Help with "depression"

Ok guys, you're all wise and that, and one of the symptons of my medication is depression which is starting to get to me, and can make you suicidal, don't worry I'm not gonna let that happen!!!!
But seriously though, it's starting and school is getting a bit much, any ideas on trying to overcome it and cheer up?
Just feel yuck

 

If it is a recognized side effect of a drug that you are taking, you need to speak to your physician about it. It may be possible to alter your dosage or start you on another medication entirely to try to alleviate the symptoms. Just because the side effect is listed, doesn't mean you have to put up with it -- explore all options.

 

Definately, seek the help your doctor. They may need to adjust the dosage or try an alternative med. DON'T WAIT..call them asap.

 

Sorry to hear you are feeling not so great mcadam. Depression isn't something we can control when it is clinical depression. I would seriously consider going back to the docs and discussing this side effect with him/her. Sometimes a medication just doesn't suit us and we need an alternative. Also if there is no alterntaive and this side effect were to escalate, you will have already logged with your doc that you are struggling and he will be able to take corrective action if required if you have to visit him/her again

Meanwhile keep active and do any sport you enjoy, even if just walking. Exercise releases the body's natural happy drug. Get out plenty.....vitamin D is predominantly obtained from sunlight, and this vitamin is your happy vitamin. Avoid downers such as alcohol and smokey places, and also tea/coffee/coca cola. Also avoid any food with additive E150b in it (caramel food coloring). That's a big depressive!

If you want to talk ever then PM me for e-mail address. I've had a little experience in this field (to say the least!).

 

Lev I added you to msn and await you to come online

I can't change the dosage I'm afraid, I was told any of thses side effects come and go and don't change the dosage or the treatment at all, and as long as it works in the end then I'm not going to let it get to me.
Also, I've been chatting to friends, watched a few funny things earlier (Yeh monty python being one of them ) and now I'm just having a great chat with the girl (yeh halo, shocked??!!!)

Thanks for the input guys, and the article halo, I'll keep you posted.
Got my 17th party tomorrow though so with any luck it'll help!

 

I'm getting there...honest! Had grandson's first football practice Tuesday night, Bunko Wednesday night and last night was my turn to cook. Tonight is eldest son's football game, and fishing for salmon over the weekend. I will get online and add you mcadam...hopefully tonight....and you'll be in bed by then!!!

Hey...enjoy your 17th celebrations

 

Nah on friday I won't get to bed til like 1am

 

<Edit - first two paragraphs were written thinking you said you are taking anti-depressants... reading again, I think I screwed up, but you might still find something of value here. /bonk me>

I'm sorry to hear about this, McAdam. May I ask which anti-D you're taking? I recently weened myself off of Zoloft, after taking a moderate dosage for about 2 years. One thing I feel I must share is that, if you decide to stop taking the meds, be very careful and please avoid stopping "cold turkey." I say this becuase I was very suprised at the withdrawal I experienced. Since I was not anticipating any withdrawal, I feel confident that what I experienced was NOT psychosomatic, but directly related to the chemical deficiency caused by the cessation of the medication intake. Even though I had cut down to a small dose each day, I suffered pretty badly for a full week after stopping. The good news is that, VERY suddenly, the symptoms subsided. Having received my degree in Biopsychology/Clinical Psych, I understand the chemical reasons for this, but understanding didn't help much when it got right down to it.

One thing to find some comfort in is that, even though you might not feel it, I can honestly say that the meds either are or will be working for you... to some degree. Personally, I know that it helped a lot to know that the medication was having a positive effect. In fact, in my case, I think that the awareness of the meds in my system was most helpful.

Your friends, here, are wise and you're fortunate to have such a nice support system. Please take what they say to heart and try not to isolate yourself. I know you didn't ask my advice or opinion, but I must say that (in my case) it can be very helpful to be as active as possible. Even though you may not feel like it, try to be productive each day. In fact, those things you feel MOST overwhelmed by beforehand are the ones I recommend you do your best to take a shot at doing. It is those very things that will really lift your spirits and boost your confidence when you are able to look back and realize you WERE able to do it, afterall.

Good luck to you and I hope you enjoy the weekend.

 

i actually had terible depression still kinda do... do you just randomly feel like crying, I used to cry for a long time for no reason sounds kinda emo or gay, but it's terrible, most anti-depressents help to me it was just like taking a caffine pill, all I can suggest is get alot of fresh air and hang out with alot of friends, pets can help too, it eventually went away after a couple months, i was near suicidal, and try not to overwhelm yourself. oh yah the medicine that worked the best was called fluoxitine.

p.s. I still get depression spells where I feel like I want to be something more for like a minute at a time, but it keeps going away.

 

A friend of mine has recently been having problems with concraceptive medication that she's been prescribed by the doctor. She is prone to depression, which generally means you should not prescribe meds with a side effect of depression, or give an anti-depression drug as well. For some reason the doctor glossed over this. 6 weeks later she told me about this, and I made her make an appointment with the doctor and they sorted it all out.

It's a good thing she had her friends around all the time, or she would have certainly killed herself by now. She also has friends on a message board who helped her through it. They were just as important as her real life friends. I can't stress enough how important friends are, no matter how you communicate with them.

Keep safe, my man!

 

Firstly, have a happy 17th, McA!

I too, am no stranger to stress, anxiety and depression. In my case it just comes from family and legal pressures just making my life many times harder than it needs to be for the last ten years. Halo and others, who have known me for years know some of the factors. Being a war Vet. in a very ugly conflict has only contributed to the load.

So in my case it is initially situational (exogenous), but nowadays has ended up upsetting the brain chemistry. Hence the need for tranquilizers and sleep inducing meds. I have tried many different combinations, but the current Avanza and Stilnox at least gets me a few hours sleep in.

All of the above advice is sound. Friends, family and other supportive people are important. (I think my email addy is still in my profile if you wanna talk ). Keeping active physically and sunshine helps restore the brain and body's balance.

Regular sleep, even if it has to bee helped by meds for a while is vital, as is a balanced diet. I've neglected both in the past, and have paid the price. And of course, like that was said, consult your regular Medical Practitioner for medical advice.

You have help and friendship only a keyboard away as well.

The brain chemistry is a very finely tuned and delicate system, and often gets out of balance for any number of reasons, including some medications. The trick is to recognize the problem, the factors that cause it, and develop an effective strategy that defuses it, and finally to achieve long-term balance.

Funny you should mention watching Motny Python. I did the same thing last night, LoL!

Take it easy McA!

 

Cheers for the posts!

I'm not taking anti depressants, I'm on a medication for personal reasons (sorry) and becoming depressed and suicidal is one of the many symptons!
I'm a lot better today, had a good chat with Halo last night along with many others!

Party in a few hours, bouncy castle arrived about an hour ago

 

Halo is good medicine

This may sound a bit trivial, but make sure you get enough sleep when having feelings like that. Not too much sleep, but too little doesn't help. Several years ago, I was recommended AD's and refused to take them, as I'm not a big fan of meds of that nature. I did take Ambien to help me sleep, as for many months I was putting in 19 hour workdays on 5 hours of sleep; I've improved greatly since then: I now put in 18 hour workdays on 6 hours of sleep

 

Say hi to mispon for me

 

Oh ya, the bouncy avitar, thingy, LoL! I had that same animation on one of my cellphones. Reminds me of her every time I see it.

 

research your medication and your illness on line. you will probably find alternatives and/or other solutions to both. knowledge is power. much aloha

 

How are you feeling today mcadam?

I'm sorry I did not make it onto MSN this weekend, though I have now added you. Did that come through ok? It was 1.30am your time by the time I logged on on Friday and the weekend has been a little crazy, to say the least!

 

I'm great, depression is a thing of the past

What time do you usually get in from work???

 

Earliest I get in is 5.30pm, then I have hungry mouths to feed. It's a bummer, as I only get to chat to my boys at weekends. Days just aren't long enough Thanks goodness for e-mail