New and feeling down

[Mum2Two]

Hi there. I've joined this site because I don't feel able to talk to anyone when I'm feeling low, like I am now. I've been on citalapram for 4 yrs, it started off with post natal depression, marriage problems-which were fixed eventually-post natal depression again. And now, it's money worries! I'm working three part time jobs (one is my own business) and although my husband earns very good money, we just have a big black hole of debt round our necks. I feel like it's just too much to handle, and right now I am struggling from being dragged down. I'm so tired of trying to make ends meet. Right now my kids are the only thing keeping me here. Sorry about this very negative post, it's just how I'm feeling right now.  I usually have to act all upbeat and funny and I'm struggling to even act now.

[Grace]

Dear Mum!

Welcome to this forum ...... over here you can post at any time, especially when you feel down .... and we're here to empathise with you and your situation. I'm sorry you have to go through this, struggling with day to day life in this way!
Has your GP or a pdoc helped you to recover from post-natal depression? If things suddenly get more worse maybe it's the time to talk with a doctor. Medication is not miraculous but it can surely help you to get through better.
My best wishes and do post when you feel like .... we're here to listen!

Grace

[stewart]

Hi Mum,
trying to put on a happy face for the benefit of others can be adding to your already stressfull situation.

Citalopram is quite a popular medication for depression, but sometimes the body builds up a resistance to them. Best thing to do if you dont feel they are helping as they once did, talk to your doc about it. they can push the dose up to a max of 40 mg, and add others to the mix as well. Mirtazapine is a common one too.
there is also another one very similar to citalopram, (sertraline) my doc swaped me over to them when she put me on amytriptalyne to help me sleep.
(amys and citalopram dont work well together)

any concerns you have about side effects of meds, im sure you can ask on here and find others who have used them.

[SteveW]

Working three jobs with children must be a hell of a strain. I am sure it would be impossible for me.

Do you think Citalopram is benefiting you much anymore ? It doesn't seem to be holding your depression back. If you are not already on the 40 mg maximum that would be worth a try. If you already are then thinking about a change with your GP might be worth it. Although drugs don't work as well when someone has real reason to be depressed. They are better on depressions that just come out of the blue.

But you are obviously aware that the root of your depression is financial so the solution is likely to be financial too. Have you
consulted a debt specialist for advice. I only have experience of the Citizens Advice Bureau. I was a Social Worker and they were so good that I never once had to refer anyone else to a second agency. But other agencies do exist.

Someone here might have experience of things like IVA's, the implications of bankruptcy etc. but they are a mystery to me. I would certainly make an appointment with CAB. If you don't fancy that I would seek a debt specialist elsewhere. CAB did some amazing things for people I referred to them. The best I think was persuading Lloyds TSB to write off a £14,000 credit card debt on the grounds that the woman concerned was psychiatrically ill while she was running it up.

Talking here might help. You should at least get moral support. Take care.

Love


Steve

[Sweetpea]

Hello and welcome to our forum, we all understand what its like to suffer with forms of depression.  You will never feel alone here.

I have to agree with the others who have already posted with regard to the medication you are taking.  I was on Citalopram for many years and it stopped working for me too.  Its a good idea to have a chat with your GP about other options.  Medication is not the overall answer maybe your GP could help with some kind of therapy as well.

S x x

[Pip]

A belated welcome from me as well.  Citalopram only helped me for several months and I stopped taking it, now I'm on sertraline.  I'm not surprised you're suffering as you are working, have two children to raise and have money worries.  Please follow the advice given and see your GP. 

[Mum2Two]

Thank you all for your posts, I'm starting to feel much more 'normal' now. I'm on 40mg, I ran out of meds for about a week and hit an all time low, had a bit of a meltdown. I saw my GP and had a chat, she was lovely and understood my roller coaster emotions perfectly. She advised me to go on 30mg to begin with but I really struggled and upped it to 40mg after a week and then I saw my GP again for another follow up. I'm now on the other side of the 'highly strung' and anxiety attacks side effects I was suffering! I'm seeing her again in another week for a further follow up. I'm proud I've set up my own part time business but it has come at a financial price- I've made it through my first year and I love what I do, things can only get better in time right?  It's reassuring to know people are on here, like me, who understand the ups and downs - I find it hard to talk to family and close friends-they don't really understand although they try and then they feel awkward and you feel embarrassed and weird-well I do. xx

[SteveW]

I am really glad to hear you're feeling a little better, though I am tempted to ask if the debts have gone away. Where I live we have a
couple of projects where experienced business people offer help, advice, and mentoring to people starting out. You might have something similar. Best of luck with the business.

Love

Steve

[stewart]

Hi Mum, good to see you are feeling a little better.
setting up your own business is a hard task, specially in the first year where you manage to just break even,

[Sweetpea]

So good to hear you are feeling better  .

S x x