Help Please

[farns]

I am after some help please if anyone can help, I am suffering depression and running out of ideas as what to do....I am on my second lot of meds and neither has worked, I get to 6 - 8 weeks feeling ok and then BANG I am back to the dreary world of Agitation, being angry, sadness and well you know the rest. I have seen a psychologist previously and counsellor and was wondering if its worth booking into a psychiatrist and even trying meditation as well, I would like to do Yoga but 3 back operations wont allow that, I walk a lot and do my own cricket coaching which keeps me busy but I would be grateful if anyone has some ideas that might help me in this journey.....I know its hard at the moment but I am trying to soften the blow a bit, thanks.

[ggcatlady]

Hi farn's,

Sorry to hear you are feeling down.  I definitely recommend seeing a psychiatrist.  A GP can refer you to one.  A psychiatrist can diagnose you and prescribe you a suitable medication.  Make sure you see a psychiatrist with experience in mood disorders.

[Dwwmills]

Hi frans.

This is only my opinion but yes see a psychiatrist as they
are far more skilled at dispensing medication that a GP will be. Seeing a
psychologist works but you need to practice what they teach you daily. Seeing
them is not what changes things it’s what you learn from seeing them. I
suffered from Generalised Anxiety Disorder for years and saw a psychologist
over that time. It wasn’t until I took charge of the cognitive-based therapy,
learn how to do it myself and practice daily that it became effective. Even now
when I’m doing fine I still practice using cognitive-based therapy daily.

In the end it took medication, CBT, relaxation therapy,
mindfulness and getting my sleep patterns under control to get the better of my
generalised anxiety disorder. I no longer take medication but I still practice
the other things to help stay well.

I found a website “Excel at Life” that had heaps of
information on everything but the medication. It helped me learn how to use CBT
and there are articles, audios and phone apps to help in this process. I still
use the articles in the apps today. Good parties are all free.

My only advice would be to learn as much as you can about
anxiety and depression as knowledge really is power.

Good luck! I wish you the best.

[check-in_chick]

Hi Farns, it can take a while to find the right medication. I think I'm on the 5th one now for my depression and I think it is the one for me. It is so frustrating I know because you have to wait so long to see if it works and then to swap over can be just terrible. Some of the withdrawal symptoms I've had while changing haven't been much fun. I am under the care of one psychiatrist who manages my day to day health and medication requirements and I see a second one for weekly therapy. I also see a drug and alcohol counsellor to help with my addiction issues. (Sober 6 months on Wednesday) It has been a long journey and there have been a few counsellors, psychologists and hospital admissions along the way. Each has helped a little I guess but I think the long term psychotherapy I've had (12 months so far) has been really key to my recovery. But I think I had to be ready for the therapy so it's not necessarily the right thing for you right now. But first step is to see a psychiatrist.

I also practice mindfulness, I exercise regularly and try to eat and sleep well. I know these things seem really basic, but it does make a difference. Learning to be kind to myself has helped oh and BREATHING!!!....inhalation...exhalation. 

 I hope that helps. 

[webguru]

Sometimes it is important not to expect much from and rely on medications. They are great in some cases but I know for me they do not seem to work either... some natural remedies work well and help (not to mention any brands but these are often tried just as meds are), others can have side effects you might not want... Practice your own tried and tested techniques, keep active, have friends check on you regularly - some do get it, and help you out willingly!

[Chicken_Wings]

Hi Farns,

I'm sorry you're not having success.

I think finding the right psychologist or psychiatrist is important. You need to be able to trust and talk to them, so take the time to call before you book and make sure the professional you link up with is specialised to help you deal with your particular issues. For example some psychologists specialise in people with traumatic life events, whereas others work with adolescents or even people with chronic medical conditions.

finding the right person for you is important.

sounds like your trying to be active which is great, but apparent from distraction it's good to know what to do in your down time, when you're sitting around the house. Mindfulness is a good thing to practice. When your thoughts get too much it can help you redirect your mind. There are some good apps which provide guided sessions, it can be hard to do it alone.

the #1 thing is to continue to be good to yourself. Continue to eat healthy, get vitamin d and talk when you need it.

[Kazzl]

Hello Farns - I support what the others are saying about seeing a psychiatrist, and taking the time to find the right medication. I have had a few different meds over the years and I know it's hard transitioning, but worth persisting. When you get the right one, or the right person, it can change your life.

I also want to say to check-in chick WELL DONE on six months sober!! I've been sober for over four years and I know how tough the struggle is, so be very proud of yourself and stick with it. It just gets better and better the more distance you put between you and the last drink. I couldn't begin to deal with my mental health issues until I had addiction under control. Now I have my life back, I'm in control again. You will never regret it.