The Depression Thread #2

[bamboo98]

I talked with my therapist again today. I still don’t feel like she is helping since I don’t know the reason for my bad mental health. She did pick up on my forgetfulness and brain fog, which is even noticeable in our appointments because I forget what her question was by the time she has finished it sometimes.
she said it could be from my pasta trauma which makes sense. I feel like today was the first breakthrough with her but I only have 3 appointments left so I don’t know what happens after that.

I need to speak to my doctor again later this week to discuss meds, ssri’s are just not working but he wanted to wait until this prescription is done with which is Friday.

 

[Pollyanna263]

Mirtazapine was evil! I couldn’t stop eating carbs, craving toast at bed time etc. I had real munchies on that. Quet and Olanzapine also caused huge weight gain for me.
I currently rattle with the amount I take and although in a real low at the moment I’m hoping it will pass as I can’t face anymore chances as think I’ve tried everything .

Might be worth seeing if the levels could be adjusted of what you’re already taking? Sometimes that’s enough to help us

 

[ilovepizza21]

Been for the dog’s post-op check. Vet has had the lab results - no tumour!!

Such a relief.

Yay so happy for you Polly hopefully no more ops for you to go through either xx

Just need a rant sorry
I’m feel so low, I hate my job and the type of work I do, I find it so stressful and I dread every day.
My problem is I’m on my own with a mortgage so I can’t afford to leave and get any job, I’d need at least the salary I’m already on.
I feel so stuck. If it wasn’t for my cats I don’t think I’d be here. I don’t see any way out. I feel so lost.
Thanks for listening xx

I've been here I'm still here fighting some days im fighting alot. You've got this can you not look for another job why still staying at your current? Sending hugs 🫂 x

 

[mochibean]

I am trying so hard to ride this out but I can't do anything. I've spent three days just sitting, not doing much. I haven't even been able to do my washing which has been sitting in the washer for two days.

Also important to note to MH sufferers, many medications (as well as stress) including contraceptive pill/HRT, anti depressants etc can deplete vital nutrients/vitamins/minerals making you even more susceptible to depression and anxiety. So making sure you get enough of the nutrients depleted can also make a big difference, I’ve found that from firsthand experience and a lot of research over the years.

Yes! One of my medications depletes my vitamins so much. I still get unwell incredibly easily despite taking supplements for about a year now. It's important for physical health too, getting sick often adds to my depression and motivation. Especially in winter too when most people are low on vitamin D.

 

[Fanny Muchmore]

OK, thanks, I WAS on Duloxetine, I've beeb switched to Zoloft.

 

[honeybunny2012]

Ive known for a while that I need to go to the doctors about the way I am feeling but i am so anxious to do it. Had a lot happen recently that I think have tipped my mental health over the edge, im so irritable, forgetful and tired and find it really hard to be happy. My doctors do telephone appointments and only do in person appointments sometimes. I really dont want a telephone appointment as they dont give you an exact time for it and i dont want to have to take the call at work.

Can anyone offer advice on how to take that step to make the appointment and what to expect.

 

[Carapop]

that’s so kind thank you for replying. I just feel like im drowning atm but you’re so right. I need rest and time to recuperate so that I’m capable of handing the office. Thank you so much

I speak from oh so much experience! And feel free to vent here whenever you need.

Hey all, had my appointment today and was put on 50mg of sertraline to start me off. Feel so relieved like I can breathe again. The doctor was so lovely, he just listened to what I said and didn’t question or dismiss like I thought. Thanks so much for all the advice, really gave me the push to do what I needed to do. Hopefully onwards and upwards from here!

ah I was thinking of you! Delighted doc was so considerate and supportive. And it’s amazing how empowering and relieving it can be to just get it all out there and be heard.

 

[Quarrantinemadness]

Hi is anyone on accutane? I am very up and down mentally, always have been, but in all honesty I masked a lot of it so I could start this drug. Not been on it long, been fine up until today and I can feel a dark cloud coming

 

[Maid22]

Hi lovely, I’m happy to read and reply if you feel able to share xx

Thank you, had a bad night and the joys of insomnia, so was up silly o'clock and took the dog for a long walk, was really nice, and has helped me abit.
How's things with you?

@Fanny Muchmore I can totally relate about the friends not caring, it's upsetting, years down the line, I only have one, but sometimes she's not been there for me either, I've learnt the hard way not to trust anyone. Hope you're feeling better today .

 

[Ray_of_Sunshine]

I hope that everyones doing ok.

A quick question for you all. I came back from an all inclusive holiday recently.
What’s everyone’s opinion on Sertraline and alcohol?
Avoid mixing like the plague? Ok in moderation? Or should be ok in general?
I had some weird experiences in that some days I was fine but others I felt like death

Spoiler: TMI

literally felt like I wanted to throw up and crap myself at the same time.

I know that everyone’s experiences will be different but I just wanted to know for the future in general.

I was on 200mg of it for years and drank heavily over that time. Never really noticed any difference x

 

[candyland_]

Hi, I don't know about gummies, but it is possible to get some meds as liquids if you ask your GP.

Does anyone have any panic attack tips? I know this is a depression thread, but I've been having panic attacks nearly every day for months now and it's so hard to calm down. I got a referral for support, but it's not until February. My heart beats so fast I get scared it's a heart attack. I feel like I can't breathe, I get a weird hot/cold flush sensation, start shaking, go lightheaded, get muscle pains from the tensing. It takes nothing to set the adrenaline off and it's not a pleasant adrenaline rush. Usually I listen to music, go online for distraction, or if I'm at home I sometimes lie down in bed with a hot water bottle. Those things can help but not always and I wish it was easier. I get breathing problems a lot with anxiety but I'm no good at breathing exercises.

I wouldn’t advise this but I started to vape to calm myself down. I usually nip outside for five minutes to do it and the fresh air helps. I’ll have a bath and get into bed with a hot water bottle too if it’s in the evening. I don’t really find walking helps as i can’t settle, just laying still works better for me.

 

[nimblefimble]

Say this!

Write some notes down before your appointment. When you’re feeling calmer and relaxed in your own safe environment without anyone looking at you expectedly. Read this to the doctor. It will take some pressure off you and the occasion.

You don’t need to be overwhelmed. The GP will recommend the drugs and dosage. This is their job and not yours.

Please don’t google the different drugs and possible side effects. It will only worry you. EVERY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECT that has been noted in trials has to be recorded and our minds are so powerful we can convince ourselves of Damn near anything with enough suggestion. The placebo effect is strong and can work against us as often as it works for us.
Some have side effects disappear after a few days, some weeks, others might have side effects that persist throughout (but the side effects pale in comparison to what the drugs are managing to effectively treat). And there are lots and lots of people who have no side effects at all at all.

What else have you tried? I find medication is most effective when it’s not the only tool being employed. It can help you regain your footing and strengthen you to face your demons in therapy. Or make it easier get out of bed in the morning to start the day with a walk. Quiet the noise in your brain so you can try meditating or yoga or acupuncture or a new hobby you always wanted to try.

And as said above, if you don’t like the first drugs you try, then there are loads more to play with. It’s going to be a bit of an experiment but you’re not on your own and there is a whole world of opportunity out there.

thanks so much for your kind and helpful words. I have tried all sorts, mindfullness, meditation, journaling, cutting out caffeine, breathing, exercising etc. I’m not saying it doesn’t work because who knows how I’d be without it, but it’s not really enough i don’t think.

 

[lemonlavender]

Guys, changing meds this week , went to the chemist to collect 3 months E260 , Phenergan, citalopram and zyban , to say I nearly collapsed when she asked me for the money. They better work at that price !!!

 

[StatusWoe]

Hi all, hope this is okay to post. I was wondering if anyone if anyone was willing to share their experience with antidepressants, specifically ssris. I have spoken to my GP about starting medication for GAD and depressive episodes and am due back next week to discuss my options. I’m kind of overwhelmed from researching. There’s so many different types, side effects etc, I don’t know what to make of it all. My main q’s are 1.which ssri is generally offered first, 2. What side effects have people dealt with and how bad, 3. Is it worth it? Im so sick of living with mental illness and medication seems like the next step in managing it, but I don’t have anyone in person I feel I can talk to about all this. It’s all very overwhelming and scary. TIA xx

Hiya, just wanted to say that it's easy to get scared off by long lists of side-effects. I nearly didn't start antidepressants because of it, but they need to list every possibility and in reality most people don't experience the really bad effects. It's hard to say what the symptoms will be like for you because medications affect people so differently. It sounds as though you've tried lots of alternatives before considering meds, so I'd say it's worth it. Mental health is important and you can always stop antidepressants if they don't help or if the good outweighs the bad.

I was prescribed Mirtazapine, which I think is an unusual one for a 'first try'. It was prescribed by a psychiatrist rather than a GP so I don't know if that makes a difference. I don't even think it's an SSRI? It was chosen because it helps sleep and causes weight gain/increased appetite. Those were both things I needed at the time, however the side-effects were very unpleasant (not serious - just not nice). It didn't help my mood either, so I came off it eventually. Next one was Citalopram. You're a lot more likely to be given Citalopram than Mirtazapine. I think it's fairly common. I had insomnia and dizziness for a couple of weeks then no side-effects after that. It made a huge difference to mood and ability to cope in daily life.

It's important to let your GP know about your concerns, though. Hopefully they'll be able to answer any of your questions and reassure you. I wish you the best of luck with your appointment.

 

[comment on life]

Does anyone have any good experiences with Mirtazapine? I have just been prescribed it by GP and all I can see are people that have had negative experiences - weight gain, drowsy, hallucinations....... Makes me afraid to start it

 

[Carapop]

Not sure where to post this as I’m not depressed but suffer really badly with anxiety. I am my own worst enemy and go 100mph to the worst thought in my head.

I question everything. “Can I afford this” “do I really need to eat this”. I didn’t receive a response from someone close to me for over 12hours txt message and I worried sometbing bad had happened to them. I think this is the point I know I have a problem. Not sure what the point of this is but just needed to get it out.

Oh you darling. I hear you. Everything becomes based in fear. Maybe try and talk to your doctor. I have to rely on medication to quieten mine. It’s the only thing that worked. But it does work. It helps.

 

[Blue Rose]

I’ve been feeling pretty good recently, however I’ve had a couple of calls now from mental health and well-being services. I ignored them at first because they were from unknown numbers and I assumed they were prank or cold callers but looked them up and realised they’re from charities. I have reached out to my university’s counselling services and used childline when I was younger but have never called any of these services before and have no idea why they are calling me. One time when I 17 I got drunk and did some stupid things before venting to a counsellor on childline, prompting them to send police and paramedics to my house. It was the worst night of my life and now I’m paranoid it’s going to happen again. Has anyone else ever experienced this before?

 

[comment on life]

Yes, I took it for quite a while, alongside Venlafaxine.

I took it at night to help sleep and didn’t have any other side effects after the usual first couple of weeks.

I did gain weight, I found myself snacking all the time. For me, it was worth the weight gain, and I really could have made better food choices than the crap I was eating.

I found the fog lifted a bit and made things feel clearer, which was so good.

What dose are you on?
Are you taking anything else?

She wants to start me on 7.5mg and says she will raise it to 15mg in 2-3 weeks if the side effects are manageable. I was on Lexapro a few years ago but had terrible side effects so think I'm mentally scarred now as a result.

Is it the tablet itself that causes the weight gain or that it makes everyone feel starving so they eat more do you know?

 

[candyland_]

I need more time too, I’m really dragging my feet which means next week I’ll have to do extra fo catch up and hope there’s no delivery delays. I did have a quick look online last night and almost everything I wanted was out of stock .
My mum keeps asking where their Christmas cards are so I’ll have to nip into a card shop today or I’ll never hear the end of it

 

[Fledgling Psycho]

I managed my jobs. Today I am very meh though so who knows. Might need a day off.

Well done though. We both know it won't last!