I haven't had any real problems in life, so why do I suffer from depression?

Question

I have had depression for about 4 years and have been on Fluoxetine and Mirtazapine, nothing seems to help. Has anyone else been on these meds and noticed a difference? Should I ask my Doc for a different Anti depressant?

Answer 1

If you are not feeling better after 4 years maybe you are on the wrongs meds. However, nothing is a miricle cure and you have to want to get better and make some effort yourself xxxx

Answer 2

I have suffered depression for some years and I am taking Sertralene at the moment. Here are some thoughts.
1/ Have you seen your G.P. or consultant recently? If not you should.
2/ Have you had Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? This is very effective in dealing with some issues in depression, better than drugs in some cases.
3/ Prescribed anti-depressants are not the answer,
only a help. Sometime any improvement in mood is compromised by unpleasant side effects. In any case anti-depressants do not only affect the mood but the whole body, and can cause feelings or remoteness, slowing down, lacking energy etc..
4/ Some form exercise can be very beneficial, going for brisk walks has helped me greatly.

5/ It may be that a different anti-depressant would suit you better, so see your doc. Whatever you do DO NOT stop taking your medication or alter your dose without seeing your G.P.

I hope this is of some help and that you start to feel better soon.

Answer 3

I am on fluoxetine, I don't really believe medication is the answer but I think it can make a slight difference although you do also need to talk as well and keep healthy and active. A lot of things play a part in your state of mind not just the medication alone and there is no quick fix, you don't have to have a specific problem to be depressed, it can happen to anyone. Chin up and try stay strong !

Answer 4

It happens....for what ever reason. Please also make sure you are taking the tablets at the right times. My Dad recently got a new consultant and he totally redid the regime. He now is on the same meds but at different times of the day. This has greatly improved the way they work. If you need them and they work then ok...if you are taking meds and feel no different check out the regime and the alternatives. Get a second opinion if you feel this will help. He was on Fluoxetine intitially. He unfortunatley needed a stronger med.

Answer 5

I too have had a good life with no problems but have suffered from depression for three years. I am still on medication but reducing the dose. Over the past six months I have taken a couple of courses in cognitive behaviour therapy which I have found to be very helpful.
On the subject of serotonin - exercise boosts the levels.And also sunlight. Therefore I bought me a lightbox - it's ace.
This is the first November that I have actually felt normal. lovin it.

Answer 6

I used to be the same, but I didn't take any drugs. I thought that it was just me, something about my brain chemistry and that there was nothing to be done about it. It all went one day when I emigrated to Singapore (age 31). From there I went to Australia and after 9 years, back to the UK, where my depression hasn't returned in 6 years. So what was it? I think it was mental problems - old problems with my childhood that I hadn't shaken off until I went abroad, plus my own attitude to life ("be prepared for the worst, then it can't hurt you"). I now have children, which helps with being positve. Read "Ask and it is given" by Esther and Gerry (Jerry?) Hicks. I wish you well and send you a huge hug.

Answer 7

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 8

Depression doesnt always stem from something negative happenning in one's life, it may be a chemical imbalance. I'm sorry, but to all you well-meaning people giving answers such as "get out more, have a social life, you need sunshine"..that's fine and great for someone who is having the normal blues that everyone goes through now and then but not a solution for someone suffering from chronic depression and cant even muster the motivation to get out of bed or shower...it is a disease!! You definately need to talk to your doctor about having your prescription changed..nothing is a "miracle happy pill" but you need to find one that will help you cope. Counseling will really help also....good luck !

Answer 9

something must be missing from your life or a past event has made you feel this way it may be the way your life is think about why you feel this way and what it would take to make you feel better normally small things to make each you tick day to day would be a start try to fill your life with mostly things that make you happy the meds will help but on there own thay are not enough your happiness can only come from within it is only a state of mind find what ever will make you feel happy then make it a big part of your life

Answer 10

While real life problems can contribute to depression,it is not the reason for it.

If medications are not giving relief of symptoms then yes talk to your doctor,just remember most of those types of drugs cannot just be stopped,you will need to be winged off.Thus having a period of time between the old and new to have to deal with,ask him/her for things you can do to help you through this time.

Best Wishes!

Answer 11

The drugs may help the immediate effect, but there is still the root cause of your depression to address.
As you point out, you are not aware of what the cause of it is. However, the cause does not have to be from big, obvious, life changing events. It is linked to your upbringing and unmet needs.

I would recommend that sessions with a counsellor would be the best way to uncover this.