New here!

[Sir STRESSHEaD]

 +-_

Hi all. Not sure if I belong here or not but I thought I would give it a try.

I've been on anti depressants on and off since about 2001 now and have never heard a doctor actually state a diagnosis but I guess I am depressed.

It has effected my life daily for as long as I can remember and even though I'm now married and have so much to be thankful for... it continues to ruin the rest of my life.

I'm currently taking 40mg Fluoxetine a day and have recently completed a six week cycle of counseling (which hasn't really helped).

Not really sure what my next step is... but I'm worried that it is going to effect my marriage and family soon if I don't find some positive path to take.

I removed myself from the social circus that is facebook and Twitter... as it tends to bring out the worst in me. I am hoping to maybe find a more constructive home here?

Here's hoping...

Cheers,

SH

[Zaf]

Hi and welcome  *()

I took Fluorexitine for many years then it slowly became inefective, it might be worth seeing your GP to discuss a change

Z xx

[joethfc]

Nice to meet you, great name!

It sounds like you have been making an effort. Why wasn't counselling any help to you?

[Sweetpea]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I do think that a chat with your Dr about changing your meds. Not all meds work for all people. So a change of meds would be worth a try. I personally found medication and counselling worked best for me. What type of counselling did you have? S x x x x

[Sir STRESSHEaD]

Thanks Zaf and shaz, yeah I'm due to go see my GP so I will mention this.

Thanks Joe, it's my xbox Tag :)

Yes I wanted to give it a try as I had nothing against talking about how I feel and thought it might do some good offloading to somebody who was impartial. I guess six weeks just came and went and it didn't really give me anything new to question or think about.

I don't really know what sort of councelling it was... just a guy at my medical center.

[Zaf]

I found counselling only really helps me if I have a rapport with the counsellor, it may be you didnt have hat with yours

Z x

[Sir STRESSHEaD]

He was okay... just didn't say much. I guessed that was so I'd keep talking to fill the awkward silence haha

Six weeks was all they could offer me though... and that was that.

[joethfc]

SS, I think that's what I've also experienced but like Zaf says, I managed to build some kind of rapport. I could see how that situation could become uncomfortable, if you feel like it's something you need maybe you should consider going private and finding someone you can work with.

[Ezel]

 +_+ and $£$

[Sweetpea]

I agree you have to have a good rapport with your counsellor. I was not keen on counselling but went as my GP suggested it and thought I ought to try (had tried before and it didn't help). I went through MIND and paid privately. I have to say it helped me so much. So maybe its worth trying a different counsellor.  S x x x x

[Sir STRESSHEaD]

Hello Pip   +-_

Mind has been suggested before actually. I will look into it once I've spoken to my GP again.

Thanks for the welcome everyone :)

[CharleysAngel']

Hi and welcome to the Forum :) xx

Counselling didn't help me much either. I still have it but its such a waste of time and I feel its such an effort to go there. Plus the fact I don't trust her at all and I get into an argument with her nearly every session xx

[Sir STRESSHEaD]

Yes! I hate the going out part for starters... but that's a problem within it's self.

I'd never leave the house if I had my way!!

[Sweetpea]

I have found MIND to be very good. Hope you get some help from your Dr. Take care. S x x x x

[Catbrian]

Welcome Stresshead.  This is the place for you and I hope you find it helpful.  the whole set of circumstances surrounding your depression understandably does put pressure on those closest.

I've had loads of therapy over the years, each time able to work a little further through some painful issues.  Your 6 wk course sounds a good introduction.  As well as MIND, ask the GP if there is local NHS psychotherapy departments.  If you’re lucky, there could be all sorts of therapy approaches going on that you can tap into in the future.

In my experience, Counsellors are mostly always quiet.  It's a person centred experience, the silences probably do encourage most of us to fill them.

My best experience was Group Therapy through my local NHS Psychiatric services.  It can be difficult to build trust at the beginning but soon there is a bond of sharing and feedback.  

I've had two Psychiatrists in 12 years, one gave feedback the other barely appears interested.