Hi and help if you can

[Tessera]

Hi,
Have been struggling with depression for the past 3 years with help
from my psychologist but things have begun to spiral for me recently.
The next move suggested is medication and a psychiatrist. I feel so
unsure about both. I am on a raft of medication for chronic medical
conditions, in total 14 tabs a day so another is not something I want. I
am interested in hearing about peoples experience with CBT and
psychiatry and so I have joined.

[blondguy]

Hi Tessera

I just noticed that Sara has given some valuable advice on your other thread re the natural remedy you mentioned

Im really sorry that you have begun to spiral recently.

Psychiatrists can be a huge help when it comes to meds (counselling) and what type/dosage you require.

CBT does work well combined with a psychiatrist or psychologist. I understand what you have been going through as I am in my 21st year with this illness...Taking AD's every day throughout this period to assist me in rebuilding my foundations so the CBT works more effectively in my situation than without the meds.

You are not on your own here Tessera...there are many people that suffer from varying degrees of depression, anxiety on the forums that can be here for you, even if you just need a chat.

You have great strength by posting and thankyou so much

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Just Sara]

Hi again Tess;

(btw...great response Paul)

CBT works when combined with other treatments such as medication as Paul says. My faves would be laughing and keeping active actually. The AD I'm on has been really successful, but I'm not sure with your med's program of 14 per day if a negative interaction with an AD would occur.

I'd like to hear more of your story if you feel safe enough to share. I don't know how long I'll be here, but I'll read for as long as I can to support you.

Big hug...Sara

[geoff]

hello Tessera, welcome to the site and thanks for posting your second comment.
Psychiatrist were not my cup of tea, but I suppose that's a personal choice, only because their was no emotional response from them, as I had seen two different ones, both were the same, no facial expressions when I was spilling all my problems out to them, completely different to a psychologist who I had seen for 20 odd years.
People feel ashamed in taking heaps of tablets but if that's what you need to take to keep you healthy then so be it, no one else needs to know how many tablets a day you take, and I feel the same way as Paul has said, that my recovery could not be done if I had stopped my AD's, which I've been taking for 20 odd years.
The reason I had been seeing my psychologist for so long is because the CBT worked for me, but more importantly she was a person who showed concern when I told her something, much unlike the 2 psychiatrist's, but that's not saying you can try one, it might be something that you like. Geoff.

[JimmiD]

Hi Tessera

Ahhh, the dreaded 'black dog' yep, for me always lurking in the background. Since I was a kid. Anxiety is another familiar foe.

Life is for living no matter how dark it gets and wherever there is darkness there is also light. That's nature.

If you ever feel you are at the bottom of a well, that's not so bad, cos at least you know what direction to take! And that's upwards. You look upwards and see a tiny speck of light up there at the top of the well. That's the destination. And its a matter of climbing until you make it. When you do make it, its so good to suck in the sweet fresh air and simply be (alive). You will make it into the light. You are drawn to it like a moth. Take it step by step. If you slip and fall get up again and climb. Each time you fall you learn a new step that will help. You can do it and you will!

Medications

Yep they can be a curse! Sometimes a necessary one. Ask doc for info and advice. If something doesn't work or it affects you adversely change it with medical advice. Research, inform yourself. You are your own healer so always try feeling that bit more empowered. You have strengths untold. Tap into them!

Counsellors/psychiatrists

There are good ones, mediocre ones, and not so good ones. If one doesn't work for you find another.

Strangers/Close others

Sometimes you find a total stranger who listens with care and tells you something profound that you needed to hear. I get that often. You don't really seek it. It just happens. Have you found that?

Some friends/family members cant get how you feel, or where you are. Some give advice or opinions that might be useful. Its frustrating knowing that certain people you turn to don't seem to understand. That's to be expected. There is usually one or two special people who do get it and they never mind you turning to them. Turn to them whenever you need to. You are never alone.

Nature

Nature heals you. Look into your dogs eyes. Hug a tree. Sit by a stream or the ocean. Feel the wind. Gaze up at the blue sky, the moon, the stars. Smell the grass, flowers,roses. If you cant by yourself perhaps someone can help you.

People

Look at the beautiful people (the world is full of them) and smile. Even if you are solitary you never need to feel alone. People watching is fantastic!

You have so much to live for and so many resources to help you do that (see above).

Take care, travel well, live to live

HUGS

Jimmi

[Tessera]

Thank you Jimmi, it is a rough road and I am struggling but somehow I am making it through each day. I am a horticulturist and without being surrounded by this beauty each day I don't know where I would be. This is my savior. I lost my dog last year which has compounded the horrible situation I have found myself in the past 16 months. A new dog is on the horizon but until I feel I can give it the time to nurture I must wait. Your words resonate with me. So thank you again.