Depression relapse and relationships?

Question

I am diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. My psychiatrist, whom I saw for two years (been two years since last visit, too) never specified if it was chemical or not. However, he tried several medications on me but none seemed to work. I partially blame the ineffectiveness on myself, though, because when we were doing this drug juggling act, I was giving up too easily. I do think it may be chemical because I know it's in my genes and my father's is chemical.

Anyway, I have been through several relapses in the 8 years I've been dealing with this. I know I'm bound to relapse again. My question is, in the very beginning of a relapse, have you ever thought of your romantic partner and felt numb and have this be due to the relapse and nothing else? Or what kind of effects does you relapse have on your feelings for them?

I could go into other signs that I may be relapsing, such as inability to concentrate, but yeah. Info or personal experiences on this aspect I mentioned would be great

Oh we worked on the why as well. But those sessions soon became less and less. He was the head of the whole department, so he was so scatterbrained and always leaving the room, taking me in late, etc. Eventually I got fed up, stopped talking, and that's why I eventually left. I obviously didn't go into all the details of my treatment and experience in my question. I just want to know other people's experiences with relapse and their feelings towards loved ones. Thank you for your well wishes, too. :)

Answer 1

Many signs can tell you that you are relapsing. Some may hit you in the face and others tend to creep up on you. I, myself have felt that same numbness when I looked at my husband. In my case, that was my first sign on relapsing. But you are really the only one who can answer that. Is there anything else going on in your life that would make you to feel that way towards your partner?
As for the various meds, been there done that and turned into a walking pharmacy. The best thing to do is pull on your rubber boots and trudge thru the trial and error crap. It will take a while to find the right one for you.

Answer 2

I'm bipolar and my feelings toward my husband vary a lot according to my mood. When the depression is most intense, I think he hates me (he loves me, I know that, but the depression messes me up). Sometimes the pills take away my ability to feel love, too, and when I decrease the dosage slightly, it comes right back. And then depression can cause severe irritability, and then you can think that your partner is being very unfeeling and a jerk and he's not. I let my husband know when the pills or depression are interfering with my feelings, though, so hopefully he will take it less personally.

I notice the the bipolar depressions are MUCH worse when I have PMS, this is common, so if that is true for you, at least you will know the hell will only last a while and you'll feel more loving later. Also, you have to remember to take the drugs every day for them to work, and you have to try a lot of them sometimes and juggle the dosage. Counseling may be helpful, and if nothing else, you will know better what to expect from your depression and its fallout, even if you have a chemical imbalance. (And you can learn to reduce stress, which makes symptoms worse)

Answer 3

Depression may certainly be chemically imbalances within your brain. You also have environmental conditions that increases the depression. You were as you said, non-compliant with your antidepressants. Did you take any one medication long enough to have a positive effect? An antidepressant usually takes from two weeks or one month before you may feel an effect. It sounds like, from you question, if I understand it correctly you didnot follow throught on any of your medications and you were impatient. I am so sorry for your problem. I also have depression. I have tried countless antidepressants, followed directions, and they still didnot work. In your situation, I believe that I would find a psychiatrist that I felt comfortable with and stick with the program. It may be that the psychiatrist would prescibe your medication and follow whether you were progressing to a better condition. The psychiatrist may attend to your therapy or suggest that you have a therapist to talk with and help you through your problems,particularly with relapses. I'm sorry that you have not had the help of a professional when you seem to have needed someone so much. It is my suggestion that you contact a mental health professional. Either continue with the same one but do not be afraid to change doctors if you will more comfortable. Hospital directories have a list of specialists you may choose from or call a crisis clinic and they would be able to help you acquire one that you like. Just remember, try to stick with it. Depression may cause you not to want to deal with other people as you mentioned and may noy want to have an intimate relationship with your partner, you may lose the desire to participate in every day situations, like not leaving your home, not eating or overeating, loss of sleep or just sleeping or lying around doing nothing, not being able to function. You might also cry alot or feel hopeless or angry. Depression may also cause you to develope physical problems such as chronic headaches and anxiety .

Answer 4

I have a question; when did you work on the WHY of your depression? Didn't that ever come up in counseling? I am quite disturbed by some psychiatrists who want to dole out drugs (which should not be given unless you are suicidal or have a definate disorder that requires it).

You need to be with a counselor that will work with you to delve into why you are depressed and go from there working with you to look at your life and how to deal with it. Coping with your life is paramount. If you never learned to cope, you need to know how.

You also need to be more positive. Stop thinking you will relapse, think that you will not, that is a better frame of mind.

Make sure you are doing the following to help with depression: eating healthy (too much sugar or alcohol will make you depressed and chemicals in junk food can really mess with brain chemistry), exercise (this increases endorphins in the brain, raising mood) and finding meaning in your life (do you volunteer and help others, are you spiritual and have a relationship with God). These things will help quite a bit. I hope you find peace.

Answer 5

I am very sorry cuz i dont have a personal experience but I would understand if you felt numb when thinking about your romantic and that may be due to the chemicals that you are taking........You seem pretty normal to me just hang on there and good luck