topic what next? in Depression

what next?

cam01234 — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 04:20:50 GMT

I'm a 39 year old man. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety. The anxiety came first: In 1991 while a year nine student I began to get panic attacks. These were horrific and I kept them secret. I was too ashamed to mention them to parents. As my psychiatrist and I look back on that period, we are sure I was suffering depression also - but a bit later than anxiety, and perhaps in response to it.

I've tried everything for my condition: I'm currently taking high doses of two anti-depressants and two anti-pyschotics (although I have never had psychosis) and a mood stabiliser.

I filled out the little form on the beyond blue website to assess my mental state - K10?. It was 34, and the instructions on the screen seemed to suggest that I should immediately rush myself to hospital. But today is just a normal day like any other for the past decade or so

I don't work; subsisting instead on a DSP. I live at home with my parents. STILL. I am absolutely starved of companionship.

Has anyone had ECT? That is my next plan, albeit that I have some misgivings.

Any advice about how to pull oneself back from the brink would be welcome. (Actually though, just getting this down on paper has helped a little.)

what next?

Chris_B — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:00:05 GMT

Hi Cam, welcome to the forums. If you're interested in finding out more about ECT, then have a read of Juliet's thread on her experiences with ECT here.

Getting your thoughts out can help a great deal. Do have a look through some of the threads in the Recovery & Staying Well forum for ideas on coping as well.

Our other members should be along to say hello shortly, hope you enjoy your time here.

what next?

Neil_1 — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 04:37:46 GMT

Hi there Cam

Welcome to Beyond Blue and thank you for providing your post. That in itself is a huge step and a very good positive one at that.

Yes, it's a great thing that you've been able to come and here and unload a little about your past and also how you are at the moment. And I find a lot of the times exactly what you just wrote - in that, after writing this down, you feel a little bit better.

It can be a therapeutic thing - just to unload either here or even just on your computer somewhere, that doesn't necessarily have to be read by anyone. But at least here, you're reaching out with 'like-minded' people and fellow sufferers - and there's no judgement here - only that we try to provide guidance and advice, when able; but above all else support.

So please do come back and post more - we'll be here for you.

Christopher has provided an excellent link to a previous thread about ECT. Also, at the top of each page, there's a "Search" function and if you put ECT in there, you should receive some more results as well. This particular topic is a good one to read up on. Although I've never had it myself, I do feel that it's come a long way - but also, it's really interesting to read different people's versions and accounts too.

Hope to hear from you again

Neil