Is there an end to depression?

[avjgirsijdhtjhs]

Originally Posted by Targaryen

Good point. While that might not be your issue it still wouldn't hurt to have your vitamin d levels checked. I had mine checked not too long ago and found I had a vitamin D deficiency (mine was 13)

I now take vitamin D3 everyday and will be getting my levels checked again soon and I feel a lot better and vitamin D3 supplements are cheap. My doctor said he had to look several times when he saw the report.

The couple times I've taken a 50,000 IU dose of D3 with a fat containing meal (after having not supplemented D or got much sun in the previous couple or couple more than a couple months prior), I noticed a BLATANTLY obvious improvement in mood and outlook within 2 hours of the dose.

Vitamin D, Serotonin, mood, depression, etc

[Abi]

Originally Posted by Soup

Going up in dose on an SSRI should give more of a "don't give a ****" attitude about things and ease the negative thoughts kind of depression, but might CAUSE a totally different type of depression that has to do with a lack of motivation and "zest" for life. At least they do for me.

Also, you'd like to try an ADD stim(s), but haven't been able to get one prescribed yet, and you don't take Bupropion either, right?

Good point. The SSRI's help with the "emotional" symptoms. You need a med that gives you NE and DA for the apathy, poor concentration, lack of energy etc.

Buproprion (Wellbutrin) is a good choice. I take Lexapro 15mg + Wellbutrin 300mg (sometimes 450). Stims like Dex and Adderall and their relatives are also good for this.

[Joker_Girl]

((((fuzzy)))

im sorry. depression hurts. i dont know if it is something that ever goes away completely. I have been depressed off and on since my early 20's....I was depressed through most of high school, too, but it seemed like right after i moved out it got better for a while.

Sometimes it gets better, but it never has gone away for me. I have been on a slew of antidepressants. Right now i am on Celexa. It seems they will help for a while and then stop working and i have to switch.

The Ritalin helps a bit, too. I feel less anxious on it most of the time.

Sometimes it gets bad though, i will get in spells where i dont eat and hide in my room crying anytime i am not at work. Ive had to take xanax a few times, but i hate the way it makes me feel, so tired and brain dead.

I dont know if it will ever go away for me, it has been this way all my adult life.

I hope you feel better soon, fuzzy, i honestly do. Its miserable when it gets bad.

I will go through times where i am doing better and go off my med, which NEVER ends well, or it seems like the med will stop working, they will up it a few times, and then switch it. We are already doing that, I recently went from 20 mg to 40 mg of Celexa.

(((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))

[Sandy4957]

Spunky makes a decent point. For me, depression and anxiety always go hand in hand, and maybe what always improves for me is the anxiety.

But I will say that it has never failed me. But I walked a LOT the last time I was depressed, as in 10 miles a day.

[spunkysmum]

Originally Posted by Sandy4957

Spunky makes a decent point. For me, depression and anxiety always go hand in hand, and maybe what always improves for me is the anxiety.

But I will say that it has never failed me. But I walked a LOT the last time I was depressed, as in 10 miles a day.

Most of the time walking doesn't fail to lift my spirits or make me feel more centered. That particular stage of my depression was pretty severe at that point though, and failure to get relief from exercise or music was a huge red flag that something was seriously, seriously wrong. Also, it was generally in the morning when I walked and it's fairly common with depression for mornings to be the hardest part of the day, with slight mood escalation during the day. I walked five miles at the most. And there's always the possibility that it might have been worse if I hadn't.

Now living in the same house with other people, whenever I feel a case of the serious blues coming on I do instinctively get out and either walk or drive because it's the only real way to be alone with my grief. I walked a lot after my cat Diablo died and once, a dog ran up and bit me on the leg and because I had already been in a shaky emotional state, I burst into sobs and tears, which I think made the dog's owner feel worse about it. The dog wasn't supposed to be outside and loose.

[Retromancer]

The important thing to know is that this episode of depression will end. It may be around for far longer than you thought possible. It will quite possibly lift imperceptibly day by day. But the day will come when you realize that at least this episode of depression has ended. At the end of the day one of the most effective treatments for depression is still time. Much of the clinicians art when it comes to depression still comes down to giving the patient support while the depression burns itself out.

For what it's worth I am taking Wellbutrin (buproprion) 450 mgs worth, the maximum sanctioned dosage. It does seem to cushion the worst of the emotional bottoms, at the cost of a certain fogginess. Not taking anything else except the usual supplements -- fish oil, vitamin D drops. (Living in Seattle I have a LTR with my light box.)

Not taking stimulants at this time. My psych insists on taking a whole body approach so we are crossing off various issues off the list. Did the testing for vitamin D, thyroid function and blood sugar. Have a sleep study coming up at the end of the month. Since I am in the novel place of being out of work yet having medical coverage of a sort (Medicare) I am not in a hurry. In part what has lead me to this point was the always pressing need to carry on. Take the medication to keep the job, keep the job to be able to continue taking the medication.

[Fuzzy12]

Thanks so much everyone for the inputs and the tips!!

Originally Posted by anonymouslyadd

I think how you view it is pretty key, and it seems like you're really struggling Fuzzy.

Depression can be cured, but I think there might be some things that need to be changed to make sure it doesn't come back. The chances of you having it again increase. This is not seem morose. Rather, I want to let you know of a reality we face. I've battled depression off and on, and having been on Wellbutrin for about a year and a half I know I never want to go off it.

What if you viewed your battle with depression as being a journey to learn and understand yourself. When I've put end points (ie ending depression) as my goal, it's made me infuriated and discouraged, over time. When I view something as a process, I'm better able to endure the battle. I'm able to handle it for a longer period, because I've eliminated the end point.

I've tried viewing my depression as a journey, and I've tried to view it more objectively. I mean, if nothing else, at least it's quite interesting. I've tried to accept that I might have to spend a lot of time being miserable but that there will be better times as well. It still sucks. Especially now, after having felt better, I seem to react worse when I can feel myself sinking. Maybe I'm just scared that nothing will help me and that I'll have to spend the rest of my time like this.

Originally Posted by Abi

You appear to have developed chronic depression.

What medication are you o? What dose?

What symptoms of depression are the most severe?

I'm taking 200mg of Sertraline (Zoloft)

Right now the most severe symptoms are this feeling of futility and boredom. I can't really explain it. It just feels as if life doesn't have much to offer me anymore. Nothing stimulating enough. I know, it sounds trivial and it is compared to not being able to get out of bed because being awake was just too painful.

This hurts too though. I feel exhausted. Mentally not physically. I'm just tired of everything, including myself and my thoughts. I feel like a car with a lot of mileage, a car that has been abused and wrecked. The engine is still running but everything else is falling apart. Not worth maintaining it anymore. Sorry, this probably makes no sense whatsoever.

How do you develop chronic depression? Does it become a habit? My GP said because I've been severely depressed for so long, it might take longer to feel a more consistent positive change.

Originally Posted by avjgirsijdhtjhs

The problem with the word depression is that it encompasses so much stuff. Stuff that is totally different from other stuff that also gets referred to as depression. Tell us what the stuff is.

Is it negative thoughts stuff? SSRI's should help with that. You are on Sertraline, and started in mid-late February, right? You said you're on a high dose. What is the dose?

Or is it apathy, boredom, and motivation related stuff? I just looked at some of your previous thread titles and posts, and see a lot about this, and not as much stuff about negative thoughts...

Going up in dose on an SSRI should give more of a "don't give a ****" attitude about things and ease the negative thoughts kind of depression, but might CAUSE a totally different type of depression that has to do with a lack of motivation and "zest" for life. At least they do for me.

Also, you'd like to try an ADD stim(s), but haven't been able to get one prescribed yet, and you don't take Bupropion either, right?

AVJ, that's the first time I'm hearing anything about how ADs affect depression but what you have written is so, so applicable to me.

Yes, before I started on ADs, it was mainly negative thoughts. After I started taking ADs, I don't ruminate or obsess so much anymore but like you said I lose that zest for life. Everytime I realise there is nothing novel or exciting to anticipate I crash so badly.

Nope, I'm not taking neither stimulants nor Bupropion.

Originally Posted by CheekyMonkey

What other medications have you tried?

Are you willing to see a psychiatrist instead of just your GP? I'm sure your situation is multifaceted, given that you are also ADHD. A good psychiatrist will have experience with this and know some different medication combinations to try.

Don't give up home. Sometimes it is just a matter of finding the best meds for the job. It can be a long and daunting road, but it pays off in the long run.

Are you seeing a therapist?

I haven't tried any other meds. Sertraline is the first. It worked brilliantly in the beginning so I thought I was one of the lucky ones for whom the first med just worked.

I'm currently seeing a psychiatrist to get assess for ADHD. He knows about my depression (and thinks it's the cause of everything) . I don't think he'd be willing to suggest any other meds.

Originally Posted by anonymouslyadd

Fuzzy, have you considered volunteering for an organization, which helps sufferers with depression? I found one in the UK, but I don't want to post it. PM me if you're interested.

Thanks, will pm For years I've been wanting to volunteer for RSPCA. I love animals. Just looking at them makes me feel better. The only problem is that I've got very little time and the little time I have I don't manage very well. Or at all. But I'd definitely like to hear more about volunteering opportunities.

Originally Posted by Sandy4957

Fuzzy, here's what I'm hearing from you, and the questions that what I hear you to be saying prompt from me.

I hear that you've experienced what it's like to NOT be depressed AS AN ADULT. Am I right about that?

You've felt depressed for some time. How long?

You've been on medication for depression and you're now on the highest possible dose. How long? And what medication?

You can't seem to bring yourself to exercise. What if I could GUARANTEE you that, with walking vigorously for 45 minutes per day you WOULD feel significantly better. Do you think that you could muster the energy to try that? If the answer is "yes," do you need a guarantee that will work with just ONE "dose?" I guarantee that you'll "feel" it with one "dose." I do, FWIW. And it doesn't take more than walking 45 minutes....

Want to "friend" me on Endomondo and we'll "work out" together? I promise you, you WILL feel better with exercise. I guarantee it.

Oh, and fish oil, babe. Fish oil. A LOT of fish oil...

Sandy, I've been depressed for 8 years pretty much with no let up (except for a couple of months when I started taking ADs). I've gradually titrated up to 200mg of Sertraline and I've been taking 200mg for about 2 weeks.

I agree with exercise. 45 mins is definitely enough to give me a kick and the kick lasts for the rest of the evening. Again, a big problem is that I've got very little time and unless I'm highly motivated, I just can't seem to get myself to do anything. Which drives me crazy. I don't understand why I can't do something that I know would help me.

Thanks for the fish oil tip. I haven't taken any omega 3 supplements in months. I should start again.

Originally Posted by avjgirsijdhtjhs

Do you get sun or take vitamin D?

I get some sun (though not much) and I'm not taking any vitamins. This is very interesting. I'll try that. I don't think though that it would be easy to test for a deficiency of vit D. At least not on the NHS. Maybe I should just start taking them and see if I can feel a difference.

Originally Posted by spunkysmum

Excellent point. I experienced relief with the first medication my GP tried, but that was just dumb beginner's luck. It's not going to be that uncomplicated for everybody and a lot of trial-and-error might be needed. That in itself is a daunting proposition given the length of time it takes to build up any one of those meds in your system before you really know if it's going to work.

I really wish for you Fuzzy that you could get a doctor to try you on ADHD meds, I'd be so curious to see if you are one of those people who get not only relief from ADHD symptoms but also get relief from depression on a stimulant.

I'm very curious too. Since such a major part of my depression (especially now) stems from this constant need for stimulation, I guess if ADHD meds can help with that I would be less miserable.

Originally Posted by Retromancer

The important thing to know is that this episode of depression will end. It may be around for far longer than you thought possible. It will quite possibly lift imperceptibly day by day. But the day will come when you realize that at least this episode of depression has ended. At the end of the day one of the most effective treatments for depression is still time. Much of the clinicians art when it comes to depression still comes down to giving the patient support while the depression burns itself out.

I guess that's the thing that worries me. I've been depressed for 8 years and it's just getting worse (except for the short interval immediately after I started taking ADs. The thoughts that triggered the depression and that haunt me when I'm low, won't go away with time. I need to learn how to live with them or how to stop obsessing about them. The ADs have helped with that. I want to think that this episode of depression will end at some point. I'm tired of living with this.


Again, thanks everyone!!

[Fuzzy12]

it's so strange. I actually had a real good day today. I oft lots of new people, saw new? Interesting and beautiful places and went to a party in the evening whig i quite enjoyed. It was a brilliant day and i felt pretty through most of it. But the moment i sent my car and realised that all that was to be done was over and there is nothing much to excite me abt thee near future, i could feel my mood sinking.

[Abi]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy12

I'm taking 200mg of Sertraline (Zoloft)

Right now the most severe symptoms are this feeling of futility and boredom. I can't really explain it. It just feels as if life doesn't have much to offer me anymore. Nothing stimulating enough. I know, it sounds trivial and it is compared to not being able to get out of bed because being awake was just too painful.

This hurts too though. I feel exhausted. Mentally not physically. I'm just tired of everything, including myself and my thoughts. I feel like a car with a lot of mileage, a car that has been abused and wrecked. The engine is still running but everything else is falling apart. Not worth maintaining it anymore. Sorry, this probably makes no sense whatsoever.

How do you develop chronic depression? Does it become a habit? My GP said because I've been severely depressed for so long, it might take longer to feel a more consistent positive change.

You need to see your psych about you ADHD and get prescribed a medication that increases your NOREPINEPHRINE levels. These medications are Dexedrine, Adderall, Vyvanse or Wellbutrin.

[purpleToes]

I feel like a car with a lot of mileage, a car that has been abused and wrecked. The engine is still running but everything else is falling apart. Not worth maintaining it anymore. Sorry, this probably makes no sense whatsoever.

It makes sense, but it's depression logic. The thing is, you're a rare collectible that IS worth restoring. Actually, unlike a car, you're more than rare, you're unique, irreplaceable. Please try to tell yourself these things every day, even if you don't believe them at first. It's easy when depressed to confuse the thought "but it will take more effort than I can give" with "it's/I'm not worth the effort." Two separate things. Start by realizing you are worth the effort, even if it's effort you cannot give right now. I believe practicing positive self talk is something that has helped me with depression.

[faye64]

Fuzzy, I can only offer you support, but not an answer. I feel like mine will never go away. I totally relate to what you said about not being able to make yourself do things, such as exercise. I have many days, even though I'm on meds, that I can barely drag myself out of bed, much less exercise. I hope you start to feel better.

[micheljohn331]

Yes definately,depression can be cured.but you should follow effective ay to prevent from depression.if you will take a anti-depressant then for some time your depression will reduce,but after some time it will come back.you can treat depression naturally,make yourself busy and spend a time with your family and friends.

[Amtram]

MDD, a chemical imbalance, doesn't go away. But that doesn't mean it can't be treated - it just means that treatment has to continue and be occasionally adjusted to keep it under control.

[Fuzzy12]

Originally Posted by micheljohn331

Yes definately,depression can be cured.but you should follow effective ay to prevent from depression.if you will take a anti-depressant then for some time your depression will reduce,but after some time it will come back.you can treat depression naturally,make yourself busy and spend a time with your family and friends.

my family and friends depress the hell out of me. Especially my family. My one always lifts notably when they leave though i realise how nasty that sounds. They are good people. They are a lot better from distance though. Difficult to avoid to because love talking to me and spending time with me.

[Retromancer]

In a better world possibly. Alas we live in this one. "[deity of your choice] give us our daily meds."

Originally Posted by micheljohn331

Yes definately,depression can be cured.but you should follow effective ay to prevent from depression.if you will take a anti-depressant then for some time your depression will reduce,but after some time it will come back.you can treat depression naturally,make yourself busy and spend a time with your family and friends.