Wellness

[hckynut]

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@brandy77 wrote:

I know exactly what your daughter means, it is a feeling I dread so much, I have treatment resistent depression. I'm 43 and have struggled since childhood, I wish I could suggest something, but nothing has helped me. I just wanted to tell you I know what she's talking about.

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@brandy77

What exactly is "treatment resistant depression",  and by whom, and how is it diagnosed? My Diagnosed Clinical Depression did not just disappear because of Group Therapy/Pych Meds/Psychiatric Visits etc.

Did certain Meds help me more than others? Did meditating and being an avid athlete, which includes hours of training help me more? Who knows, but to term Depression as "treatment resistant"?  First time my Psychiatrist used that term when talking about my issues? Would soon be called my former psychiatrist!

Like my Alcohol problems, to me I will never be CURED, always RECOVERING. My diagnosed mental issues I view EXACTLY the same, I will always be in recovery/recovering, never CURED!

I however will never use or let my psychiatrist use that term in any of my consultations. I DO NOT believe any reputable doctor, in any field, needs to use that term when treating their patient. Curable, maybe not, but your term? Not with me.

hckynut(john)

[panda1234]

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@IMW wrote:

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@panda1234 wrote:

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@IMW wrote:

My dh has bipolar. Sleep is the best way to regulate biochemistry in the brain. At least 8 hrs nightly- disruptions can lead to an episode. Adequate sleep can head off an episode.

Make sure the room is dark, quiet etc.—it is crucial.

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@IMW   I forgot to mention she also has insomina.

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Call psychiatrist re possible sleep rx, or change in meds.

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@IMW  She takes Balsomria and Ambien together for sleep. Unless there is something very new, there are no changes to make, she has tried them all. 

[panda1234]

Thank you @hckynut. She was diagnosed by her psychiatrist she has had since she was 5 and I took her to Penn Medicine for a second opinion. She actually has schizoaffective disorder which is bipolar and schizophrenia together.  There is no cure, just learning to live with it. Most days are ok but when mental illness decides to rear its ugly head, it's not pretty. And like you said, there is no trigger, it just happens. 

[panda1234]

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@Nugbucker wrote:
@panda1234- I don’t knit the traditional way. I use those colored looms that you can buy in craft stores and at Walmart. So it’s easy peasy to do but it’s counting and for me, that’s what keeps my brain occupied. And it’s fun to knit. I make scarves too. They’re just ‘ehh’ though. Lol. Maybe your daughter could try the looms, see if that helps her. I just realized, I learned to knit by attending a class offered at a friend’s church many years ago. I wouldn’t say I’m terribly religious but maybe this was a hint for me- here’s a way to help when you’re feeling bad.
How old is your daughter, may I ask? And what’s her name?

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@Thank you for your response @JLO7. Katelyn is 23 and I knew from the start something was not as it should be. 

I think we will both try knitting. I can see how the counting keeps your brain busy. It is hard for her to concentrate when she is being sucked into a hole, but worth a try. 

[panda1234]

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@ellaphant wrote:

Please make sure your daughter and you see a mental health professional. Your daughte's symptoms are unique to her. Do not rely on this forum for help with your daughter,

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I would NEVER rely on anyone but a professional @ellaphant. This is too serious to go by someone's opinion on a forum. I know some people do, but I am not one of them.

[panda1234]

@fortune. I bought her the light that you sit in front of each day, it simulates the sun, didn't work. As far as melatonin, she is past that, it never worked for her. She takes two different sleeping meds each night and sometimes they don't even work. 

[panda1234]

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@sweetee2 wrote:

You said that you daughter can tell a week ahead if she is going to have an episode.  I wondering if it might have something to do with her menstrual cycle. It might be worth taking her to a Gynecologist and talking to them. I know I used to get ill tempered before mine.

With my daughter and her Bipolar we have tried mental, therapy, physical, and meds. and moved her back home out of her trigger environment and she doing really well now.

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@sweetee2 So glad you found a solution and your daughter is doing well. We did at one point think her period was associated with mood, the doctor said no, distill think it is. Anyway, she does not get her period anymore so that's not it.

[panda1234]

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@mimomof4 wrote:

My son suffers from Depression and ADHD, although due to his age the physchiatrist won't officially diagnose him with depression.   It is hard on our entire family dealing with his mood swings especially me.  What helps him the most is a consistant schedule.  Any small deviation from his schedule or what he expects can through him off.  

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@mimomof4  Her original Doctor did not want to put a label on her. When I took her to Penn Medicine that was the first question they asked. They then gave her the diagnosis after so many years of not having one. What really changed my daughters life was going on a mood stabilizer. Most times it takes a combo of meds not just one or two and you have to find a doctor that knows how to do it......it's a fine art. 

[panda1234]

@ruthbe. All good advice. You sound like you have been around the block with this like us.

New doctor did the genetic testing and did find out she was low in the folic acid. It was interesting to know that that is how the meds get processed. Anyway, the medicine, can't think of the name, didn't make a difference for her and insurance stopped paying for it. 

And yes, meds and dosages always have to be reevaluated, very important.

[panda1234]

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@software wrote:

I'm no expert but the knitting thing, it would help to do something similar that requires a certain amount of discipline, anything to engage the right side of her brain.    The right side is the artsy, creative side and positive stimulation can be beneficial.    Cooking or baking can help.   

Exercise can help.   Yoga & meditation can be valuable

Has she ever had a full medical physical?   Our bodies are run by hormones.   Our bodies produce all kinds of hormones from many different glands.   If hormones are off balance, correcting it won't cure the depression but it would help possibly with the insomnia.   Fixing the insomnia should be a priority.   Reaching out for natural remedies particularly for negative side effects of her medication can be helpful.   But don't just run to the health food store and start grabbing bottles, consult with an expert.

I'm so very sorry for your daughter's diagnosis.   It's a very cruel disorder. 

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@software  I do believe engaging the right side of the brain is part of solving the puzzle. 

She has had all types of testing over the past 22 years and nothing seems to come up. Thank you for your input.