topic Re: Depression in Wellness

Depression

FlowerBear — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 12:30:11 GMT

Has anyone felt sadness and depression for seemingly no reason?

I have had bouts of depression on and off for about 10 years. That had to do with specific reasons.

Lately I have had feelings of depression and cry on and off thru the day for no reason that I can think of. Does anyone have any suggestions that might help?

I have medication that I take 1/2 a pill but dont like to feel loopy or drugged or like a zombie so I only take the half.

Re: Depression

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 12:33:30 GMT

This post has been removed by QVC because the post is unkind

Re: Depression

Imaoldhippie — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 12:46:14 GMT

You need to take the medicine as directed. If the pill is not scored then you cant cut it in half. The "loopy" side effects will disappear after taking the medication for a period of time. Until you follow the correct dose you should not complain. I dont mean that to be ugly but you need to give it a chance. Antidepressants take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to take affect. Good luck I understand your feelings I struggle with depression and have for years.

Re: Depression

NicksmomESQ — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 12:47:10 GMT

@FlowerBear Are you going through the changes? Becoming emotional & crying could be a symptom of hormonal shifts.If so you should see your OBGYN.

Re: Depression

Stevie Nix — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 13:23:45 GMT

@FlowerBear - My reply was deleted as being "unkind." I want to apologize if you found it to be so. My only intent was to recommend that you discuss your depression with your doctor. Depression is very serious and should be taken as such.

My other suggestions, although they may sound frivolous, are these - If you can -

Get outside and do some walking. Enjoy the day and the beauty around you. Mild exercise raises your endorphins and your mood.

Consider getting a pet to take care of.

Hope you can find resolution.

Re: Depression

hckynut — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:24:41 GMT

To answer your question, yes I have. After a few years of on and off, I saw a Psychiatrist, which helped temporarily. I then had myself admitted to the Mental Ward of our hospital. Diagnosed with Clinical Depression and Panic/Anxiety Disorder.

My suggestion is to seek the help of a Professional in this field. These things seldom get better on their own.

hckynut(john)

Re: Depression

software — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:46:40 GMT

Sometimes minor bouts of depression can be as simple as a hormore imbalance or even dehydration!

But whatever you do, do it on the advice of a professional. Most medication for depression takes several weeks to really "kick in". Be patient with yourself.

If a full dose of your meds make you loopy, talk to your doctor.

Re: Depression

KingstonsMom — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 15:02:33 GMT

My DD suffers from chronic depression and severe anxiety and is on several meds.

She had to try several different meds to find the the right one/ones that worked for her.

But as mentioned by @Imaoldhippie, these type of meds have to build up in your system before they level you out and they should be taken as directed.

If you find that taking them as prescribed for a couple of weeks still doesn't work for you, talk to your Dr. and they will probably try a different drug.

It IS a process to find what works for each individual patient!

I wish you the best and hope you find the right drug to help you!

Re: Depression

wagirl — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 15:01:54 GMT

I am wondering if your may have SAD--the seasonal depression that comes from gloomy, grey weather where the sun doesn't shine much for the fall/winter times. That's what I get---I live near Seattle and it is ALWAYS grey and gloomy here for much of the year. I have a "happy" light that I sit at everyday. It's at my computer. Seems to help alot altho not a fast fix--my mom had depression for years that she never took care, of so I am pre disposed to it too. I don't take any meds for it. Maybe you need to change your meds. I would go see my dr.

Re: Depression

Alison Wonderland — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 15:49:07 GMT

Talk to your doctor ASAP.

There are DOZENS of medications for depression and if the one you are on isn't working, talk to your doctor about trying another. Some come with bad side effects - sweating, a bad taste in your mouth, lethargy, all kinds of things. But once you find one that works, it can change everything. Unfortunately, trying to find the right one can be depressing in and of itself. But once you find one that works, it can change everything. You should see the doctor and keep trying until you find what works for you.

It's just like any other disease and you should treat it like that. I would hope that if you had a bacterial infection and the doctor gave you an antibiotic that made you vomit or gave you a rash, you would call and get a prescription for another antibiotic instead of just talking half of the one that didn't work for you or not taking anything at all. This is no different.

And if you're going to a primary care physician instead of a psychiatrist, consider asking for a referral to a talk therapist, as well. Having someone to talk to about things that are bothering you while you look for the right medication can be very helpful.

I have a lot of friends and family who have struggled with depression and/or anxiety and it strips them of so much. It doesn't need to be that way if you can find the right medication and get the right support.

Good luck!

Re: Depression

Sweet Caroline 1 — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 16:08:33 GMT

Hey FlowerBear, antidepressant med shouldn't make you feel loopy. Maybe you are taking a nerve pill. Talk to your regular physician about these feelings of depression. A lot of things can bring on these blue feelings and they don't go away until they want to. Don't live in sadnesss, talk to the doc. Put a smile on that face and maybe put a comedy on the TV. Feel better sweetie

Re: Depression

mistriTsquirrel — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 16:36:45 GMT

I think the first thing you should do is talk to your primary care doctor about getting a thyroid panel and d and b-vitamin levels checked (if you haven't had those blood tests in the past year). Talk to him/her about any other blood tests they would advise to rule out a straightforward cause. Also ask if any of the medications you are on can cause depression.

As another poster mentioned, there could be hormonal issues. Talk to your doctor about whether or not a referral to an endocrinologist would be appropriate.

If you already have a psychiatrist who prescribed the medication you currently take, that person should be able to advise you, if other causes are ruled out. If you don't have one, you can get a referral from your primary care doc or check with your insurance company to see who is covered.

I'm not sure what type of medication you are on now, but as others have mentioned, some meds are not meant to be cut in half. If you are cutting an extended-release medication in half, that could explain why it is affecting you so much, as doing that gives you a rush of medication at once instead of the intended delivery.

If the medication you are taking is a benzodiazepine (like Xanax, Klonopin or Ativan), cutting it in half is probably fine (ask the prescribing physician). But benzodiazepines are more for anxiety than they are for depression. So a benzodiazepine may not help with the crying (and will make you feel loopy).

If you wind up going on an antidepressant, keep it in mind that you will probably feel tired and perhaps like a zombie for the first week or two. If you are sensitive to medications in general, ask to be put on the lowest dose available to start.

However, I would strongly suggest that you rule out a thyroid problem or vitamin deficiency first. This seems like it should be an obvious first step for doctors, but I can count on one finger the number of psychiatrists I've had who bothered to order these basic blood tests.

Re: Depression

LiveLaughLove — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 18:31:18 GMT

For me, and for others I have known as weii, walking outside for at least thirty minutes every day helps a lot. This is rain or shine. If you can, walk during the sunniest time of day on the sunny side of the street, etc. The more energetic you can be during your time outdoors the better. For example, walk as fast as you can for a brief period, then slow, then fast again. When I started I would just walk for fifty steps, then really fast for twenty and so on. And do not wear sunscreen for at least ten minutes of your time outside. Your body needs the natural vitamin D you get from the sunlight. Sunscreen not only blocks the burning rays but also the vitamin D.

This has worked for me and my friends. I hope you will try it, and that it works for you as well.

Re: Depression

Graciesmom — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 19:33:47 GMT

@Imaoldhippie ... You are exactly right ... It takes time for the medicine to kick in. I too have been on it for years ... My Doctor found the correct balance of medicine for me and I am a happy ... Do not feel loopy ... I also participate in the thinking of what thoughts you think are important. You need to have some positive thoughts to fight off those that depress you. It is a battle to watch out what thoughts I am feeding myself ... It's my choice. MayI add that depression can sometimes be caused by a chemical imbalance ... I see the medicine as nothing more than the drug that corrects the imbalance for me ... Some people need insulin for their imbalance and there is no shame ... I have none either ... I'm not perfect, but I enjoy life ... Good luck and take your medicine !!

Re: Depression

Graciesmom — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 19:38:58 GMT

Good advice @hckynut !! I too went to a psychologist who help me tremendously. You always have good advice !! You have to do whatever you have to to "FIX" yourself. If you hurt your knee you go to a orthopedist ... If you are not happy right now a talking Doctor is helpful !!

Re: Depression

chrystaltree — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 20:16:00 GMT

What makes you think taking half the dosage will help? Take the dosage as prescribed or go back to the doctor who prescribed and be honest. Since you won't take the medication, talk about alternate therapies. Like group therapay or talk therapy with a clinician.

Re: Depression

chiclets — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 23:04:19 GMT

Depression is something you do not just snap out of. If you have prescribed medication for it then you must take it. If you are told to take 1 pill a day then that is what you must do. Taking only half a pill is not allowing the pill to do it's job and neither you nor the doctor who prescribed the medication will know if it is the right medication for you.

You are not helping yourself by cheating on the dosage. You are lying to yourself. You have convinced yourself about loopy. Your body and mind need time to adjust to the medication and some medications may, at first, make you feel different but then in time the effect of the medication will be felt.

Do not fool yourself, you are not helping your depression but only adding to it. Many individuals suffer from depression so you are not alone and those that recognize it and do receive and follow treatment are better dealing with the issue and life.

Good luck.

Re: Depression

Foolywooly11 — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 00:13:33 GMT

@FlowerBear: As many others have posted, there could be many reasons why you feel this way, & it may take time to determine the cause, but breaking your pill in half is not the way to go. I was diagnosed with a mood disorder almost 10 years ago, but have also had hormonal, thyroid, & personal issues as well, & so I've had to have patience (not one of my virtues) with finding treatment. For me, that treatment is multi-faceted. Medication has helped, & so has therapy, & I try to be aware of my thoughts, as they're often what affects my feelings, & I try to make a fresh start each day. Keeping busy & doing things I enjoy helps as well. I hope you will go back to your doctor & speak with him honestly, & follow his advice. Good luck to you.

Re: Depression

fanb — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 01:31:07 GMT

DO yourself a favor and look at “ doctor yourself” site . A well respected doctor has a program to alleviate depresssion using non toxic vitamins . He is very well respected and has written best sellers. But you can find his whole program on line for free.

It is common knowledge that some people don,t respond to anti depressants and MD s must run through many trials to find a match. I think it is better to naturally improve your body,s chemistry . This approach ![enhancing your immune system ]is the latest trend in cancer research.

I know of many successes following Dr. Saul,s program. Good Luck

Re: Depression

Imaoldhippie — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 12:09:02 GMT

@Graciesmom...........I have been on 2 antidepressants since 1998. I am doing well and I am happy with the results. I know depression is caused by neurotransmitters in the brain that do not fire right, so yes meds and self determination are the answer. Im glad you are doing well and I have no shame in taking them either.