Diagnosed with depression today

[amydusty]

Hi all.

Just been diagnosed with depression today and been given Citalopram 20mg. In shock at the moment, never thought it would happen to me, especially as I'm a Psychology student (oh the irony)! I've been feeling really low since I came to university over a year ago. I don't have an appetite and can't sleep during the night...then sleep during the day! I don't know how I managed to pass my first year of study doing this. I'm constantly emotional about the smallest issues and have had a few panic attacks recently. My boyfriend of over a year also split with me recently, which pushed me over the edge. He couldn't cope with me being down and upset anymore. I feel so alone and worthless, all of my housemates have their own lives and are out all of the time. This weekend I went the whole 2 days without saying a word to anyone! I have so many university assignments due this week and I just don't have the motivation to do anything, not even the washing up. Think I may lose my job too, I keep having to call in sick because I can't bear leaving the house. I think about going to my hometown, but my mum has had severe depression for a year now and she gets angry at me if I make her worry. I keep telling myself I just need to get out there and get on with it but no matter how hard I try I can't cope. Really didn't want to accept antidepressents, all they do is cover the symptoms of the problems, not actually deal with what is wrong. But maybe if they kick in I'll be in a better frame of mind to tackle the problems? Feeling so unwell after taking my first tablet: nauseous, shakey and drowsy. Hope it passes. Anyone want to share their experiences with citalopram?

Amy  :)

[Alstare1974]

Hey

Welcome to the forum.

Firstly you'll find that it will probably take a couple of weeks for the drugs to kick in and you might have the side effects for up to two weeks too but stick with it.

Secondly it might be worth talking to your tutors about your diagnosis and maybe get an extension to your deadlines. It might also be worth talking to your universities disabled students department as they will also be used to dealing with this too

You are not alone with any of the symptoms you described. The forum is a welcoming place and you should find us quite supportive.

[danbob]

welcome!!

alstair has said it all really...

this forum is an ace place hope you enjoy it as much as i do

[Zaf]

Hi and welcome,  Alstare's advice is very sound, especially about asking for the deadlines, your symptoms are very typical of clinical depression,  I take citralopram,  I have found it very effective, its normal to start on 20mg then your GP should give you another appointment in a few weeks and if necessary tweak your dose.

Depression is best treated with medication, rest and possibly counselling, did your GP mention talking therapy?

Everyone will help and its a lovely place to find out about your illness, get advice and just moral support

xx

[smirfy21]

I have never taken that particular AD but most of the time it takes up to two to three weeks for the medication to kick in and for you to start to experiance the effects. I too had similar problems when I first had depression and my awful flatmates didn't make it any easier as they hated me, If you don't mind I would like to suggest that you ask for a room transfer and for extenuating circumstances on all your assignments as it is likely that you will be unable to hand them in on time.

also your GP really should have discussed with you the possibilty of signing you off work and providing a letter for your university in order for you to be able to provide proof of extenuating circumstances for your assignments.

Try not to think about how your condition is going to affect everyone else and don't hide your condition as this will only contribute to your depression.
I know its hard but we are all hear and have all been through what you are going through so please keep posting
smirfy :)

[Depina]

Welcome Amy
Must agree with all the other comments.
I started on 20 Citalopram, after a few weeks I felt a bit more in control of my life and happier which was good, that was years ago, I was put up to 30 until a few weeks ago and now I am on 40 - just felt it wasn't working anymore at 30. There is still a way to go 'cause my doc said 60 is the highest, and that I was on a low dose really. I didn't have any side affects, sorry you have. Tell someone that you can't cope at the moment (GP), you need to give yourself time out so you can recover.
Love and Hugs
XXXX

[Lol]

Hi AmyDusty you have been given some sound advice here. You are having classic symptoms and medication is necessary to recovery. as I'm sure you know, depression is a chemical imbalance, not just a state of mind or mood, so antidepressants are as as key to recovery of depression as antibiotics are to a bacterial infection.

You will find support and insight in here and we are glad to give it where we can.

Take care, I can't add anything to what has already been said.  :)

[angel3077]

Hi Amy first of all (((((((hugs))))))

I agree with the others you really got to tell the uni about your diagnosis and going to the uni's disability centre would really help too. I have found if you just try and carry on it will just get worse. I had a few years out at uni and although it wasn't ideal, I really needed it. I went to the disability people and they gave me a mentor who I could talk to and get help with my placement. She did really help. I would really urge you to go see them. Also go back to the doc and get a sick note to give to your work and your tutors. You may not want to have a year out but the tutors will give you extensions etc. Please don't try and struggle on. And don't be ashamed of depression like I was for a long while. As someone said its an unbalance in your brain and you will feel crap for the next two weeks but should feel much better after that. Also ask for other help. I had CBT which I didn't find that helpful but a lot of people do so it might be good for you. This time I am going to counselling. There is a big waiting list on the NHS which isn't good and I wasn't even offered it so I had to go privately which is expensive but it will depend on where you live how long the waiting list is. You have to push for something other than drugs a lot of the time. Doctors are happy just to put you on drugs and leave you so you have to push for other treatments. I would wait and see how the drugs go then see if you think you need anything else to help.

big hugs keep in touch

[Got]

Yes. I would tell the university. They will more than liely understand and it could make things a lot better.

I'm sure with time you will get better.

XX

[smirfy21]

Hi amy
I thought I would quickly check in with you and see how things are going?
smirfy :)

[weenancy]

hi amy   &*(

welcome xx

i was diagnosed only last week and feel the same sense of shock.  i also have the same tablets and have the same symptoms.  in the short time i have been here i have found everyone very supportive.  it helps to talk.

take care
janet x