It's got to be more than just depression, right?

Question

I was diagnosed with depression 2 years ago. I took Effexor for about 6 months, and it seemed to be working OK. My doctor took me off of it because it was making me sweat too much, he said. He put me on another medicine that did nothing but make me sick. I voluntarily stopped taking it and didn't go back to try out another medicine. Since then I am always feeling down, and during the times when I am happy, it doesn't last long at all. I often feel hopeless and it seems so painful just to be alive. I also am very uncomfortable in social situations, and am constantly avoiding people, even though the thing I want most in life is to be "cool" and have friends. I don't date because I am too unhappy to be with anyone. My mom is on tons of medicine for her depression and so is everyone else in my family. My family is also falling apart. I can't find any relief. Nothing makes me happy. What can I do?

I did not choose to be taken off my first medication. My doctor took me off cold turkey and put me on something new. I stopped taking the new one only cuz it was making me so sick (probably a side effect of being taken off a med cold turkey). I am living in a new area now and am more comfortable finding a good doctor/therapist. Thanks for all the advice and help. Even though I always knew I wasn't alone in this, it's nice to be reminded that there are other people like me and that I can get better :)

Answer 1

Dear Allmayswim. Depression is a real and serious illness that affects lots of people around the world. I also suffer from depression and have the same symptoms as you (feel down, hopeless, feel very uncomfortable in social situations even though I want friends, don´t date because I´m unhappy to be with anyone). It´s amazing how you put it into words....I also feel that "is so painful just to be alive". Above all one has to understand depression. Depression is caused by an imbalance in brain neurotrasmiters. You have to understand that medicines work differently in different people. You have to keep on searching till you find the right medicine for you. In my case is Cymbalta. It is not good to stop the medication abruptly. You have to let the medicine work. While you are on medication you should receive therapy, talk to the psychiatrist so you´ll find the root of the problem. If you don´t like your psychiatrist change it but then stick with just one psychiatrist, rely on him and make a plan. Meanwhile, I can tell you that exercise, yoga and acupuncture help. Exercise makes your endorphines go up and make you feel good. Yoga balances and acupuncture cures. You must also try to understand other explanations of depression. The spiritual explanation says that depression is caused by a spirit that is attached to one´s aura. The spirit is someone that died that didn´t get to the other world, this spirit sticks to us and transmits all his frustration. One think it is our mood that is changing but in reality is the spirit mood that is trasmitted to us. Acupuncture works in this spiritual dimension and that´s why cures. Depression is not something that you can just snap out of, it takes time, medicines, therapy, exercise, balanced diet and will power!. If you have further questions do not hesitate to contact me. [e-mail]

Answer 2

listen sweety i know exactly what your going through, the first meds i had back 6 years ago made me feel so bad, worse infact, so i kept going back to my gp and we kept trying diff meds until finally we found one that really worked. I am now on lexapro and it has literally changed my life.
you must never just stop any med cold turkey, its really dangerous and can , like in your situation exassberate the problem.
you need to go straight back to your doc or another one if your not happy with the one you have and get this sorted out, realise that because you have stoped your meds that it may take a few weeks for the new ones to make a difference , but be strong , keep your chin up and know that there is light sweetheart at the end of the tunnel , there is an answer and you will feel better, and when you feel better you will see and experience life in a much happier way.
just old out a bit longer sweety and believe me the clouds will dissapear and the sunshine will embrace you big time.
take care honey
wanda

Answer 3

I suffer from depression/anxiety and if it gets out of hand it can run me over like a huge steam roller. There is a 12 step group called emotions anonymous. ( Look up 12 step groups.)

The is also a support group called the Major Depression Bi-polar support alliance.

Maybe see a mental health counselor who works with a psychiatrist . ( I do )

I take my medication. For the people who don't think taking medication is cool well I have to live my life for whats right for me.

Answer 4

emotions are so contagious. try a new environment where u have less contact with them. dont ignore them. they're ur family. i dont know why your moms depressed but you seem to be healthy just surrounded by depressing people.
go find a passion. something u can do for hours but it feels like minutes. like sports or a musical instrument.
u seem shy too. thats ok. lots of people are shy. focus on school and maybe u can meet people like you who are shy and too.
read this intersting article on anti depressants and be proud of yourself for choosing to get rid of the drugs uve been taking.:)

http://adbusters.org/the_magazine/71/Big_Headache_for_Big_Pharma.html

Answer 5

Another antidepressnt may help and counselling as an adjunct to your treatment. Anxiety is part of the depression.

Answer 6

You need to listen to your dr's advice and do not stop your mediciation unless your dr advise you to do so,as it may have certinside effects. meanwhile, try to stay happy or talk someone about your problems. Take care and remember god loves you :)

Answer 7

Social anxiety and depression kills.