think it just hit me!

[bbqsauce]

I was wondering if I had depression, I didn't think I had because I thought people with depression stayed in bed all day and couldn't function, but I go to work etc and don't feel bad every single day. I suppose I have had weeks of feeling down for the past few years I just thought maybe I had extreme moods only when I am in these moods I feel like nothing in life is positive, theres nothing to look forward to, I feel like ive been hit with a ton of bricks and nothing can cheer me up. I wondered if anyone else feels like this? Anyway I made an appointment for this afternoon with the dr and an appointment with a psychologist next week, as this week I feel terrible I snapped at my son this morning for something small, then I got upset that I over reacted and then I went to work and felt like I couldn't breathe or calm down for over an hour, and then someone said something to me and I burst into tears, I'm so negative and I haven't always been like this, I cant put a finger on what exactly is bothering me. Any advice would be great

[White_Rose]

Hello BBQSauce

Glad you have visited the psychologist. Apart from the medication, how did the session go? Do you think you will be comfortable with her?

If the psych wants you to start on ADs why not try? The problem with ADs is that they do not kick in for at least four weeks, sometimes longer. They are not like antibiotics which start working within 24 hours and usually complete the job within a week. ADs are a long term measure designed to re-balance the brain. Can't be done overnight.

So if you start taking them now you will only start to feel an improvement in a few weeks. Having said that I remember when I started taking them and two days later felt really good. Unfortunately it only lasted a day then back to the same old feelings for several weeks until the medication really started to work.

Yes, good days and bad days, all part of the routine. ADs help to smooth out these roller coaster experiences. I would try them and see how you go. If they work stay with them. If not try something else. The choice is always yours.

One other point. ADs do take time, but psychological therapy usually takes even longer. The ADs may help until the therapy kicks in.

Please keep us all posted. Everyone here cares about you.

LING

[AJ2014]

For me, medication has not been the solution however it has been a tool.

i look at it like this:

If depression etc. is like being stuck in a dark hole then medication is like a ladder. I still need to make a choice and climb that ladder to get out.

[bbqsauce]

Thanks so much Ling that has made me feel much better about things! How do you feel now that you are on them If you don't mind me asking? I hope you feel better.

The psychologist seemed nice, I think what she was trying to say is that it will be quite hard to work through issues if I am the 'down, zombie negative state' which I have been in/am in, and I'm sure she see's it a lot, she said she didn't push medication on every patient but thinks I do need it. Just a bit scary I guess. But definitely worth a try to try and think positive again.

Thanks so much for your advice

xx

[BeeGee]

Good for you bbqsauce. Give them a try, but be prepared to be patient.  I'm a couple of months in to ADs now and on my second try (the first one was awful for me, only lasted 5 days).  I've had one good day so far and a couple of brief flashes of feelings of well-being that lasted for a minute or two. So, so far I can't say they are a miracle cure and I may need to try a few different ones before I hit on the right one for me.

But the way I see it, as long as the side effects aren't too bad it's worth a shot. If I can feel better I figure I have a much better chance of succeeding with cognitive change, and in fact the evidence supports ADs + CBT as being more effective together than either treatment alone.

[White_Rose]

Dear BBQSauce

Fascinated by your name. Does it have a significance for you? Just curious so ignore me if it's easier.

I am pleased you feel more comfortable about medication. I tried not to take it because of the side effects. The psych spent about 18 months trying to find something that both worked and didn't send me off my head. I hope this will not put you off. Most people have little or no trouble with ADs. They may need to try one or two but settle down with one OK. My problem seems to be a bad reaction to many drugs. I know I am OK with most antibiotics but have had to chop and change with other meds. Can't take anti-inflammatory medication, but many people cannot. Similarly with pain medication. Had an horrendous experience with one med.

But as I said, don't let my experience put you off. I would love to have something to help me feel better. Doing it the hard way has been tough and there is no shame in getting as much help as possible.

As AJ2014 has said, ADs are a not a cure, but if they provide a ladder then use it. Climbing out of the pit is, umm, the pits.

Please continue to write. I will be following your story.

LING