New too all this!

[mysti9139]

Hi everyone, i hope im doing this correctly.

Yesterday i went to the doctor and had it confirmed that i am suffering from depression. I had several bouts of feeling extremely low but recently it got worse. I found myself feeling empty, lifeless and numb and decided to seek help as i cant do it on my own anymore. Ive come to terms with the fact that i am suffering with a medical condition (something i refused to accept for ages) but the bit i am struggling with is the lack of emotions i feel towards my loved ones, is this normal?

Ive spoken to a couple of people who say they cant relate to this particular symptom and im now worried. It was like over night i went from loving my partner to then feeling nothing. Even my little dog came near me the other day and i had thoughts of getting rid of her which is so unlike me as this dog is my precious little companion.

So now i am on Citalopram and i took my first one today. I understand i wont see results for a few weeks but after taking the tablet i have felt nauseous and spent the day in bed.

Any help/advice would be greatly received.

[Pip]

Welcome, it can be scary talking to people particularly when they can't relate to how you're feeling.  I suffer with severe depression at its worst and certain times of the year are worse than others.  I have times when I feel numb / empty / lack emotions when it's really bad as well.  You will get plenty of support here as we suffer with different types of depression.  We all take different types of medication too.  I take several but none specifically for depression even though one is amitriptyline but I take it for pain and to help me sleep.

[Sweetpea]

Hello and welcome, you will find great support here.  We all suffer differently. I can relate to how you are feeling, when I was really bad I felt complete numbness to anyone, my close family included. I could think of nothing but how bad I felt.

S x x x x

[Catbrian]

Hi Misti.... a BIG welcome to the Forum

I was on Citalopram for years.  It is one of the few that has little to no side effects.  Yes, they do take weeks to fully get working, however, you might feel some benefit within a few days.  Maybe feel a little more relaxed.  Fingers crossed that it will go okay

What you are saying about changing overnight towards partner, family and even your little pooch is symptoms of depression for sure.  I find education about depression is one of the best ways to start to understand the process and ourselves.  On the Forum's front page, there is an info section, "Understanding Depression" and "Types of Depression"  It's still under development, but you might find it helpful to identify with some of the common symptoms.  This is the link to the front page http://www.depressionforums.co.uk/

[mysti9139]

Thank you all for your welcoming. It helps knowing that there are people who understand what your going through

M x

[tharidler]

dear misti9139
I like many here can understand the difficulties you are going through try and give the meds time hopefully they will start to help you if not never be afraid to go back to your gp and ask to try something else sometimes it may take a couple of changes for it to work as for the lack of emotions I can understand as I went through the same and its not pleasant but I came out the other side so try to have faith there are wonderful people on this forum so please feel free to talk to them
take care

[stewart]

Hi mysti, welcome to the forums, any meds can take a while to fully kick in, but as has been said, citalopram is one with few (in comparrisson to others) side effects.

[blue lady]

Hello Misty!
I have just joined the forum and yo are the first person i will have sent a message to, I have had Depression for over twenty years,  and take medication,which works!! but it takes a few weeks (well it did for me) but when  the meds kick in (thats how i look at it) you will feel so much better, I was so scared that i would be in this awful place and end up been put in hospital,which is ironic as i was working in a mental health unit at the time. it takes time and patience,but you will get better.

[Pip]

Welcome blue lady, when I was nursing years ago I was surprised at how many RMNs suffer with depression ~ I was an RGN.

[Catbrian]

Hi Mysti.... a thought occurred. I always took my citalopram before bedtime.  It did help with a good sleep pattern and also escaped any side effects.  If you still feel sickly for a couple of weeks you can take anti-sickness.  GP would prescribe until the sick feeling leaves.  But, if you take at bedtime, you might be okay

Best of luck.  We are here for you!

[mysti9139]

Hi guys, i am on my third day now! The headache and sickness have reduced but having terrible nights sleep and sweats and a tight chest. Felt confident enough to get out of bed and go to work today though which was an improvement. Just going to take each day as it comes :)  hope everyone is well! x

[Sweetpea]

Thinking of you, things will get better.

S x x x x

[Catbrian]

Hi Mysti, 'one day at a time' is always the best way forward.  The future will get better and you will get use to the meds, the beginning is always the worst

[Leo]

I can relate to the lack of feelings towards family, friends and even the pets.

It seems to be a common theme among depressed people - to shove people away.

I was also on Citalopram for over a year. 
I'm on my third antidepressant now. I find generally I get side effects the fist few weeks and then things settle down.

[Michael Frankum]

Hello to both Mysti and Blue Lady. Sorry I'm so late welcoming you to the forums, (PC Problems!) I hope that you'll find the forums useful. I have been lucky - the people here have been wonderfully supportive and caring to me, and I'm sure that you will find the same. Best wishes. Michael.