Trapped in my own problems

[Tony The Tiger]

Thanks to those who said hi in the welcome forum.  Here's where I'm at right now.  I'm not on medication, I'm reading self-help books and trying to both learn about and treat my condition.  I'm also trying to learn what the key triggers are in my depression.  One of the suggestions made by the book is to do meditation.  Believe it or not, I've found the meditation actually does help.  The problem is that it seems like little victories rather than big steps.

This weekend, my wife asked me to help her in the garden (I hate gardening but appreciate a nice garden).  I knew she needed help and I wasn't opposed to helping but that doesn't mean I'll just like it.  Anyway, my depressive reaction was way out of proportion and I was totally zoned into my own world.  I meditated afterwards which helped my relax and see how the reaction was way out of proportion.  The problem is that I don't want to sink like that.  I want some control before it gets out of hand..  I also managed to dip later on in the evening.

Do you lot have any comments, thoughts, or suggestions as to what I should be doing?   I got an appointment with psychiatric health but that's two months away.  Is there a light I'm not waiting for?  Am I too keen to see progress?  Are there any other suggestions or tips you guys have to try and 'downgrade' my excessive feelings when this happens?

[Beetzart]

Sorry you are feeling this way, Tiger.  I do know what it is like, been there too many times.  Perhaps you should see your GP as the two month wait is agonizingly too long when you are depressed, and your GP may be able to speed things up.  Would you be opposed to trying medication?  The trouble with depression there is no instant relief that stops it forever, but there is nothing wrong to want to progress.  I am in the midst of my worst depressive episode, it just won't shift.

Anyway, like I said try and see your GP. 

All the best

Beet

[Sweetpea]

I tried to battle it on my own and failed. I have found medication and counselling to be the only thing that has helped me. But we are all different. Maybe have a chat with your Dr and discuss your options. S x x x x

[Tony The Tiger]

I tried Citalopram 20mg a few months ago and found that I got massive headaches whenever I was stressed so I came off them.  it got to a point where I was taking paracetemol 2-3 times a day, every day so I spoke to the doctor and came off them gradually.  I recently changed doctor so I guess I should make an appointment to see them and see if they can give me something else until I get this appointment with psychological health.

[Sweetpea]

There are many different anti-depressants. I was on Citalopram but it stopped working. Tried a few others and now on Duloxetine (Cymbalta). Which works well for me. So I think its worth having a chat with your Dr and try something else. You shouldn't have to feel the way you are at the moment. S x x x x

[Tony The Tiger]

Not long got back from the doctor and he put me on Sertraline 50mg.  Hopefully that'll help me keep this under better control.  Anyone else got any experience with this?  It says that my driving reactions may be impaired on the pharmacy label.

[Sweetpea]

No sorry T.T.T but have not had this med.  I am sure someone here will be able to advise you.  I think a lot of anti-depressants say this, I would say just be careful and see how you feel.  Normally side effects wear off after time.

S x x x x

[Zaf]

I took it for a very short time but had to come off it as it made my hyper, thats my only experience xx

[Beetzart]

Same as Zaf, made me hyper for a while then come off it.  Don't be disheartened if the SSRIs don't work, as they sometimes don't for people, they are the 1st line treatment for depression that GPs will always, mainly, go for.  I was on citalopram for years and it stopped working, now I take venlafaxine and mirtazapine.  But these can only really be started by a psychiatrist in combination. 

I hope though that you find sertraline works for you.

[Owl]

Hey,

I was on sertlraline at the beginning of this year but had to come off it because it made me a bit wild. I got really agitated and never slept etc etc. SSRIs don't suit me at all though and everyone is different.

I really hope this works for you.

Fox
X

[Sweetpea]

My anti depressant is Cymbalta and is an SNRI unlike citalopram and others which are SSRI.  I was on Citalopram before but like Beetzart it stopped working for me.

S x x x x

[Tony The Tiger]

Well, took my first tablet last night.  Was awake at 4am.  WIDE awake by 4.30am.  Not a promising start since my depression-related sleep disorder was oversleeping.

Hmmm...

[Sweetpea]

Hopefully the side effects will ease with time. S x x x x

[mamalou]

Hi, I can only echo the problems that others have had with Sertraline. I have awful long term sleep problems related to my chronic depression.  Setraline only served to exagerate my insomnia to the point that I would go without any sleep for up to 4 days at a time ! So I came off it.
I am now on Venlafaxine, Lithium and Quetiapine in combination - these had to be prescribed by a psychiatrist.

( I did try more than 10 antidepressants which took ages and was quite soul destroying but I am sure that something will come to light that will help you)

[Tony The Tiger]

Wow, sounds like you've been through the mill, mamalou.

Unfortunately, the black dog took over again yesterday to the point where I packed my things and left.  We were both angry but calmed down, spoke and I'm back home.  My poor wife is at the end of her tether but I feel terrible because I'm not getting better fast enough for her.  I've definitely improved but I'm still struggling when something big comes along.