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Here's to Your Health:  Depression  |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 09:50:51 AM
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Do any of you suffer from depression and if so how do you cope? I have suffered periodically, and used to seek medical help when the blackness came, but I don't go anymore. I never had any luck with the medical profession when it came to my depression. First they tried to medicate me, which made me a walking zombie, then I went to a different doc that tried to have me visualize a giant STOP sign coming in front of my face when I started to slip into it. So, I gave up. I'm asking because I can feel an episode coming on now. It's been over a year since I've had one and I don't look forward to it, especially now since I have a huge show coming up and the depression literally renders me nonfunctional. Just wondering if I'm the only one |
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janetinva123
True Blue Farmgirl
363 Posts
Janet
newport news
va
USA
363 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 11:16:11 AM
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Depression is nothing to ignore. There are new drugs on the market like zoloft that don't cause the zombie feeling. Please try a doctor again and let him/her know how you feel about the zombie feelings you get from some of the drugs. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jc
http://beloved-creations.blogspot.com
http://beloved-creations.com |
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Mikki
True Blue Farmgirl
1510 Posts
Mikki
Austin
Indiana
USA
1510 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 11:27:17 AM
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Sherri, I'm so sorry your going thru this. I suffer with depression and have for years. The past two years I have been on mood stabilizers and I hope no one thinks bad of me because of this, but I also take an antiphsycotic which is also a very good mood stabilizer. I suffer from bipolar disorder and the meds have really helped. Some I took was making me feel like a zombie also, but for now I'm doing fairly well.
~~Blessings, Mikki Jo
www.mikkijo.etsy.com
http://burningmeadowsprings.blogspot.com/
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 12:08:27 PM
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Sherri,
Don't give up...I hope you will seek out medical help again; either your existing doctor or a new one. Not discounting medical help, there are also herbal remedies used successfully by lots of people.
Also, you mentioned a huge show coming up...could this be prompted by the stress of getting ready for that? What sorts of things helped you through the black periods before? Certain foods (increasing or eliminating ones that help or hinder you) or extra sleep (or at least enough sleep), exercise even just walking 15-30 minutes outside (for benefit of the sunlight) each day. or making lists of all the things to do or music or talking with relatives or friends...these are some things that help my dear sister who has had to fight major clinical depression for over 30 years. She lives near you (across the border) and she also uses a special light in her house to help simulate sunlight in the wintertime since that part of the country can be dreary most of the year.
Good luck, you are not alone, and let us know how you are doing. Again, don't give up on finding medical help, there are so many improved drugs and therapies out there now.
You are precious and your mental health is priceless!
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 1:36:15 PM
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there are also some natural things that you can do..sunshine therapy really helps. make sure you get adequate amounts of sunshine, and also make sure that you are getting enough water.
I'd have your thyroid checked and also the hormones.
but definitely talk to another dr.
I wish you the very best.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
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DeepsouthMamma
True Blue Farmgirl
1454 Posts
Autumn
Southwest Louisiana
USA
1454 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 2:48:13 PM
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My husband has suffered for 33 yrs. Most of the treatments made him worse.
They only properly diagnosed him about 7 yrs ago as being Bi-Polar2 depressive.
Long story short- mood stabilizers and then an anti depressant. He has never been this stable and we are all glad he can function without working so hard to just live .
It is such a struggle - even though I don't personally suffer I know -up close and personal- how painful it is for those who do.
If you can find a dr. who actually listens to you and is up to date on research he can get you on meds that can work for you- if you choose that route.
God Bless you-
don't ever feel you must apologize for suffering from depression any more than you would for heart disease. It is a legitimate illness.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. |
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Aunt George
True Blue Farmgirl
1476 Posts
Georgann
Midlothian
VA
1476 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 3:09:55 PM
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Depression is as Autumn said a legitimat illness. Work with doftors to get you on the right medications. There are so many new medications that are very good without as many side affects.
Listen to your inner voice. You can at least recognize when things are starting to happen and you are reaching out for help so that is a good sign that the blackness hasn't taken over yet. I also agree with JO....walk, do vigorous exercise. Look into your diet and try whole foods. Cut the caffeine and sugar...those can irritate mood swings, if you are anywhere in the age range of 35 to 50 and are still having a mensus...this could be hormone related and triggered by progesterone and estrogen imbalances.
I've been in that black well of mental exhaustion before and Prozac saved my life....really saved my life. I was standing at my kitchen sink thinking there was no life left for me worth living. I had 31 Xanax in my hand and half a bottle of Tequila....I was on that edge of no turning back, but then thought...........get help. I didn't save myself for me, but I sought help because of my son...couldn't do it to him. Prozac saved my life. I only had to take it for four months, but that was enough to re-align my brain chemicals.
I also sought counselling....helped some, but I did alot of soul searching and decided to try to drop the guilt and fear that I had burdened myself with...............long story short: You are worth every moment of this precious life.
http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html
http://auntgeorge.etsy.com
"Made With Love" |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 4:37:31 PM
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If you really really don't want to go to the doctor, you could try taking St. John's Wort and upping your B Vitamins.
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 6:19:35 PM
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| I think Jo may have had something when she talked about the sunlight thing. It's just now dawning on me, after reading that, that mostly my depression shows up when it's dreary and cloudy outside. When I'm in Montana, I NEVER have it. Even when it's cold over there, it's clear. I know there's a thing called Seasonal Affective Disorder - boy Washington is a bad place to live if you have it. I obsess about my kids well being when I get depressed, problems they are having seem to trigger it. I can overcome it mostly when it's nice out, but I think this dreary grey weather exacerbates it. Alee - I will try that. Autumn, how do you find a doctor that takes you seriously? That's been my problem. You tell them what's going on and they write you a prescription - all in a matter of two minutes. One actualy said to me "Sounds like you just have too much time on your hands." Thanks for all your concern - I hope I find something to help soon too. |
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mima
True Blue Farmgirl
1573 Posts
1573 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 6:35:38 PM
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| I take Lexapro. It has been a God send!!! Depression is a real problem and you can't just suck it up! I was hospitalized last spring and never want to go down that road again. I have had no side effects with the Lexapro and feel like I'm 100% better!! Good luck!!! Don't feel ashamed to get treatment! Hugs! |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 6:42:55 PM
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| I'm not the least ashamed to get treatment - I just can't find a doctor who takes me seriously. I don't know if it's the guy I'm going to, or if it's the area or what. It has been a few years since I tried to get treatment for the depression because it has been better the last few years, but I am afraid of making another appointment and going through the whole ordeal I described in an earlier post again. What kind of doctors did you all see - just a GP or a specialist? |
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CountryBorn
True Blue Farmgirl
1545 Posts
Mary Jane
New York
USA
1545 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 7:06:16 PM
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Sherri,
If this Dr. doesn't help you, find another one who will. Depression can truly be debilitating.No one should have to go through this without getting help from a kind and caring Dr.. I too speak from experience, I have been on Celexa for some time now and it has saved my life. I know where Aunt George is coming from, I have been there too. It took me years to finally accept the fact I could not do this on my own and needed help. Now that I feel so much better, I wonder why I let myself suffer for so long. I know you have tried to get help before, you are a lot smarter than I was. Don't give up until you find a supportive Dr. You deserve a good life, a happy one. You are in my prayers.
Mary Jane
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
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DeepsouthMamma
True Blue Farmgirl
1454 Posts
Autumn
Southwest Louisiana
USA
1454 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 8:07:11 PM
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Finding a doctor- that IS a trick!
I can only tell you what we did- We asked God to help us & direct us.
Narrowed down to specialists only-psychiatrists-
then we searched for one that based his practice on biblical principles- we have been through the entire other route- don't make me tell you about the wacky ideas out there
When we did find one, he ,of course,was not on our PPO-
No matter- we paid cash.
But before we ever went we did our homework-
Listed every med-every major episode with symptoms and pretty much self diagnosed- within laymans abilities.
In other words, we were very careful to only mention pertinent info and then validate it. My husband never went alone- how can a person with a mood disorder be expected to be objective about his mood?
A family advocate- (the person who knows your symptoms and generally helps you and know you the best)is invaluable in getting a proper diagnosis.
Also we researched the drugs available and read lots of new research- I know it seems like a lot to do but if you've been thru the "people mill" in medicine you understand why we were avoiding it.
In one visit he prescribed a mood stabilizer & within 10 days we saw improvement. It has been 7 yrs and twice he has had to start anti-depressants due to low level dpression- but they always increased the stabilizer before adding the a.d.
Just do your homework and be ready with info and most of all ask God to help you find the treatment that is best.
I will pray for you-
Autumn
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 9:08:31 PM
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| thank you autumn - very good practical advice. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 9:16:27 PM
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I hope you find a doctor that is more helpful that the ones you have seen in the past. I also think the years that have past will help as well. I think Depression is more recognized and appreciated now than almost any other time in history. I think most doctors are educated much better now about it. Maybe calling and asking the receptionist or the nurse what the doctor thinks about depression might help you narrow down your search?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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Carol Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
4033 Posts
Carol Sue
Washingtonian
USA
4033 Posts |
Posted - Aug 20 2007 : 9:41:52 PM
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Sherri,
Good for you girl for talking about it and seeking help. Yep, grill the doctors, it is your body and your mental wellness. Yes, I have been down and realized tonight it had to do with shorter days and gray cloudy days. I struggled a lot more living in Western Washington, now that I live in Eastern it is a lot better. A simple thing to do is go get true light bulbs or sunlight bulbs and replace the ones that you have. I have a 2 bulb florscent fixture over my sewing table, just cheap and plain and have 2 sunlight bulbs in it and sew with them on. Makes a difference. They have them for light bulbs, check it out. I bet it helps.
Sherri, I take zoloft and I don't get the weird stuff, there is a lot more out there then there was a few years ago. Do what you need to do to have your good health sweetie.
Be praying that you find the doc you need if you decided to go that route.
Carol Sue
Enjoying life. |
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DeepsouthMamma
True Blue Farmgirl
1454 Posts
Autumn
Southwest Louisiana
USA
1454 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 05:56:17 AM
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Just re reading some posts and putting things together made me realize how important the talk about sunlight is-again. Remember- we live in sunny Louisiana- the worst times my hubby has ever had was long stretches of dreary overcast skies -don't minimize your own observations about your body.
Also sleep patterns are important.
We have a 3 strike deal here- if he has trouble 3 nights in a row we stop the pattern - he has to take something to get him sleeping again.Very important and difficult area.
We learned that if he stay within a strict schedule of activity he is not triggered into a downfall.
In other words- if a gathering is at night and looks like he will have to retire after 9-9:30 he wont go or he will leave early. :(
We have made exceptions and he suffers every time.
I hate it sometimes but really in the scheme of things it is a small price to pay for his health.
I have heard about the scarce sunshine there in WA and it is not to be minimized- so follow those tips about the light bulbs and the like. It would be great to find a less toxic way to address your depression.
Still praying for success in finding the answers and direction best for you!
Autumn
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. |
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mima
True Blue Farmgirl
1573 Posts
1573 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 06:58:51 AM
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| Aunt George!! I was totally where you were last spring-I had the Xanax bottle and was ready too go! Checked myself into a psychiatric hospital...scariest thing I've ever been through! Anyway... to answer your question Mikesgirl- I found a really kind WOMAN nurse practioner and a woman therapist and they both worked together on my meds. They suggested Lexapro and I' m sooo grateful- I look at life so differantly now- feel sooo much better,happier etc. Many hugs! |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 08:20:45 AM
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| Autumn - I haven't slept well for a couple of years - I put it off as menopause, which it could be - never thought about the depression connection. DH goes to bed early as he has to get up at 4 am, but I go to bed as late as possible, because as soon as my head hits the pillow, the worry begins. I worry about everything, mainly my adult children and it keeps me awake for hours. When I finally do fall asleep, the alarm goes off at 4, then I"m awake again. I make his lunch and breakfast the night before so I don't have to get up, but I don't really get any sleep after that either because then the animals start to wake up. I wish I could go to bed at a reasonable time, but I'd rather stay up and work, watch tv, or read, than go to bed and have the worries begin. After reading all your posts, I'm actually starting to see a pattern - that all of these things may go together. |
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DeepsouthMamma
True Blue Farmgirl
1454 Posts
Autumn
Southwest Louisiana
USA
1454 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 09:28:22 AM
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Best way to know if it is a pattern is to try a track it for a bit.
You have to know - my husband HATES ALL MEDICATION- but
once he realized that something as simple as a sleep pattern disturbance could trigger these spirals he started paying attention to it. He may have to take something like Ambien or actually there is another he is on now-as needed for sleep- gabapentin I think- but usually only for 3-5 nights till he can tell he's resting better at night.
Then it may be weeks or months before he has to take anything again.
The gabapentin is not addictive so naturally he prefers to take that.
Adult children are definitly hard to come to grips with- even if they are doing good I think.
That worry may be another symptom as well- of the sleep disturbance.
I surely dont know but taking all this into your dr. he may be able to pin point a plan and meds to get you on track along with your own efforts at modifying your routines.
It is hard work and it is every day but my husband is so pleased that he has his life and can enjoy a day rather than just endure one.
Of course I can't underestimate casting your cares for your children on the Lord- He understands our concerns- after all He has US as children!!!
Praying for you!
Autumn
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 12:39:30 PM
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Sleep is so important. It is amazing how not sleeping effects me and Doug. If either one of us isn't sleeping well it really shows in how we act and how we take care of the house. Melatonin is the sleep chemical that our body naturally makes. You can buy it in the vitamin aisle of the grocery store. When we need to get out of a bad sleep cycle we will take Melatonin and it is wondeful. It is non addictive since it is just the same chemical we naturally produce anyway. It also doesn't leave you feeling drugged or zombie like the next day.
I hope everyone is feeling better today! *hugs*
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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DeepsouthMamma
True Blue Farmgirl
1454 Posts
Autumn
Southwest Louisiana
USA
1454 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 2:29:50 PM
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Great advice Alee-
Non addictive is VITAL in our world -isn't it?
I'd love to hear from others who have used melatonin-
we are VERY hesitant to upset balance by changing meds.
Autumn
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. |
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CountryBorn
True Blue Farmgirl
1545 Posts
Mary Jane
New York
USA
1545 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 2:54:09 PM
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Sherri,
I am sure that the amount of sun does have it's effect, I know a lady who has that type of depression. But, the symptoms you are describing especially the constant worrying and not being able to sleep, that is a much deeper depression problem. I truly know the horrible anxiety that this type of thinking and lack of sleep brings. It all goes together. If you get the proper meds, it helps you so much and the important thing is it lets you get to the point where you really start to be able to think clearly again. I know everything is so much worse when your brain just won't shut down and stop thinking, please continue to find a Dr. you can really connect with. It makes all the difference. Believe me God helps you too, without him it would be an
uphill battle of the worst kind.
Thinking of you and praying for you. Mary Jane
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
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Bonne
True Blue Farmgirl
3003 Posts
Bonne
Littleton
CO
USA
3003 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 7:32:26 PM
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I went to the county mental health clinic for my depression 14 yrs ago.
I've been on zoloft ever since because it's chronic. What a miracle.
They had psychiatrists, and counselors and group counseling classes all charged
according to your income. That was a huge help when I had no insurance coverage.
Maybe something to check into.
http://www.bonne1313.homestead.com/spiritspace.htmlSoap
http://groups.msn.com/spiritspaceCrafting Group |
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Carol Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
4033 Posts
Carol Sue
Washingtonian
USA
4033 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2007 : 11:24:58 PM
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Sherri, Keep going and keep talking ladies.
Depression can cause so many different kinds of symptoms that you don't even realize that is what they are.
Sleep is a big deal and one that my doc has been working on with me. I take 25mg trazadone. They tried amitryptiline(sp) made me feel like a zombie and major gained weight with it. Took me off that and put on trazadone. Mine is to help me stay away from the migraines. Sleep is a big factor and she and I discovered that it had been years since I had really sleep regular.
Take notes and take those notes with you to the doctor with every care and concern and pattern that you think of. Start taking those notes down, like gray days being majorly down, would light help, not sleeping and writing down what your pattern is.
When ever I have gone into the doctor, I have a note card with me with everything that I am concerned about on it. My nurse practioner really appreciates it, because she can check out the list and then nothing is forgotten. It really really helps. I don't go without one now, even if there is only a couple of things on it.
Like today, questions about the medications. There were only a couple, but I could be more articulate. It helps in being heard.
Keep going girl. Carol Sue
Enjoying life. |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2007 : 7:03:06 PM
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Ok, this is a big step, but Depression aint nuthin to sneeze at. I lost my mama and became very depressed, a few years back, and first thing they did was put me on Effexor, which made me worse and seriously suicidal. Be CAREFUL with any new medicines. I have been on Zoloft for several years and for me, it takes the edge off right away. I've been hospitalized several times due to severe depression and I NEVER want to go there again. Last winter, just on a whim, my doctor did a thyroid test and discovered that I was Hypothyroidal, which depresses you in a serious way among a bunch of other irritating symptoms. So you might want to get that checked. Since I have been on thyroid pills, I am having less and less terrible bouts of the bleak black horror of depression
All the best and hello!
Annika, rookie farm girl |
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Here's to Your Health: Depression |
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Depression
