medication - depression.

[Ilovemycathaha]

Hi there,

i just joined this website and was hoping I could talk to others that may be experiencing what I am experiencing.

Due to me starting a new job I've becomed stressed. Therefore my skin has had a lot more acne than normal. Cystic acne however that just won't die down.

i decided to see a specialist and they put me on medication.

I was excited at first. I understand the side effects, such as blood noses, possible depression, sore joints, skin getting worse etc etc

1.5 months in and my skin has gotten worse- yes I expected it, but it's just so red. It's so much worse than when I started the medication.

Also, I've felt very 'down' lately.

Ive never really been depressed so this is a shock to me.

I just feel terrible...all the time?

i need to go off this medication.

i want to smile, even if I do look bad I need to smile.

Can anyone give me any advice on depression and what's it like? I'm scared I don't like this.

[okadoka]

Hi Ilovemycathaha,

I don't have personal experience of this medicine, I once watched a YouTube video of a girl who recorded her whole journey while treating her acne. I remember, at one point her acne had gotten worse, it seems that that's how it works, but I would recommend you to see your doctor again if possible. Medicines can have side effects, but depression is a gradual condition, it results from months or years of unmanaged stress, anxiety and other thoughts. You can smile right now - while being on the medicine, while having acne. I know it's hard to smile when you don't have positive thoughts but may be if you smile once, a few positive thoughts may appear.

[Quercus]

Hello Ilovemycathaha and welcome to the forums,

Have you checked out "the facts" section of the beyondblue website? It has a checklist called K10 which you can use to gauge whether your experiencing symptoms of depression.

It's not a diagnosis but completing this and taking it to your doctor when you discuss the side effects is a good idea.

On that note... Checking in with your doctor is important. Ok yes medications take time to work but you do also need to weigh up whether this medicine is appropriate for you.

As to the cystic acne. I wonder if you have consideredm stress related acne?

My Mum and sister and I all experience cystic acne generally hormone/cycle related but also stress related. Curiously enough when I started my antidepressant (some are used to manage anxiety too) I experienced a lot less acne. If you haven't talked to your GP or dermatologist about this is is worth discussing.

Another thing worth thinking of is counselling. I know it might sound silly to some people but living with acne is horrible and it does take a massive toll on your self esteem.

Do you wonder whether any of your depressive symptoms are part of being disappointed? I friend from uni had great success on this medication and the difference to his mood and outlook and confidence was astounding. At the time I remember being very concerned. What if it didn't work? He seemed to have pinned his hopes on this being the miracle cure. Thankfully for him it was. But it isn't always.

I think having someone to talk to and to guide you in building your self esteem is always a safe plan.

I hope you feel welcome and able to join in around the forums.

Nat

[Ilovemycathaha]

Hi,

thankyou both for replying.

i will check out that K10 checklist now.

i think it may be stress. It got bad this year only . This year I started a new job so that would make sense.

I do see a counseller to assist assist with my job. My job is a bit eh, we hear a lot of things at work so they provide us with counselling. I may mention it to her. It's such a hard thing for me to discuss.

Im glad I found this forum where I can speak.

i don't think it's due to being disappointed. I know the medication takes ages to work. I'm supposed to be on it for 8 months.

Thank you both again