I'm 27 with 2 well behaved children and a great husband. My problem is that over the past couple of years I have been sinking into some different state of mind. I'm constantly contemplating death and things that really don't matter in the moment and i'm preoccupied with the wrong thoughts. When i'm in a good moment I resolve to try and keep my mind off my mind but after I wake up the next day, I just fall back into the same patterns. I've tried zoloft and it made me feel extremely homocidal. I have also been prescribed wellbutrin which caused me to have seizures.. So i'm afraid to try anything else until I can keep my family safe from me and me safe from the drug in a controlled setting. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
2006-11-14 11:27:46 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Sorry to hear about your troubles. From what you wrote, I've noticed a few things that I feel I should point out to you.
Zoloft is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) which can have the reverse effect of an antidepressant if you are bipolar or have borderline personality disorder (BPD) SSRI's can trigger mania and increase depression. As per Wellbutrin, it's typically thought of as the best antidepressant for Bipolar and BPD patients, however, it's used as an adjunct medication to an anticonvulsant (mood stabilizer). Some of the more popular are Lithium, Depakote, Lamictal and Trileptal. I've taken all of these and the side effects are very manageable. I happen to take Depakote daily and it's done wonders for me.
Bipolar disorder is a very disabling disorder and is dangerous if left untreated due to the high risk of suicide amongst those afflicted (15%). BPD has many of the same symptoms as Bipolar type ll and has slightly different but similar treatment that applies.
It appears that you're experiencing cycling (rapid changes in moods) and contemplating death with bad reactions to SSRI's. I'm not a Dr. but you've given me enough evidence to suggest that you should see a Dr. and get a diagnosis immediately if you haven't already. The good news is, that both disorders are very treatable, where many people live healthy and productive lives.
If a Dr. confirms that you have one of these disorders, it's imperative that you consider begining medication management therapy and some sort of talk therapy.
Think of it this way; You're living your life in the trenches of a war and you have bullets whizzing by you constantly. Occassionally, you'll get graised and each time you do, you'll get weaker and weaker until eventually, you can't go on. Think of the meds as a shield, that will help you stabilize yourself to a point where you can devise a strategy to get in the clear. Think of the talk therapy as your field comander who will come up with the strategy and guide you throught it, getting you out of harms way.
You'll have to rely on the meds and talk therapy concurrently if you're going to make yourself better.
I was living with BPD/BP ll for a long time and suffered much more than I had to before I got the proper treatment. Like you, I had bad experiences with drugs in the past and didn't think they would help. Now, I don't know how I would go on without them. Unfortunately, I had to suffer to the point where I had no choice but to go through with it. I didn't feel comfortable with most Dr's and I had to interview 5 seperate Dr's before I found the right one and she's the best. After I got stabilized with the meds, I found a good Psychologist and she taught me a lot about feelings, emotions and how to deal with them in a healthier way.
It doesn't happen overnight - it can take months to years. But the way I look at it is, mental health is equally, if not more important than physical health. If you were dying from a terminal illness, you would take whatever meds you needed, where if the result of living far outweighs that of the potential side effects. You really need to view psychotropic meds in the same way.
I hope this gives you some perspective and that you get the help that you need!
2006-11-14 14:38:54 · answer #1 · answered by Altruist 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
See a psychologist not a psychiatrist. The difference is one prescribes drugs and thinks that it will be your answer and the other you talk about your problems with.
My cousin was normal until she saw a psychiatrist after she had an abortion now the girl is a manic pschitso phrenic (wrong spelling) because she has been prescribed drugs to make her better instead of dealing with the root of the problem she got told there is a chemical imbalance when its mental not chemical.
Your life is worth living and you have a purpose on this earth! You have a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children to live for, and you are a woman on top of all these things you have yourself to live for!
I know what its like first hand to not feel happy and good about yourself and holding onto the feeling of feeling really good and waking up in a bad state but let me tell you there is reason to live and be happy and dont let your thinking rob you of this.
I have seen the effect these drugs do have on family members and it aint good. Its obviously not working for you either dont let this get to a point where you cant turn back.
Ask for help or talk with someone. The cost of therapy is not worth the cost of your life and the mother of your kids and wife to your husband!
2006-11-14 12:07:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the first thing you need to do is get yourself a good psychologist. Hopefully someone can recommend one to you but if that doesn't work call your state or local psychological association for a referral. This person may suggest you also see a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation but this would be in a more controlled situation. Best of luck to you.
2006-11-15 05:06:49 · answer #3 · answered by bjb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a doctor and explain these feelings you are having to him. There are a lot of mood elevating drugs on the market now, and maybe you just need to have another kind prescribed to you. If you dont want to take another chance on drug therapy, make and appointment with a psychologist or a therapist in your area. These visits should covered by your health insurance if you have one.
2006-11-14 11:32:34 · answer #4 · answered by Kimberly V 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may just need to change the home life a little. Maybe you have fallen into an everyday same ole same ole rut and that can lead to depression. Take some time for yourself. Time for just you and your husband. Go get a new hair do, make over, a few new clothes. Treat yourself a little.
2006-11-14 11:34:54 · answer #5 · answered by shyone 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a very good blog, a beginner’s guide to abnormal psychology.
Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author regarding particular subject you are interested in, FREE
http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/
2006-11-15 05:56:02 · answer #6 · answered by LIz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are you getting plenty of sleep, restful sleep? Try some Valerian Root extract comes in caplets, and some vitamin B-5
2006-11-14 11:38:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋