Depression help?

Question

I am a 16 year old female. I was diagnosed with clinical depression a year ago, and I have been taking Zoloft(75mmg) for about 9 months now. I have had no problems with it until now.
Now, I cry myself to sleep almost every night. Things are good in my life right now, I mean besides the small problems obviously. I am in a good relationship with my boyfriend, 4 months now. My insecurities lead me, however, to always feel that he doesnt like me, even though he always tells me that he loves me. I know that this is the depression coming through, and when depression comes through I always read people wrong, and think that they are mad at me, or ignoring me, or being cold to me when maybe it isnt so. I wanted to get off my medication in the spring, but it doesnt seem that I can. I exercise everyday, I eat very healthily, and I want to know what else I could do to feel better!! I try so hard because this feeling that I have is just implanted in me and prevents me from enjoying life.

I"m also very paranoid. Im so afraid people will stop loving me, and this is a major problem.

Answer 1

Congratulations on accepting the diagnosis & taking steps to help yourself. You also sound like you might have a parent who has the sense to find medical help for you (mine didn't; I'm 36 & still working it all out!). Keep up with taking care of your body, see a therapist if you're not now (and shop around until you find one with whom you connect), and keep an eye out for substance abuse. Lots of folks with depression try to "self-medicate" with drugs, sex, alcohol, other risky behaviors. Also, be honest with your prescribing physician about your symptoms. Docs often start with the lowest dosage in order to be cautious; for years, I was reluctant to tell my psychiatrists how I was doing bc. I was afraid they'd be upset with me for not "taking well" to their advice (including dosages). They can't help you for real unless they know for real. Remember that depression is a medical diagnosis just like diabetes or high blood pressure and should be dealt with as respectfully. Take care and good luck, dear.

Answer 2

Ellen conner's advice is great!! And counselling would be a good idea. Also, are you keeping track of your periods? during pMS time (the week or so before your period) depression often breaks thru, maybe you will have to increase the zoloft for that week only. I get the same thing with reading people wrong and thinking they don't like me, I just hate that. Great that you recognize that, it took me a lot longer to figure it out!


good luck!

Answer 3

Hi Carina G.,

I was wondering if you have been in any kind of therapy or counselling for your depression? If not, this may be of great help to you. Also try talking to your doctor regarding the symptoms your having with the depression and see if they might be willing to try another medication that may work better for you. It is often trial and error with antidepressants and individual patients till the right one works for you. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck.



Sincerely,

Alice H.

Answer 4

You need to go back to your Dr, see if they can increase your medicine. If not I take effexor and it works really well for me. I have heard its very hard to stop taking it but im not too concerned with that right now. Depression is a hard illness to live with. Make sure you have someone you trust and talk to them, I do this strictly because Im scared i will one day be so down.... anyway the thought terrifies me and if im one day that sick i want someone to notice and help me!!! good luck and God bless you.

Answer 5

It sounds like your meds have stopped working as well as they used to. That happens. Your body adjusts to the chemicals and they don't do what they're meant to anymore. As much as I'm sure you want to get off your meds it sounds like you just need a different one for now. You're doing all the right things to stay healthy and if that's not working you need to see your doctor.

Answer 6

Practice for 20 mins daily, and whenever you feel the need, the meditation technique in http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/ See your doctor and ask to be referred for counselling, as you need to get to the root of the problem. Reduce medication slowly, under medical advice, as you improve.

Answer 7

go see your doctor again and see what he has to say first. but be very careful on depression medication as with teenagers on depression meds it can lead to suicide as they have warnings on these medications for kids your age. ask your doctor about that. good luck and hope you feel better.

Answer 8

YOU HAVE A TOUGH ROAD AHEAD OF YOU....YOU HAVE TAKEN THE FIRSTS STEPS GETTING DIAGNOSED AND ASKING FOR HELP.......SO HOW CAN WE HELP? WELL KNOWING THAT PEOPLE CARE AND ARE LISTENING TO YOU SHOULD MAKE YOU FEEL A LITTLE BETTER ..SECOND WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF? ..FOCUS ON THAT.......WHAT CAN YOU IMPROVE UPON YOURSELF?FOCUS ON CHANGING THAT......WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IN TEN YEARS ? AIM TOWARDS THAT............MANY MANY PEOPLE HAVE WALKED IN SIMILAR SHOES TO YOURS.....SO KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE BUT YOU CAN CHANGE IF YOU REALLY TRY ... IT DOES TAKE EFFORT BUT WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO BE HAPPY......? GOOD LUCK...

Answer 9

You need to go back to the doc and get your meds adjusted, See your doc and get this taken care of.

Answer 10

i know how being ill feels. i can help u out. try talking to me and i can help u out: [e-mail]. do not worry u will get thru this. try also praying. it helps.