I have moderate depression that never fully gets better. Some days are worse than others, and lately I feel tearful and sad and lonely. Depression runs in my family (both of my parents had it). Basically, I have low self esteem and there are very few things that I enjoy. I also tend to avoid social situations and feel shy and lonely a lot of the time.
I have a wonderful doctor who I have been in long-term therapy with. But somehow, although I can see areas where I have made progress, my MOOD never seems to improve significantly. We've tried many different medications but I am very sensitive to side effects. There was one medication, Celexa, that helped me immensely but I can't stay on it because it makes me gain a lot of weight and causes sexual side effects that I can't tolerate.
What should I do? I'm scared that I'll be living with depression forever.
2007-03-30 11:59:37 · 3 answers · asked by quirkyfunnyone 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
ok well i commend you for doing everything you can to battle your depression. the one thing i can tell you is that you may need to go back on medication for a very very long time. everytime you go through a depressive episode your brain makes certain connections that predispose you to have more depressive episodes. but not only is it more episodes, but they are longer and more severe each additional time. it keeps building and building. this is called the kindling theory. kinda like your adding fuel to the fire. the new practice with health professionals is to prescribe medication for an extended period of time instead of just treating each depressive episode. there are certain medications you may want to try. SSRIs (selective seretonin reuptake inhibitors) can actually work as an appitite supressant (Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, zoloft). While these do cause sexual dysfunction, weight loss is also a side effect. good luck hun, keep on trying, the solution is out there.
2007-03-30 12:15:35 · answer #1 · answered by beautifulbunny0286 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't give up. maybe try lexapro that is what i am on and i havn't gained any weight and i think it is almost the same a celexa. at least that is what my doctor told me. there is lots of help and medication out there and when you find the right one then you will feel lots better just keep on it.
2007-03-30 12:04:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go ask your doctor to give you some novo-venlafaxine it,s orgaic i live with it and it runs in my family as well.
2007-03-30 12:11:48 · answer #3 · answered by i,m here if you need to talk. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋