CanadianGuy
Posts: 219
Status: offline
|
Many people can get "down" or "low" and even have weepy periods now and then, and that's normal. For some, they do that all their life, on and off... and for some it's just occasional. Then there's not being able to stop crying, ruminating on small things for days, weeks, months. Not being able to function in your daily routine because you're so depressed. Having to ask message boards for help. Your mood affecting your quality of life. Passive suicidal thoughts - "if I didn't wake up tomorrow, that'd be fine with me." That's not something you should allow to continue. It's not safe, and even if you were certain to never try suidice, you owe it to youself to have a higher quality of life. For that reason, I'm a little annoyed at some people saying "don't give in, just keep trying harder" etc. No offense to them, but are they mental health professionals? Having been depressed themselves doesn't qualify them to diagnose or treat it, even if they're currently doing well. Taking that advice would be like taking a diabetic's advice on how to treat your diabetes - especially if they're telling you to just avoid any medication because that'd be "giving in". Next thing you know, you're sweating, can't eat, and going blind. Woops! My point is that sometimes depression (and many conditions) are severe enough to merit medical help. That's why we have medicine - it saves lives, and increases quality of lives. It's not just a trick invented by drug companies. It sounds like a low dose of a good antidepressant (like Celexa 10mg once daily, to start?) would be excellent for you. See your family doctor, and if he's comfortable prescribing, and you're sure he's capable with mental health issues, go for it. If not, ask for a referral to a psychiatrist, who will meet with you and presecribe. It's not therapy - psychiatrist are medical doctors who specialize in mental health, not therapists. Besides, sounds like this is a chemical issue, from what you're saying. You don't necessarily need therapy to deal with the minor "embarassing" issue that's got you crying today. Nor do you need therapy to deal with relationship issues, since you said you were suffering from depression BEFORE that occured. I believe it's related to your internal chemistry, especially since hormones interplay with your mood. Get yourself on something. It's not very expensive (if you're in the US where medications aren't covered, that's a consideration), usually you only have to take one small pill a day, or perhaps twice a day. The new antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs - like Celexa) are extremely low on side effects. Most people experience none, or no more than they would if they started taking advil or something. Remember to give it 2-3 weeks before you expect to see most of the results. The side effects, if you get any (like dry mouth), will go away after a week or so when your body adjusts. After a couple weeks you'll notice appetite and sleep changes. And by 3-4 weeks, your mood will be much better. Antidepressants aren't addictive or habit forming. They don't cahnge your personality. All they do is help normalize a neurotransmitter (Serotonin) which regulates your mood. Lastly, when you start feeling better, don't just stop taking them. You may need to stay on a small dose for a while, especially while you deal with issues that were causing the depression, and until you're feeling stable and get your feet under you for a while. Go back to your prescribing doctor when you think you're ready to cut the dose, or go off it. Then again, this is just my opinion and advice, and we don't know each other. Good luck. *hug*
< Message edited by CanadianGuy -- 5/26/2006 11:20:02 AM >
|