Dealing with Antidepressants

[beyondmike]

I have had Sub hematological conditions and have over the last 8 years I have had very little help with my reduced ability to function. I use to be very quick and could basically solve problems that no one else could. I am currently taking two antidepressants. But all I end up with is making me shit. I think I did more damage to my brain when I hit my head and had two ops on my head than I think they are telling me. It's absolute shit. I cant think like I use too. And I cant work either. Just to write this has taken me heaps. Please help My brain wont work.

[Ladyhawke]

Hi beyondmike.

​It sounds like you're having a really tough time. You made it through to the forums which must have been very difficult in your current situation - but you did it.

I have been on a variety of antidepressant medication over the last 20 years. I experienced a range of side effects from some which were quite distressing and persistent, some which had tolerable side effects, and some that didn't have any side effects at all. I understand that when the side effects are very intense they can make you feel like hell.

I have been taking the same SSRI for the past four years and finally found one that suits me very well - however, I trialled more than 20 different antidepressant meds to get to this point. It can be hugely frustrating, I know.

From the tone of your post, it seems like you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by your situation. May I suggest that you speak with your GP about the issues you raised here. It may be very helpful if he or she could refer you to a psychologist or to a psychiatrist (who will have the medical expertise to assist with your neurological problems). It need not be a long-term  commitment - just until you feel you are able to cope sufficiently. Talking your frustrations through with a professional can be tremendously helpful and such a relief. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for the past 20 years and he has literally been my lifeline.

I really feel for you when you are going through such a horrible period, however, I really do think that if you see your GP and ask to be referred on to a mental healthcare professional, you may find it will help you a great deal. There is help available out there.

LH

[geoff]

dear Beyondmike, hi and nice to be able to talk with you.

Having a head injury which has needed two operations is of a great concern and I would be interested in what they have done, and please don't answer this if you don't want to, however I suffered from a head injury as well.

By having ahead injury it certainly changes your performance in what you can do, for example, forgetting, making you tired, loss of confidence and your ability to achieve what you set out to do.

It can also lead to depression and anxiety, because we aren't able to be as perficient as we once were, so our life takes a massive turn, and that's what then can lead us to depression.

Presently I take a SNRI and a SSRI, where the first one is to stop seizures, plus it is also used for depression and the second one is for helping me in regards to depression and supposedly for control of my OCD, which I have to say is debatable, or perhaps it has and I haven't noticed.

After my injury it took me quite awhile to try and get back into the workforce, so I decided to work for myself as a builder/handyman.

I hope that you can please reply. Geoff.