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Amy_G what does it feel like when meds start working?
  • replies: 7

I recently started on my third AD, I tried two SSRIs before but they didn't do anything, so now I'm trying an SNRI. My problem is that I don't know how I'm supposed to know when one starts working? What does it feel like? And is it possible that I wo... View more

I recently started on my third AD, I tried two SSRIs before but they didn't do anything, so now I'm trying an SNRI. My problem is that I don't know how I'm supposed to know when one starts working? What does it feel like? And is it possible that I won't really notice it, like if it was gradual? I'm just worried that I won't be able to see that one is working and that I'll just keep trying new meds forever... - Amy G

MisterM Since starting AD medication almost a month ago I felt great then today a lapse
  • replies: 6

I don't know what has happened. Since starting my SSRI medication almost a month ago I was feeling better, calmer and more positive. All of a sudden today I have lapsed into a depressed state with negative thoughts and feelings. I didn't sleep much l... View more

I don't know what has happened. Since starting my SSRI medication almost a month ago I was feeling better, calmer and more positive. All of a sudden today I have lapsed into a depressed state with negative thoughts and feelings. I didn't sleep much last night, perhaps that is why and plus I think I upset my friend today (hard to tell with online messages as things get misconstrued, maybe I am reading too much into it and making something out of nothing) which has me in a low mood. I've been worrying about not being able to find work so couldn't sleep well last night. Plus two of my friends have found work recently which makes me feel more useless. Are lapses common when on medication? Or was this all a placebo effect for me.

ala just starting out on medication
  • replies: 4

Hi. I have just been prescribed medication for depression and anxiety today. I have had my doctor telling me for over 12 months that I need medication and had given me scripts but I never filled them. I am so nervous about taking medication! I know I... View more

Hi. I have just been prescribed medication for depression and anxiety today. I have had my doctor telling me for over 12 months that I need medication and had given me scripts but I never filled them. I am so nervous about taking medication! I know I need to but ....anyhow, I filled my prescription and decided I need support to get through this journey so here I am.

Snoman Weaning my house of cards
  • replies: 4

I have enough side effects from my current AD that tI am keen to get off it. I have been doing really well thanks also to my psych. About 4 months ago I spoke to my GP about my concerns of coming off the current AD - it is know for severe withdrawal ... View more

I have enough side effects from my current AD that tI am keen to get off it. I have been doing really well thanks also to my psych. About 4 months ago I spoke to my GP about my concerns of coming off the current AD - it is know for severe withdrawal side effects. She suggested possibly switching to a very similar one that is kinder on the system. Problem is that it is much harder to wean off that one. Anyway, I have started to wean off my current AD (with the intention of staying off meds). It is a capsule, so I can count out the little beads inside. I started weaning in the first week of January, and have only just gotten down to 75% of my original dose. I keep a log as it is important to do this right. On days that I reduce my dose, I am only dropping my about 0.07% of my original dose. Some days I don't reduce. I base this on how I am feeling and how much I need to be stable in the coming week. The process is working really well. Mostly I have been feeling better than I have for years. My only issue is that my emotions are as stable as a house of cards on a wobbly table. It doesn't take much to fall apart. I had one very awful weekend and have since been more mindful of when to reduce. I have taken up taekwondo as part of the replacement to my meds - exercise is so helpful in combating depression. Days when I have training tend to be good days to reduce my dose. I always feel much better after a session. The fragility of my mood tends to keep me away from the BB forums. I know that once I stop reducing my meds (because I will be free of them), then my mood will be come more stable. Snoman

Jarg Dr in Shepparton
  • replies: 1

Hi,I am looking for a GP in Shepparton (Victoria) or surrounding areas to see regarding my anxiety.I have suffered from anxiety off and on for a number of years. Two years ago it was diagnosed and I started taking medication which really helped and p... View more

Hi,I am looking for a GP in Shepparton (Victoria) or surrounding areas to see regarding my anxiety.I have suffered from anxiety off and on for a number of years. Two years ago it was diagnosed and I started taking medication which really helped and put me at ease. 12 months ago I moved interstate and my new GP wanted to take me off it after 6 months (didn't really ask any questions about my condition etc), so I did not go back to him and have been off itfor about 6 weeks now. However, I am experiencing the same symptoms as previously (irritable, difficultly sleeping, tight chest, always wanting to take deep breaths but can't, etc). I am looking for a new GP in the Shepparton area that understands this - can anybody help or recommend someone? Thanks

rat17 Psychologists
  • replies: 1

I want to know how many ppl out there diagnosed with depression and PTSS when seeing there psych that he or she at times annoys you that much you wonder why your there. Or at times you question your own self that much that your really not sure what i... View more

I want to know how many ppl out there diagnosed with depression and PTSS when seeing there psych that he or she at times annoys you that much you wonder why your there. Or at times you question your own self that much that your really not sure what is right?

matt Need urgent advice
  • replies: 2

I have a case of treatment resistant depression. Lately its been horrendous where I lost the plot and considered self harm the other day. I contacted lifeline and they recommended I call an ambulance. I didn't, mostly because of the cost (I have no h... View more

I have a case of treatment resistant depression. Lately its been horrendous where I lost the plot and considered self harm the other day. I contacted lifeline and they recommended I call an ambulance. I didn't, mostly because of the cost (I have no health insurance). Right now I feel numbness but I dont know how long before I have a severe attack again.I need extreme treatment as in transcranial magnetic stimulation and if I have no success with that then Electroconvulsive therapy. Ive tried every anti-depressant. The problem is I am currently out of work and have no insurance. I can afford insurance but Id to wait 2 months before I can use it. Do you know if its possible to start treatment immediately under these circumstances? I really dont think Ive got 2 months in me.Thanks. beyondblue’s clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

snowleopard What does a 'good' psychologist session feel like?
  • replies: 4

Hello I'm new here and unsure how this works so here goes... I have recently been seeing a psychologist for my GAD and panic disorder. I feel comfortable with her and for some reason in my sessions it's like a switch flicks over and I am super positi... View more

Hello I'm new here and unsure how this works so here goes... I have recently been seeing a psychologist for my GAD and panic disorder. I feel comfortable with her and for some reason in my sessions it's like a switch flicks over and I am super positive even when talking about things that are hard for me. She's commented on my apparent progress but if anything I feel like I lose all that momentum from the session when I get back into real life and am worse than ever. I will admit I'm probably not practicing her techniques as much as I should be... But I want to know how to tell if seeing a particular psychologist is working and a session is 'good'? With only 6-10 sessions on Medicare a year I'm worried I'm not making the most of it, but changing therapists might be worse... Hope this makes sense to someone. Many thanks

Bridei Weird first experience with psychologist
  • replies: 4

I'm finally getting some help for my depression - my GP has approved the 6-10 sessions with a psychologist under Medicare. I decided to see the pyschologist at my GP's practice, mostly for convenience.But my first session was really strange. Some of ... View more

I'm finally getting some help for my depression - my GP has approved the 6-10 sessions with a psychologist under Medicare. I decided to see the pyschologist at my GP's practice, mostly for convenience.But my first session was really strange. Some of her (I won't name her) suggestions were practical and helpful, but then I noticed that she muttered a few words under her breath. She said she was doing some work at an 'energetic level'. She then asked me to write down a mantra, which made very little sense (she said it didn't matter if I didn't understand it).I've now googled the mantra and discovered it's from a group (cult)This is weird, right? I've had some past, bad, expereinces with a spiritual group & I'm really not interested in going down that path again. I just want some practical, evidence-based help.I feel quite disheartened at the thought of having to start over and find a new psychologist. I'm not really sure how to go about finding a good one - any suggestions and feedback are welcome.