save money I wouldn't eat our groceries. Man just writing that sounds crazy but it made sense to me at the time. I did not have the foresight to bring all that up with my doctor. She didn't really do much probing outside of the test and asking me if I had been honest. I did some talk therapy with the EAP staff here on campus. I should have used the full seven sessions and let them recommend someone to me, but that would have taken more ambition than I was capable of at the time. It wasn't till Gwen was around 2 years old that I finally started to feel normal again. I was terrified of going thru the same thing after having Abby but I didn't. That's when it clicked that I must have had PPD with Gwen, that wasn't a "normal" experience.
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Apr 14, 2016 8:52:44 GMT -5
YOGA!!!! That shit is my exercise and therapy! I do yoga... DH isn't touching yoga with a 10 foot pole.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Apr 14, 2016 8:59:56 GMT -5
Sigh. After reading all of this, I really regret not seeking help during my early 20s. I don't think I can go into it now; I'll get too upset about how it probably affected my children. I'm so glad for those of you who were smart and strong enough to seek help. (I don't mean to be hurtful to those who didn't choose to seek help with that sentence.)
Currently, I take generic prozac as necessary. It's really for PMDD. I turn into a witch the week before my cycle starts, and other humans might die. It's only been about six months since I started that. I should have done it years ago. The internal dialogue of "no, just buck-up buttercup" lasted way too long. my therapist told me that one of the drug companies figured out how to adjust their dosage for a 2 week PMS type prescription. So apparently you aren't supposed to have to worry about coming off it for the other 2 weeks. Right, my prescription is 14 days is the max to take it. It is brilliant stuff!
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Apr 14, 2016 10:32:12 GMT -5
I do yoga... DH isn't touching yoga with a 10 foot pole. Golf!
I know, that may be tough in the city....
But if he walks the course, and even better, carries his bags, he really will get some good exercise from it. As long as he doesn't let the bad shots tick him off too much it is also a very relaxing, stress relieving activity.
Green grass, blue water and sky, birds in the trees.... golf ball soaring majestically through the air..... Glorious!
He hates golf. He did play disc golf for a while with a friend of his... lots of walking and he liked it, several courses around the city. but his friend stopped playing so much so he stopped to. with summer rolling in, maybe I can get him to go again, even if I have to go in with him.
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Apr 15, 2016 14:48:38 GMT -5
I've struggled with depression since I was 12. It's impacted a lot of relationships, mostly with DH. It's hard when you're in the midst of it to realize how much it impacts those who love you. I am currently seeing a therapist, and am on a low dose of Wellbutrin. This has completely changed things. I still feel down at times, but I'm able to more clearly see it for what it is. I was really against medication, for really no good reasons, but it has changed my life. My stubbornness on the issue made me waste a lot of years. Also, I really recommend the book "The Depression Cure" by Stephen S. Ilardi. There are a lot of great lifestyle changes recommended there that have really helped me. I started reading the book today and I like what I'm reading. All things that should be happening already but aren't. Perhaps the benefit of feeling better and alleviating some depression will be motivating enough for DH to get on board!
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chen35
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Post by chen35 on Apr 15, 2016 15:27:20 GMT -5
I'm glad you are liking it! The key is getting started. All of those suggestions can be kind of overwhelming when you're already feeling like garbage,
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Apr 15, 2016 15:38:57 GMT -5
I'm glad you are liking it! The key is getting started. All of those suggestions can be kind of overwhelming when you're already feeling like garbage, we've got a weekend with sunshine and warmish weather, so hopefully we can get it rolling this weekend. I believe DH is already supposed to take fish oil, but I will have him double check with his DR. on monday- I have a really good one that my Dr. suggested for me. so I can share with him. Baby steps!
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Apr 15, 2016 16:54:24 GMT -5
Andrew Soloman has a TED Talk about depression and living with it. It's pretty much my "go to" when people ask me what my life is like. He nails it very, very well. I encourage EVERYONE to listen to what he has to say. He has a really good book about depression too, The Noonday Demon.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Apr 15, 2016 17:18:31 GMT -5
I had situational depression when my ex left me 24 years ago. I was alone with 3 kids under 6 (including a one month old). I had a friend who railroaded me into taking antidepressants. I took them and I climbed out, and then a friend (now DH) decided to cheer me up. I get depressed and anxious when I am overwhelmed, and on some level, I'm easily overwhelmed.
I certainly don't want to scare Sarcastic or anybody else, but three people I know committed suicide last year while on antidepressants. I'm 56 and though I have always known OF people who had committed suicide, I never knew anybody personally until last year.
Antidepressants generally help people, but some people can have very adverse reactions. One of those people hung himself within 48 hours of starting his treatment.
Another had made several previous attempts. She hated the "numbness" of the meds and made a conscious decision to go off them, come what may. She made damn sure that her last attempt would be the last.
The person whose suicide pains me the most was on and off meds for decades. He was a very very close friend, and the husband of one of my closest friends of 30 years.
I'm not a doc, I'm not from the medical professions, this is all purely anecdotal, I'm not trying to give any advice.
There was one thing I noticed though, which was confirmed by another very close friend who IS a doctor: when I took anti-depressants 24 years ago, I HAD to take anti-anxiety meds with them. I was not given the option, I was told they HAD to be taken together. This was standard practice at the time, but apparently, it's not anymore, at least not here in France.
Sarcastic I hope you and your DH can find him the help he needs, a way out, and that things get better. I'm sure the long and harsh Chicago winters don't help. Since you don't have kids and are not on the school calendar, can you try to get away to a warmer climate during winter? Have you tried those special SAD lights? There have been threads about them in the past and many posters here use them. Maybe it would be worth a try?
You are in my thoughts.
ETA: For clarity, I am NOT suggesting that anybody NOT take antidepressants. They helped me immensely 24 years ago. But, 24 years later, I believe the person on meds needs to be very closely monitored, especially at the beginning of the treatment. Antidepressants are a gdsend to many people, but they have become so common that I'm not sure everybody who prescribes them does due diligence.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Apr 15, 2016 17:30:21 GMT -5
My doctor does a full panel of blood work and I wonder if I could get my husband to go to her.
Sarcastic, about the testosterone ... if your DH prefers not to see a female doctor for that issue, perhaps you can ask your doc to suggest a male doctor?
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Shooby
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Post by Shooby on Apr 15, 2016 17:36:00 GMT -5
I had situational depression when my ex left me 24 years ago. I was alone with 3 kids under 6 (including a one month old). I had a friend who railroaded me into taking antidepressants. I took them and I climbed out, and then a friend (now DH) decided to cheer me up. I get depressed and anxious when I am overwhelmed, and on some level, I'm easily overwhelmed. I certainly don't want to scare Sarcastic or anybody else, but three people I know committed suicide last year while on antidepressants. I'm 56 and though I have always known OF people who had committed suicide, I never knew anybody personally until last year. Antidepressants generally help people, but some people can have very adverse reactions. One of those people hung himself within 48 hours of starting his treatment. Another had made several previous attempts. She hated the "numbness" of the meds and made a conscious decision to go off them, come what may. She made damn sure that her last attempt would be the last. The person whose suicide pains me the most was on and off meds for decades. He was a very very close friend, and the husband of one of my closest friends of 30 years. I'm not a doc, I'm not from the medical professions, this is all purely anecdotal, I'm not trying to give any advice.
There was one thing I noticed though, which was confirmed by another very close friend who IS a doctor: when I took anti-depressants 24 years ago, I HAD to take anti-anxiety meds with them. I was not given the option, I was told they HAD to be taken together. This was standard practice at the time, but apparently, it's not anymore, at least not here in France. Sarcastic I hope you and your DH can find him the help he needs, a way out, and that things get better. I'm sure the long and harsh Chicago winters don't help. Since you don't have kids and are not on the school calendar, can you try to get away to a warmer climate during winter? Have you tried those special SAD lights? There have been threads about them in the past and many posters here use them. Maybe it would be worth a try? You are in my thoughts. ETA: For clarity, I am NOT suggesting that anybody NOT take antidepressants. They helped me immensely 24 years ago. But, 24 years later, I believe the person on meds needs to be very closely monitored, especially at the beginning of the treatment. Those are excellent points. And, there are other medications that can lead to depression as well. Statin drugs for example can lead to depression. Lowering cholesterol has a link to depression. Medications that are helpful for millions might affect some in adverse ways.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2016 18:17:14 GMT -5
I'm glad you are liking it! The key is getting started. All of those suggestions can be kind of overwhelming when you're already feeling like garbage, we've got a weekend with sunshine and warmish weather, so hopefully we can get it rolling this weekend. I believe DH is already supposed to take fish oil, but I will have him double check with his DR. on monday- I have a really good one that my Dr. suggested for me. so I can share with him. Baby steps! I think baby steps are fine. Sometimes they're all you can try to wrap your mind around and taking a baby step and getting a small thing done helps you move on to the next thing and hopefully you start building momentum eventually. A lot of the things I've read about depression recommend getting outside. Maybe fresh air, grass and trees soothe the soul a little? I know in the warmer months I would sit on the patio in my back yard. Not doing anything, just sitting and listening to the birds chirp in the trees or watching my dogs play. It felt peaceful, but then, I like being outside. Even now, lack of sunshine affects my mood.
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Apr 15, 2016 21:48:07 GMT -5
I had situational depression when my ex left me 24 years ago. I was alone with 3 kids under 6 (including a one month old). I had a friend who railroaded me into taking antidepressants. I took them and I climbed out, and then a friend (now DH) decided to cheer me up. I get depressed and anxious when I am overwhelmed, and on some level, I'm easily overwhelmed. I certainly don't want to scare Sarcastic or anybody else, but three people I know committed suicide last year while on antidepressants. I'm 56 and though I have always known OF people who had committed suicide, I never knew anybody personally until last year. Antidepressants generally help people, but some people can have very adverse reactions. One of those people hung himself within 48 hours of starting his treatment. Another had made several previous attempts. She hated the "numbness" of the meds and made a conscious decision to go off them, come what may. She made damn sure that her last attempt would be the last. The person whose suicide pains me the most was on and off meds for decades. He was a very very close friend, and the husband of one of my closest friends of 30 years. I'm not a doc, I'm not from the medical professions, this is all purely anecdotal, I'm not trying to give any advice.
There was one thing I noticed though, which was confirmed by another very close friend who IS a doctor: when I took anti-depressants 24 years ago, I HAD to take anti-anxiety meds with them. I was not given the option, I was told they HAD to be taken together. This was standard practice at the time, but apparently, it's not anymore, at least not here in France. Sarcastic I hope you and your DH can find him the help he needs, a way out, and that things get better. I'm sure the long and harsh Chicago winters don't help. Since you don't have kids and are not on the school calendar, can you try to get away to a warmer climate during winter? Have you tried those special SAD lights? There have been threads about them in the past and many posters here use them. Maybe it would be worth a try? You are in my thoughts. ETA: For clarity, I am NOT suggesting that anybody NOT take antidepressants. They helped me immensely 24 years ago. But, 24 years later, I believe the person on meds needs to be very closely monitored, especially at the beginning of the treatment. Antidepressants are a gdsend to many people, but they have become so common that I'm not sure everybody who prescribes them does due diligence. The drugs do scare me... I am sorry that you've had so many experiences with people you know personally. I like to try and fix things without drugs when I can. Hopefully I can get him on board!!! I used to have a SSD light... I did get SAD about 6 years ago. It was rough, I forgot all about that. I take vitamin D that helps. We also go to texas at xmas and usually have a Caribbean Vacation in February but we didn't go this year since we're going to europe in the fall. I think a winter trip will always be in order, even if it just down south visiting family. Making it through winters here is too hard! Sent from my SM-G920T using proboards
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Apr 15, 2016 21:50:27 GMT -5
I had situational depression when my ex left me 24 years ago. I was alone with 3 kids under 6 (including a one month old). I had a friend who railroaded me into taking antidepressants. I took them and I climbed out, and then a friend (now DH) decided to cheer me up. I get depressed and anxious when I am overwhelmed, and on some level, I'm easily overwhelmed. I certainly don't want to scare Sarcastic or anybody else, but three people I know committed suicide last year while on antidepressants. I'm 56 and though I have always known OF people who had committed suicide, I never knew anybody personally until last year. Antidepressants generally help people, but some people can have very adverse reactions. One of those people hung himself within 48 hours of starting his treatment. Another had made several previous attempts. She hated the "numbness" of the meds and made a conscious decision to go off them, come what may. She made damn sure that her last attempt would be the last. The person whose suicide pains me the most was on and off meds for decades. He was a very very close friend, and the husband of one of my closest friends of 30 years. I'm not a doc, I'm not from the medical professions, this is all purely anecdotal, I'm not trying to give any advice.
There was one thing I noticed though, which was confirmed by another very close friend who IS a doctor: when I took anti-depressants 24 years ago, I HAD to take anti-anxiety meds with them. I was not given the option, I was told they HAD to be taken together. This was standard practice at the time, but apparently, it's not anymore, at least not here in France. Sarcastic I hope you and your DH can find him the help he needs, a way out, and that things get better. I'm sure the long and harsh Chicago winters don't help. Since you don't have kids and are not on the school calendar, can you try to get away to a warmer climate during winter? Have you tried those special SAD lights? There have been threads about them in the past and many posters here use them. Maybe it would be worth a try? You are in my thoughts. ETA: For clarity, I am NOT suggesting that anybody NOT take antidepressants. They helped me immensely 24 years ago. But, 24 years later, I believe the person on meds needs to be very closely monitored, especially at the beginning of the treatment. Those are excellent points. And, there are other medications that can lead to depression as well. Statin drugs for example can lead to depression. Lowering cholesterol has a link to depression. Medications that are helpful for millions might affect some in adverse ways. Of course he takes a statin - he is on meds for cholesterol, blood, pressure and diabetes. All, i have read, can have correlations with depression. If I can get him into an exercise routine, and really taking care of himself, I think, or at least hope it will make a difference. Sent from my SM-G920T using proboards
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Apr 16, 2016 19:32:32 GMT -5
The medications do not scare me. I know what I was like before I found the doctor who found the correct combination for my chemical imbalance. He closely monitored as I gradually went on them. At first, I asked him if he was having me come so much just for the fee!!! He did it for all the right reasons. He was monitoring how I adjusted to the medications.
I had been put on other meds in the past, but none of those worked. This doctor did a 3 session intensive work up of all my symptoms and things that had been tried. He then explained my diagnosis and the light bulbs went off! It was me!
The only time I have felt suicidal since he put me on the cocktail of meds was when I decided I was cured and went off cold turkey. Luckily, I got myself back to him pronto and he put me back on them gradually. I learned my lesson.
One of the drugs can cause liver damage. That is monitored now by blood tests at least once a year. I also do talk therapy.
The only time I have gotten exceptionally depressed since the meds was when my mother passed away. I knew that was situational depression and added additional talk therapy sessions and a grief support group to help me.
Situational depression is going to happen and I recognize that.
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zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,912
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Post by zibazinski on Apr 16, 2016 20:53:36 GMT -5
I, of course, go up and down with my moods. I just lost my dearest friend which most people would just laugh about, my cat of 16 years, but she's comforted me through hell and I miss her so much. I'm not a fan of pills so hope I can start weaning myself off them and soon.
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 13, 2024 23:20:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2016 21:41:23 GMT -5
I, of course, go up and down with my moods. I just lost my dearest friend which most people would just laugh about, my cat of 16 years, but she's comforted me through hell and I miss her so much. I'm not a fan of pills so hope I can start weaning myself off them and soon. Sorry to hear this zib.
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