topic Desperate n struggling in Depression

Desperate n struggling

Kwee_Eng — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 06:53:19 GMT

Hi, I m new to this site. I have been on antidepressants since 20.1.20. I struggle everyday, intensity of symptoms varies. Does anyone out there can identify with how difficult it is mentally, emotionally n physically. At times, I just dont know how to manage the symptoms n look beyond to better days.

Desperate n struggling

monkey_magic — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 07:30:07 GMT

Hi there Kwee Eng Emsworth,

Yes, I relate to how difficult it is. I have been on antidepressants before but now I'm on something that has worse symptoms for me- antipsychotics.

I honestly wish I never put a pill in my mouth, ever, despite what doctors or psychiatrists recommend.

Do U think you can do other things to help yourself like things you once enjoyed. Swimming used to really help me through my depressed times.

Desperate n struggling

Guest_4643 — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 07:38:03 GMT

Hi Kwee Eng Emsworth. Welcome to the forums.

With all mental health medication such as antidepressants, it's all different for everybody - the side effects, dosages, all of it. Just like treatment including finding a good therapist (GP, Psychologist, Psychiatrist etc).

We're not allowed to mention names of medications etc on these forums because that's just part of the rules, which is understandable.

A lot of people have side effects on antidepressants, if not everybody, it varies with everybody who takes them.

If you keep feeling bad on your current ones, I'd suggest asking to change to something.

When you're prescribed antidepressants or any mental health medication, your Psychiatrist and/or GP, whoever prescribes them to you, should tell you a list of side effects (not everyone gets the same side effects, some people don't get any, but just so you're aware), what they do, dosages, things like that.

Just remember that you're not alone with how you're feeling with mental health and the meds.

I hope you feel better mentally, and the side effects settle, or you can find other meds that work for you.

Best of luck, take care.

Love and hugs,

Tayla

Desperate n struggling

Cranberry_Juice — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 21:56:45 GMT

Hi Mate

Unfortunate there is side effects from medications but everyone is different, I found that physical exercise does help with depression, even if its a quick walk around the block at least your outdoors and not thinkin about things that make you feel sad.

Desperate n struggling

Kwee_Eng — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 01:11:25 GMT

Thank you for yr reply. Strangely enough, I dont have side effects with my new medication. I did with my old ones. I believe my medication hasnt had time to kick in yet. I do get moments where I feel it can get better and thats usually in the evening. The next day, that good feeling is all gone n I start all over again. Its such a lonely, torturous journey.

Desperate n struggling

Kwee_Eng — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 01:14:29 GMT

Hi, Thank you for taking time to read my post n yr reply. I havent experienced side effects with my new medication. I did with my old ones. I believe my medication hasnt had time to kick in. Just surviving each day its so challenging n lonely

Desperate n struggling

Kwee_Eng — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 01:17:54 GMT

Hi, thank you for yr reply. Much appreciated. I reached out because I find the struggle very challenging n lonely. Strangely, I havent experienced side effects with my new medications. I did with my old ones.

Desperate n struggling

Guest_4643 — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 01:21:10 GMT

I know how you feel about side effects and being lonely, believe me.

I'm sorry you're struggling. And yes, mental health meds take time so unfortunately you'll just have to be patient. It's normal to try a few before you find the right ones for you.

Best of luck with everything,

Tayla

Desperate n struggling

Kwee_Eng — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 01:22:36 GMT

Hi, thank you for taking time to reply. Much appreciated. I do try to do stuff when I feel up to it. When I pushed myself to do things, I feel worse off physically n then it also affects me mentally n emotionally. When I was in my 20s n 30s, I could push on regardless but I dont have that stamina these days.

Desperate n struggling

Kwee_Eng — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 01:03:39 GMT

Hi, this is my 2nd post. I am wondering if anyone could identify with my situation. I started my antidepressants on 20.1 n my gp doubled my dose on 10.2. I felt excited thinking I m going to get on top of my depression faster. I feel I m still having bad days everyday like as if my body reacted in a negative way to the increment. I think I have read it somewhere that, that does happen. Thanks

Desperate n struggling

monkey_magic — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 01:13:17 GMT

Hi Kwee Eng,

Sorry to hear the medication isn't working as effectively as you hoped it would.

I hear of people going through many different types of antidepressants until they find the one suited to them.

You would think it would work more effectively since you increased the dosage but that doesn't seem to be the case.

I'm afraid you might have to go back to the doctor and let he/ she know and work out what to do from there.

Desperate n struggling

Guest_4643 — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:46:54 GMT

Hey Kwee Eng.

It's normal for all antidepressants and mental health meds to take time, they don't work straight away regardless of what they are and the dosages. All of them take a month or so to work, like the Pill (I'm on both).

It's also normal to have some side effects, but don't be scared, not everyone will get side effects, some might but they won't be bad. If they are, see a GP ASAP. But normally it's just nausea for a week or so, but it's different for everyone of course.

Yes it's normal to feel like they're not working too and it's unsure to tell but just be patient I suppose, as hard as it is. It's hard to tell, I know. I guess you'll have to speak to your GP and Psychiatrist (if you have one) about your concerns because they'll be more help but I hope monkey_magic and I can assist you.

I hope you feel better, take care and all the best with the meds. Just remember, your brain is going through changes, the meds are there to make you feel better, trying to produce the chemicals in your brain such as Serotonin (the "happy" chemical) in your brain, etc. But some meds also work for Dopamine, Noradrenaline, etc. which are similar chemicals. This is what they do, so your brain is getting used to that and that's normal, it's normal to feel up and down.

Best of luck, we're here for you.

Tayla x

Desperate n struggling

Kwee_Eng — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 03:11:38 GMT

Thank you Tayla for yr reply. Much appreciated. Is it a normal to feel fear of not being able to come out of my depression, fear of being in this unpleasant, scary situation?? I like to know if its a common feeling. Thanks

Desperate n struggling

Guest_4643 — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 04:43:14 GMT

Hey Kwee Eng, you're more than welcome for the reply, I'm glad you appreciate it.

Yes it is a common feeling, you're not alone there. My Psychiatrist said to me, "mental health and therapy is like soup - there's lots of ingredients", meaning it's not an easy road but you'll get there eventually, it takes time and that's okay, it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's courageous to seek help, whether it's a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, calling 000 or speaking to Beyond Blue, Lifeline, any of those. It's all help and it's all nothing to be ashamed of.

I like that quote my Psychiatrist said, it's stuck with me, because I agree. And different things work for different people. Do you have any coping mechanisms or things you like doing? I can try to give you some suggestions if you like? Up to you.

Take care, I'm here if you need me. I hope you're doing okay.

Love and hugs,

Tayla x