Relapse after 15 years on medication

[Sdm]

Was diagnosed with depression in 2002 and started taking anti-depressants, these worked, but after a prolonged period of financial stress I have fallen into a debilitating depression with extreme anxiety and don't know what I can do as the medication isn't working anymore.

[Guest_128]

Hey there,things have changed a lot ,you need to go back to gp.

If you can give us some more details so we can try to help you.

The big guns will be here soon to help.

Later

[BballJ]

Hi Sdm,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

Sorry to read what you are going through.. relapse is very hard especially when you have overcome a mental health illness like depression before... one thing to point out is that you have come out of it before and you can come out of it again.

As 9 names later said, have you been back to see your GP? that will be the first step I feel. Have you ever seen a psychologist in the past, in conjunction with your medication?

Please remember you can also call the Beyond Blue helpline for any advice on 1300 22 4636 24/7, they are trained professionals there who can offer assistance if you need it.

Please, feel free to post back as much as you like.

My best for you,

Jay

[Sdm]

Thanks for the reply, have been to the GP has put me on medication, have a referral to a psychiatrist but there are long waits to get in where I live..

[geoff]

hello Sdm, I'm only too sorry that you are feeling the way you are, but it looks like your financial stress has been a major cause to this happening.
Once we have had depression it stays with us, whether we have overcome it or not, but this doesn't mean that you can't live a normal life, because you can with taking your medication, but it doesn't stop you from having a relapse, which you are going through, I'm sorry.
With myself I've 'overcome' my depression but along the way have had several relapses caused by circumstances which I knew about and also those that still puzzle me, however I learnt that it will last a couple of weeks and then bring me back to how I was.
For you this relapse will continue as long as you have this financial stress and may continue until you can get your feet back on the ground.
This certainly means that you need to have your AD's reviewed by your doctor, whether they have to be increased or decide on taking another one.
I would like to know how you're coping at the moment, but only if it suits you. Geoff.

[Sdm]

Hi Geoff, thanks for your reply, I've been under similar stress before and been able to cope. This time the anxiety has become unbearable and I can't stop thinking worst case on anything that comes into my mind, feels very similar to when I first went on meds in 2002. I'm just trying to hang in there until I can see a psychiatrist which is 4 weeks at the earliest, hopefully he will do a medication review and can find something that works, I've been on the same brand dose since 2002. I've been to a psychologist and been doing a lot of reading self help books but doesn't seem to be helping. GP has given me some short term medication to knock the edge off the anxiety.

[BballJ]

Hi Sdm,

In this instance where you are waiting for your psych appointment, I would recommend using the Beyond Blue services like the phone line or the online chat where you are speaking with trained professionals. Using these forums are great as well. I know it's a long wait but keep going and know it will get better and keep reminding yourself that you have got through this before and will again.

Is there anything that you like doing that helps ease your anxiety? Reading a book, exercising, being around friends or family? I'd be doing as much things that help ease your anxiety as well.

My best,

Jay