Depression

[moosmom]

Depression sucks big time! I've been on all kinds of different meds until I finally found one that works for me. I'm on 37.5 mgs of Paxil. My doctor has put me on Wellbutrin on top of that, but I got suicidal thoughts and was taken off it immediately.

I've found that since I've moved back home with my friends and family, my depression isn't quite as bad, although I still need the Paxil. People who don't have depression, don't understand that it's not as simple as "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and getting over it". I only WISH it were that easy. As far as Tomkat is concerned, he's a walking chemical imbalance. I have lost all respect for him.

Hang in there Kim. I'd definitely make an appt with the doctor to see if he can put you on something to help get you through the "blue period". Don't forget, you've also got alot on your plate right now.

((((HUGS))))

[Russian Blue]

People who don't have depression, don't understand that it's not as simple as "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and getting over it". I only WISH it were that easy.

That is so true. My sister and I are total opposites. She thinks you can just think positive and that will get you through things. She doesn't see the chemical imbalance side that will throw your positive thinking out the window in 2 seconds! But I don't totally blame her....she has never had one depressive or negative thought in her life and can't even imagine such things.

My mother has suffered from severe panic attacks and depression since the age of 13. They had her on every major pill known to man and nothing seemed to work. Then, at the age of 60 she was placed on Paxil and it worked for her. Currently, she was able to go off Paxil and for the first time in her life she has 'freedom'. I'm not sure if it's her age or what happened but my mother finally has a normal life. I really feel sorry for her since her whole life was taken from her because of the panic and depression. She didn't have a career, would rarely leave the house and basically lived a sheltered life not of her choosing. Now she has the freedom she never had...all bittersweet at the same time.

I would totally recommend seeing a doctor to prescribe not only pills but therapy sessions as well. The pills can only go so far since you also have to learn techniques to control various emotions and situations. You don't want to depend on a drug alone since that drug is only one part of the cure.

[ashleycat]

I read on a depression group, having a boxing heavy bag helps. I need one. I'm looking into getting a freestanding one. For those rage moments.

I got mad at a bowl because it didnt want to come out of the cabinet because it was stuck to another bowl. I almost threw it.

I actually woke up early on my own this time. so maybe I will be adjusting to the early time again.

Being sleep deprived really does you in.

[catnapper]

Thanks so much for all your personal experiences guys!

I luckily don't have rage moments like Ashleycat where I want to toss things, but I DO get irritated a lot easier than I should. Then later I think WHY did that matter to me so much? Like yesterday, Ashley was using my flat board scratching post as a support to cut things out with an Xacto knife. I "yelled" at her (no loud voice, just condeming) for doing it on top of the fabric.... ummmmmm... if I stopped to think about it, the fabric is already shredded thanks to the cats sharpening their claws on it

I just want to be able to think clearly without flying to one extreme or the other, focus on things, and have my memory back. I am so scattered and don't pay attention to anything. I'm having a real hard time focusing on the computer monitor right now! My vision is swimming.... but I think thats because another migraine is brewing. I KNOW the migraines are stemming from the stress and anxiety I'm feeling. I feel like the world is closing in on me.

I think its funny..... I work with a woman who wasan absolute pleasure to work with until she went off Paxil a year and half ago. Then she because scattered, forgetful, arguementaive... everything I'm noticing in myself right now. How ironic if thats what the doctor puts me on!

[Cataholic]

I was on effexsor for a couple of years, and in conjuction with counseling, really found that it helped alot. I had no side effects. For me, the medication didn't erase any of my 'problems', but, it did make me feel like I was able to battle them without breaking down. I think I benefitted from the counseling, and am totally for having a professional to talk things over with. For me, I didn't think it was a mood disorder, but, rather situational depression.

I also think that having a positive outlook, in conjunction with a great support system, and a certain amount of "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" CAN help. It doesn't solve anything, but, it is more productive than lying in bed all day long, even if that is what you feel like. There were times when I didn't want to leave the house, and my mom would say, "come on, we are going.....". And, I went. Did it make things great? Nope, but, they weren't worse, and, it did, for the moment, lessen the pain. In a way, I 'fought' the depression. On my own, and it failed. With help, things got better, over time.