Hi I'm new to the forum

[Stephenrob]

Hi there,

I have decided to sign up for this forum hoping to get some ideas from the community on how I can improve my recovery. I am a 38 year old male who has suffered with social anxiety and depression since I was about 18. I have a good career as an IT professional and I have a lovely family consisting of my wife and amazing daughter who is 5. I have been on one type of medication for about 12 years but they stopped working a year or so ago. The doctor then supplemented it with another medication at night which helped a little and I tapered first medication to every second day. It now makes me feel worse the days I take it but if I don't I get brain zaps. I'm thinking of trying to switch to another antidepressant and looking for some advice. I'm also working on changing my job as I've been unhappy with the work I'm doing for a while. Thanks so much for any advice.

Cheers
Steve

[Emmen]

Hi Steve,

I'd suggest consulting your GP about this. Do share everything you've shared here, especially the brain zaps. They'll be able to recommend you the appropriate medication.

In the meantime, do try practicing mindfulness and meditations. There are some great apps out there (Smilingmind etc.). I personally find these apps very useful, especially as I begin and end the day.

Enjoy your time with your beautiful family as participate in activities with them to distract you and give you hope. It'll be an exciting time ahead with the job change, and I hope you will be happier in your new job. But do go easy on yourself during that transition as it may not be as easy to find a job with the coronavirus situation (if you haven't already secured a new job).

All the best!

Take care,
Emmen

[smallwolf]

Hi and welcome.

I would second the suggestions of Emmen.

I have been through a few myself - I had (?) to make notes of the effects of each as my psychiatrist would ask me how they were going each time I saw her.

The drug that worked for my dad did not work for me.

Sometimes it might feel look like a detective case to work out which medication works best.

Tim