More on stress and depression....

[dukedogsmom]

Boy do I understand. When I lost Duke, I was in deep depression for months. I came very close to having a breakdown. Don't worry so much about your eating right now. I think you're trying to rush your dealing with Nicki's passing. Do you think you have a fear of success on losing weight? You might be sabotaging yourself. I've not had any experience with the meds so I can't help you there. It'll get better but it takes a lot of time. I would suggest taking your other dog (name escapes me) on some walks. That will help to release some good endorphins to make you feel better. I've been where you are and it's not fun. Also, several people here at PT helped me through pms whenever I wanted to talk.

[catnapper]

Callie gets LOTS of walks. I typically walk her 1-2 miles at a time, at least 3 times a day. and my walks are brisk, not lazy little strolls. I only walked about a mile with her today (migraine was so bad that I didn't get out of bed til after 1:00 today).

We (Callie, Cameron, and I) walked to Friendly's tonight. She was such a good girl. She sat and stayed. People walked by her with ice cream and she didn't jump until the one lady said hi to her.... then the lady said, "oops, that was my fault!" when I corrected Callie for jumping. Cameron ended up with ice cream everywhere -- even on top of his head! I snapped a fast picture of him in the stroller covered in ice cream when I got home. I don't know what I'd do without Callie or Cameron. They both make me laugh. Their sweetness and purity just fill my heart with such warmth and joy.

I'm glad you understand - thanks ((hugs))

[Catty1]

Kim - did your doctor recommend some counselling for you?

I recall your hubby was going, and I don't know about your daughter - but I suspect you are getting little to no support at home, and I am strongly suggesting counselling to support YOU until things change for the better.

Although you love spending time with Callie and Cam and they lighten your day, they still need looking after by you.

I hope the new med works for you. But please get someone to talk to also. You can always talk to us here, yes. But it's also great to have someone "with skin on". ASk your doctor, or see if there is someone at the place where your husband goes, or was going. It's your turn.

I mean, Kim - your HAIR is falling out!

[Karen]

I am glad you have Cameron and Callie - there is nothing like laughter to brighten one's outlook on life! I hope the new medicine works, and takes effect soon. And hey, at least you have less hair to worry about managing in the hot weather, right? At least once a summer, I say "Maybe if I just shaved my head ..." but never go through with it. I think you have to be pretty to look okay with a bald head, I'd just scare people!

[K9karen]

I have a friend on Cymbalta and it helped him tremendously.
I have no problems with Zoloft so I guess, like any other drug, it depends on the individual.

I hope it helps you and that you feel better soonest.

[jennielynn1970]

I had been on Zoloft for 6-7 years, and it was lovely. Then, it wore off. Since then I've tried Prozac (ick), Effexor (blah), Wellbutrin (hellbutrin), and Zoloft again (didn't reactive, lol).

I'm now on Lexapro. I'm not happy with it. The way you feel now, with wanting to sleep all the time, lethargic, eating w/out needing or wanting to. I'm trying to do better, but I really need to get back to the doctor and insist on either a higher dosage or a change. I can't keep doing this, and need to do something to get a grip on it before school starts again.

Feeling crappy just seems to compound itself. I told myself a few weeks ago what I wanted to change, or start doing, and well, it hasn't happened yet. There are a ton of other stressors in my life(money, or lack thereof, being the biggest), and I think if I could get a hold on them, it would be a big help.

I really hope the Cymbalta will give you some peace, and you'll start to feel better about things, and yourself, again. I am here if you want to talk.

Hugs to you.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kim, I'm sorry to hear that you're not feeling well. I hope that your new medication will work quickly so that you can get yourself back on track and start enjoying things again. Please take care. (((HUGS)))