topic I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now???? in Depression

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

hopeless_amp_helpless — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 01:16:18 GMT

Hi there,

I feel like

there is no hope for me to treat my depression.

I've been on countless Anti-Depressants for the last few years but they only last for a few months & I have to go back to my Psychiatrist and increase the dosage or change to another type.

This was not only emotionally draining but also financially as it costs around $250 each time I see my Psychiatrist. Thankfully my Mum helped me out on several occasions to pay the fees coz I can't afford it on my own.

This cycle was going on for a couple of years but I would continue to get

bad bouts of depression at least once a month. I suggested to my Psychiatrist that I might have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which is a condition where a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation so we tried medication for that also but again it didn't work.

I was also taking something to help me sleep which lasted about a year but then it stopped. I wouldn't sleep for days and I would be absolutely exhausted at work. I'd go through my day like a zombie.

I got so desperate, I resorted to over the counter sleeping pills to help me sleep but again, they didn't really work.

In May this year, I went to Peru to try an extreme form of alternative therapy. This was my last resort to get help and during the 2 weeks I was there and for about a month after, I felt amazing. I really felt like something had shifted in me and I was happy, energetic and enthusiastic about life again.

Now this feeling of elation has worn off and I am right back to where I was before,

feeling depressed, crying all the time, no motivation or energy to do anything and not wanting to socialise with people. I'm also not sleeping again.

I haven't been on any medication for just over 11 weeks but I don't want to go back on Anti-Depressants again & start that cycle all over again.

I've seen 3 Psychologists which was helpful at the time but as soon as my 10 sessions were over, it's like I forgot everything I had learned or something.

I know

I need help but I don't know what else to try?

I don't want it to get to the stage where

I am attempting suicide again, which I've tried three times, 2 earlier this year.

I have my Mum to talk to but she can't really offer any advice & I don't have any friends, I pushed them all away & I don't want to burden anyone. I just ended a friendship with my ex coz I don't want to put him through more crap

Please help I' m desperate....

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

white knight — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 11:19:54 GMT

Hi H&H, welcome

I dont know if my account will help but it might. I was initially diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and ADHD in 2003. For the following 6 years I tried a total of 15 tablets (for bipolar 1) and none worked. Not surprising- I didnt have bipolar 1 !!!!!!

I was reassessed in 2009 by a psychiatrist with a second one in the room observing. That was good luck. At the end of my session I was diagnosed with - bipolar 1, dysthymia (another form of depression), anxiety and depression.

I then received the correct medication which was a slow release mod stabiliser and a small amount of an AD. It worked wonders and in the 45 years since I've settled and had slight tweeking of these meds and my issues have reduced to the extent I can come on here regularly to help others.

Perhaps its time for a second opinion? cyber hug

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

White_Rose — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 11:37:46 GMT

My Dear H&H

You are in a really awful place. It is difficult to believe that you can get no relief from your depression. I can see why you are so desperate. But it's good that you have come here to talk and I am sorry no one has replied to you earlier. This is not usually the case.

I'm not sure where to start. Although first of all I suggest a referral to another psychiatrist. I presume the $250 fee is after your Medicare rebate. This is exorbitant. Most psychiatrists do not charge such a high gap fee. Look around for someone more reasonable.

What does your GP say about your depression. In my experience the GP often has a better grasp of the problem that the treating psych.

What was the treatment in Peru? Can it be found in Oz? Or perhaps something similar? High costs seem to be a factor in your life and the attendant worry is not good for you. Not that I am saying anything you don't know already.

I can relate to forgetting what the psychs say after such a short time with them. The brain plays such mean tricks on us. Again, to state the obvious, you need regular therapy from a psychologist for however long it takes. And I do not know how you can access this without paying for it. Perhaps other people can help out here. How often do you need to see a psych? If it were only once a month you could get annual health plans and keep going by paying for just a couple of sessions at the end of the year. However you may need to go more often.

Do any of the psychs write down their treatments or action plans or whatever. If you had a record of what you are supposed to do perhaps you could manage on your own until you can go back for another 10 sessions. And make sure you go back to the same psych. Do you think a combination of the above would be helpful?

I am not very good with sleeping tablets. The effect does wear off as you become accustomed to some of them and there is a risk of addiction. My doctor got me to try antihistamines. I can only take one quarter of a tablet otherwise I sleep all the day as well. The is may be an option to discuss with your doctor.

I know from my own experience that exercise is good for mental health as it releases endorphins into the body. Do you exercise much? According to my doctor, a twenty minute walk every day is enough. Meditation is also useful. I suspect you are going to say you have tried all of these things, but I have suggested them just in case you have not tried these activities.

Out of word allowance.

Regards

LING

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

hopeless_amp_helpless — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 05:52:17 GMT

Hi White Knight,

Thank you for your post and for sharing your story with me.

Were you initially diagnosed by a Psychiatrist?

That scares me that even THEY don't know what's wrong.

I know it's time for me to find a new Psychiatrist coz the one I see now doesn't seem to care about my welfare AT ALL....

I think he's more concerned with taking my money and seeing as many people as he can in a day rather than actually helping people.

He barely speaks during the 5 minutes I'm there & asks ME what medication I'm on and what dose......Shouldn't HE know that?

I also have to suggest to him what I think is wrong with me. I had mentioned before to him on several occasions that I felt more depressed before my period but he never suggested anything, I looked up PDD myself.

I chose him because he was close to where I live in Sydney...

Maybe I need to research how to find the right psychiatrist for me....

I mean do people write reviews somewhere about their psychiatrist? How do I find a good one?

Someone told me that there are some Psychiatrists that are also Psychologists. I hope I can find one of those near to where I live...

I'm glad that after so many years, you were reassessed and have found what works for you, it gives me a little bit of hope that maybe I can get treatment that will work, I just need to find the right Psychiatrist to help me.

Thanks for your help WK

Regards,

Kylie

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

hopeless_amp_helpless — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 06:23:16 GMT

Hi Ling,

Thank you for your post, I appreciate all the time you spent replying to me.

At this point, I do believe it's time to look for a new Psychiatrist coz the one I'm seeing isn't very caring or understanding and not really that helpful.

I've heard that some Psychiatrists are also Psychologists so I think I will look for one that is both.

My GP basically just refers me back to my Psychiatrist & I guess she can't really prescribe as much as what a Psychiatrist can...

The treatment I received in Peru is legal there but it is illegal in Australia. Even though I could probably get my hands on some of the medicine, I wouldn't take it without someone who is properly trained to watch over me.

I'm not sure if I kept any of the material my psychologists gave me coz I thought it wasn't really helping me anyway.

Thank you for the suggestions to exercise and meditation.

I don't exercise at all and I just don't have the motivation to go out, especially now that it's winter.

I have tried meditation before but I find I don't have the patience to be able to sit still for that long and to just let all my thoughts disappear.

I'm sure I have not tried everything but I have tried a LOT of different medication and I'm just not that hopeful that I will find that one medication that will help me for the rest of my life.

Thanks for 'listening' to me, it's good to be around people who can relate to what I'm going through.

Thank you~ Kylie

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

hopeless_amp_helpless — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 06:49:53 GMT

Hi again,

I think the people in this forum are the only ones who understand what I'm going through...

I just tried to have a conversation with my mum about how I've been feeling and she just doesn't get it, it's so frustrating...

She's telling me to just 'think positively' and she thinks everything will magically be ok....

I guess I'm on my own here....

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

White_Rose — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 11:50:18 GMT

I just had a bit of a chuckle with your last post. I got exactly the same comment from a 'friend' of mine. Focus on the positive was her mantra. Half the time I felt like smacking her for making depression appear trivial and for me being stupid. (Take a deep breath and count to ten.) Even my family don't get it, although they understand that it's horrible. Their reaction is to change the subject if I talk about it. Possibly to stop me 'brooding' about it.

I have replied to your other post about finding a new psych. I don't know if many psychiatrists are also psychologists so you may have a long search. Have a chat to your doctor about whether a psychiatrist or psychologist would be more helpful, generally speaking.

I agree with you that whoever you talk to should come across as caring and compassionate. They do not need to be all over you like a rash, but should demonstrate some empathy. How long is your consultation time? Anything less than hour is pretty useless I find as I need that time to settle down and tell all.

On meditation - I try to meditate regularly. Some times are better than others but I have never sat for 20 minutes without being distracted a number of times. Even the most accomplished meditator never achieves this. The idea is that you meditate once or twice a day regardless of how it works out. Just sitting and meditating, even though you need to restart again and again, eventually helps to bring you into more and more self-knowledge. The frequent comment is that every time you sit to meditate you are a beginner. And it's true.

Back to exercise. My motivation is less than desirable. I do not go for walks whatever the weather as it bores me stiff and basically I am lazy. So I go to my physiotherapy centre where I have joined an exercise class. It costs more than a walk but I do it because I can talk to others and have a giggle about life. The exercise physiologist knows me and has my program worked out. I get lots of encouragement and the exercise gets upped regularly. I can't do it on my own.

I often wonder why I do not have more motivation to do things I know are good for me. Not just exercise. I need to lose weight and this is the biggest struggle, next to depression, that I have. My ex-husband used to tell me that all I had to do was stop eating. I think that's up there with focus on the positive.

Good luck with your change of psych. Let us know how it works out.

LING

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

AGrace — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 01:52:42 GMT

Hi H&H,

I can hear the desperation in your initial post and it doesn't seem like things have changed much since then.

I have to say that one thing I find common in the mental health sector is having to find out every scrap of information on your own. This in itself can be arduous and cause unwanted stress.

By talking with others at support groups, in the community, and here online I feel like I've gained so much knowledge. I have to admit my Psychiatrist is extremely helpful as well, but very expensive as you know. Ok, so I'll share some of the things I've discovered:

1. There are Psychiatrists who are willing to bulk bill. It might be worthwhile speaking to your Psychiatrist about your financial stress and seeing whether they would be happy to charge just the scheduled fee. Otherwise you can search on the net for others who are.

2. Access all the services at your local community mental health service. They offer a wide range of services for free. Counselling, group therapy, case workers, GPs, and dentistry (yep, you can even get shiny teeth when you have depression!!!) Group therapy can provide you with that same sense of understanding that you feel you get here.

3. If you are in crisis contact a Crisis Assessment Team (or research the equivalent in your area, this is what they're called in Victoria). Following their initial visit to your home, they are then required to make subsequent calls and visits, which can offer extra support when needed. You can also contact the triage nurse at your nearest public hospital when in crisis and they will advise a course of action.

4. The mental health plan which provides you with 10 free sessions to a Psychologist can be revised by your GP if they feel it's necessary, so communicate with your GP about getting some extra appointments.

5. Medication, you may decide it's not for you, however I'm always surprised that people are not told about alternate options when they are prescribed meds. It's good to find out the benefits, the side effects, similar options available, why your Dr has chosen a particular type, how long they take to have an affect, how often the type and dose should be reviewed. Also make sure your Psychiatrist is providing your notes to your GP, that way if all you need is a prescription you can get that from your GP rather than going to your Psychiatrist.

That's probably enough food for thought. I hope some of it is useful. No doubt the internet will become your best friend now:)

AGrace

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

Mares73 — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 00:41:51 GMT

Hi H&H on the home page of this site is a list of Gps who specialize in treating depression. if you can find one near you I'd highly recommend you go. There is such a stigma around taking antidepressants & you need a review by someone who is familiar with the types of antidepressants you have already tried. There are many different types of medication & once you find the right one for you things will gradually improve. I really believe a combination of medication & therapy is the way to go. Try not to be closed to options as there may be a medication that will really help you-they are evolving constantly. I also know it's really tough to get the motivation but there is hope for treatment & recovery. It sounds like you just haven't found the right support yet. Meanwhile there are so many people here who will relate to you or be willing to support you. It's great you found your way here. Try also remember that things can & do change no matter how low you feel & day or night there's this forum or phone counseling or we chat from 3pm to 12am. Lve Mares xxx

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

Snoman — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 05:18:31 GMT

Hi H&H,

I have a friend who also went to Peru for a treatment that is legal there, that he could not legally get here. His experience sounds similar: almost instant and profound improvement, but lasting about 3 months.

It seems that the treatment is being trialled for managing depression in Australia as well as other Western countries. Have a search on the internet for the drug name and depression trials. Hopefully we will see this becoming available as a legal option here in the not too distant future.

Snoman

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

Coming_up_roses___ — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 12:42:59 GMT

Please do not abandon hope!!! Stick with antidepressants as a short-term solution, consult a good psychologist (through Community Health) for ongoing support and seek the help of an obstetrician/gynaecologist who will investigate and treat the possible underlying hormonal cause of PMDD or ovarian cycle syndrome...

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

lunamimi — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:37:41 GMT

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear about your story.

However, i am so proud and admiring you so much for haven't given up on yourself, fighting continuously for this long. And please never think of those thoughts again, you are worthy, so so so worthy... and i know it's so hard to feel like absolutely nothing inside and out, absolutely emptiness...

But please push yourself always, it's the only way and trust that this is the hardest test have given to us as a human being, that you have to believe that once you can over coming this challenge by yourself, without medications, despite nobody seems to understand what you are going through simply because they have never experiencing this, maybe we should also considering ourselves to be lucky to be experience such difficulty or else how would we ever gain this aspect of life experience?

We all know how this feels and how it what effect it capable of causing us.

I am strongly disbelieving in medications, however I've heard that it does helps but remember... all these medications are temporary, it does not fix the cause of the problem, the roots of your problem so your problem will always keeping growing...

They are only temporary pain killers just like drugs and alcohol, how they improve or affecting our brains, i don't know but i don't believe in anything that is not natural when it comes to the mind.

We have to believe in ourselves that we are stronger than this, and that you are not a VICTIM!

You know, i was doing better until i thought about depression again... i forgot that i am depressed and somehow that shifted me away from this thoughts about myself, but as i am digging into it, diagnosing myself as a victim and as the patient of depression that really makes me feel depressed really...

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

lunamimi — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:38:46 GMT

continue....

I don't want to tell myself that i have problem? So do you! We are lucky in a misfortunate way that we have to go through this... but if we can get out of this, imagine how many lives we could save, how passionate we would be, how sympathetic we would be as a human being? We would help, and give and we could change somebody's life simply because we didn't give up on ourselves.

Reason some people can get out and we havent not because we are weak, we are as human beings are completely different to each others and we are also designed genetically differently. Some people have resilience mechanism or hormonal release which helps them to block or cope with difficulties than many people, that is why they got out and we haven't but we will somedays.And you are not alone, i always thought i was the only one person in this whole world feeling this kind of emptiness but there are so many people out there who is suffering the same way, its hard to really get help naturally because naturally only us can help ourself.

Start to appreciate the simple things around you, the flowers you walked past, the path you are walking on, the food on your table, your beautiful mother being there for you and I'm sure you can find many amazing things in simplicity.

The world is big, but we are facing this problem in our big mind... they say our mind are the universe, we only use 10 percentage of our brain, depression maybe not even 1 percentage. Look at the positive side, help others maybe we will feel better about ourselves. I know, i know exactly how you feel, its easy to say when you can't feel shit let alone happiness or empathy or even sympathy, but we have to fake it until we make it.... it seems to be the only option.

I felt so deep for you i had to create an account on here to talk to you, maybe not so much of an advice but simply sharing what we can do together to improving this...We are human beings awaiting for our soul to be awaken, and it is only up to us if we allowing ourselves to be more open or closed up...Don't push people away... ❤️

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

lunamimi — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:47:46 GMT

PS: i know motivation and positive words sounds stupid and may seems like i don't understand what you are going through.

i do, but this is my only solution. I always want to seek for a psychiatrist but i really don't want to be diagnosed i already know.

Also, i believe in the human mind and spirituality. Its the only way for me to regaining faith and belief in myself is to be positive even when i don't feel it i will push myself a fakes smile and talking good about myself for motivations and setting up goals and plans and working toward it even inside i feel like shit, i fall asleep all the times because i don't have the energy, i can't even beginning to want to talk to people or smile but i will simply be nice even when it feels so uncomfortable. I will do everything opposite to the symptom because i don't want to let this controlling me...

if you understand what i mean, i hope maybe my words may help you some how.

I was once the happiest girl alive, i know how it was like to fully fully be at bliss and all the sudden going into a dark hole of no hope and helpless.

But being in the hole by yourself, you are the only resolution to getting back up.

Be strong my friend, life is worthy once we can get out, always have hope and keeping on fighting, when you don't feel like Push and push harder.

Take care.

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

tripp34 — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 09:50:31 GMT

hopeless&helpless

I am hoping you are OK you have not posted anything on here since 2014

I was googling why dont I have any luck in my life when i clicked on it, it was your thread

I read your story and for some unknown reason i joined this site just to talk to you

I can totally relate to your situation

especially feeling depressed, crying all the time, no motivation or energy to do anything and not wanting to socialise with people. and not sleeping

my diagnose hypertension from the doctor hear take these pills

defenitely not hypertension maybe anxiety depression based what i have been researching myself

i have been meaning to book myself into black dog institute to be diagnosed properly there suppose to be the best and will diagnose correctly, there are so many branches that come off the same tree and everyone's situations and personalities are different, we all can not be put under the same catergory eg what medication works for one person does not always work for the next person with same ailment. I am not taking any medication so I have to work extra harder. I will go one day fine or even a week or even a month, and then wham im depressed sad etc, i say to myself in a stern voice in my head pick yourself up and dust yourself off i see myself slap my legs and backside as if i have dust over me im already down the only thing i can do now is get up this seems to make me more stronger within myself. i dont know what triggers it im going to say everything does, fear not sure what im fearing, disappointment in myself/others,let down i don't really care what the reason is , but know im stuck with this its not going to go away so its about how i deal with it ,some things i do to help are not watch the news anymore, i youtube meditation but can only do it for couple of minutes as head thinks too much to stay focused, i do things to try and better myself when i'm in that place of no return

i hope this helps if you want to talk im hear cheers

ps Peru sounded cool

I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????

blondguy — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 10:10:17 GMT

Hey Tripp34

Welcome and thanks for posting too! It can take a huge amount of strength..Kudos to you!

You are strong to it med free. That takes a heap of courage

I did the same as you for approx 13 years and ended up not being able to sustain self healing anymore

Just in my situation I ended up with being more ill as I got older and my 2 GP's both read me the riot act as I was so anti meds.

Its been 21 years now since then as well as being on a small dosage of an SSRI. (antidepressant) The meds and super regular visits to a counselor gave me my life back 🙂

The meds arent a fix all for sure. They do provide us with a solid platform on which we use your coping mechanisms more effectively to find some peace in our lives

I understand where you are coming from Tripp34. Just my experience on this illness

my kind thoughts and respect for you

Paul

PS: You are more than welcome to create your own thread topic if you wish..then the focus of readers will be on your thread instead of this old thread from 2014. take good care of you..