How do I get through depression?

Question

I'm taking Zoloft, but it doesn't seem to be doing much for me. I feel like I'm in this really dark place, and it's getting darker. I can't focus, can't get anything done, don't ever make plans. I really want this to change.

Follow-up: I've been on Zoloft for about 4 months and Wellbutrin for a month, and still nothing but side effects.

Answer 1

You need to talk to the Doctor who prescribed the Zoloft for You, and tell He or She that's it's not working for You, and quite possibly making things worse. If they're any kind of a Doctor, and not a quack, they'll prescribe something else for You. But don't be silent about it.

Answer 2

Hey Danny,

This is a tough question. The short answer, find meaning in your life where before there was none.

That's right, if you're not religious your life most likely has an empty chasm that needs to be filled. Read some existentialism, but don't believe it, think for yourself.

I was on Effexor and it didn't work - doctors on prescribe it because they get % of the sale. In the end I quit cold turkey, which is not recommended because it has all kinds of terrible side effects if you don't get taken off of it slowly. But you're right, that's what makes it feel like a trap, not even having the choice to say 'I don't want to take this anymore'.

All I can say is, don't give up. It gets better. Sometimes you might feel like things can't get worse and yet still they do. Those are the times when you have to feel the diamond inside your heart that can't be broken and believe that one day you will awaken like a sleeping giant from your long slumber.

Answer 3

Not all people respond to to all medications. If you have been on Zoloft for more than six weeks and still have no relief, tell your doctor to try something else, there are multiple medications out there, and some times it takes patience to find the one that will work for you. Also, if you are not seeing a counsellor on a regular basis, it is really important to do so, meds can only do so much. A counsellor can help you learn to change the way you percieve things. Depression often leads to our thinking along the dark paths and even when the cause of the depression is dealt with thru medications, our thought patterns don't change without help.

Answer 4

Just taking med's is not always enough. You need to change your habits. Once upon a time you did enjoy life, something or someone must of changed that for you. Look inside of you and find the one thing that gave you pleasure or made you feel good about yourself. This will help or maybe you are on the wrong med's for your system. Everything does not always work on every one. I have suffer with depression since I was 14 years old. I have finally found the one thing that makes me feel special. I am a writer, a few months ago I would not have said that to anyone. I am currently writing a poetry book with pictures and a novel is in the works as well.

Answer 5

Your on the right track and just need to know that you'll feel better soon. Think back, and when you've felt the worst and didn't think you could go another day, things eventually changed for the better. Great leaders like Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln had the same cycles of gloom over come them, but they made it through and had great success in helping their countries through bad times. Your medication needs a few months to have a fair chance to work and you should attend some support group meetings in the meantime that can really help a lot too.
http://www.dbsalliance.org/info/findsupport.html

Answer 6

Hey Danny.
I want to start by saying please don't give up! There are so many medications out there...it's comes down to finding the one that works best for you. I know you have to give meds time to get into your system. From my own depression experience, it usually took about 2-3 weeks for me to start feeling better. In the meantime, you need to surround yourself with real friends. I would suggest talking to your doctor immediately and letting him/her know how you are feeling. I would ask for suggestions for names of counselors and then calling to make an appointment and then go. It helps. Watch what you eat...no, you don't have to give up pizza and chocolate ice cream, but you need to make sure that you are taking care of your body so that you have the energy to focus, even if it is in survival mode. I know it's hard to get out when your depressed (I didn't even answer the phone because I didn't want to be cornered into making plans with friends or family) but try to go for a walk. A little exercise could help you focus. And finally, please don't think I'm insane, but it sounds like you need your faith. Do you have a local church? My faith pulled me out of the pit of hell. At one point I really didn't think I wanted to go on. I started to plan how I could end my life.
THAT'S WHEN I KNEW I NEEDED HELP.
You are not alone! There are so many people that go through this. YOU CAN MAKE IT! When you get your medication right, you'll be so glad that you didn't give up.
I have tried several different medications for depression. When one wasn't doing the job, my doctor offered a new one. DO NOT STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICINE! You usually have to decrease your dosage of one med before you switch to a new one. One thing I noticed about Zoloft was that it has unwanted sexual side effects. This can add to your depression so be careful. Remember to have open communication with your doctor...don't be afraid to tell him/her that your antidepressant isn't working. They are there to help you get better.

I hope this helps. Good luck and God Bless!

Answer 7

you did not say how long you have been on the zoloft some of these meds take a few weeks to get into your system. i'm not a doctor but if you have been taking it awhile i would call your doctor the strength may need to be adjusted. good luck but give your doctor a call that should help you out alot!!!

Answer 8

Have you tried Saint Johns wart and kava kava?I know what you feel like please don't let things get to you.Take a look around and do things that you always wanted to do.Even when you do not feel like going out,or being around people force yourself to do these things anyway until you feel you have a better handle on things.Make yourself think more positive even if you dont feel so positive at that momment.Exercise,get on chat lines for support,eat healthier,get a sleep schedule started,waking up and going to bed at the same time every night.If you drink caffeine I would slow that down,and drink plenty of water.

Answer 9

Then take whatever is making you depressed and turn it around ask yourself why you are being depressed about it. most of the time when someone gets depressed they can take who they where when they are not depressed and put there mind their realize that you are alive and that some people have it allot worse compare things to the darkest side it will take a while but you will get out of it.

Answer 10

im a soldier back from iraq for about a year i didnt relize how much i had ben threw till a short time ago my therapist said im going threw post trematic stress and for me it would be helpful to pick up a vigoruse hobby like running or biking somthing that works you hard but will gwet you out side