Depression Treatments

[Scales]

I went through years of major depressive disorder (clinical depression) dealing with it on my own through different coping methods.

In early 2008 I finally made the decision to go on anti-depressants, and was prescribed paxil (paroxetine). From side effects I get tired a little easier and a great deal of my libido is temporarily gone since I am on it, which has it's pros and cons. I am going to be on paxil for around nine months which is how long it apparently takes for the chemicals in the brain to reset themselves, then I'm going to be weened off of it and done with it. If I end up really having to go back on medication in the future I'm not going to take paxil again; one of the reasons is that if I was to not have access to my medication for 4-5 days (the half-life), I would end up "ultra-depressed" and probably go a bit crazy, to put it lightly. I'm also going to counseling soon so hopefully that will help me out.

If you've had any treatments for mood disorders, what were they and how have they helped you?

[Nienna]

I've tried several drugs now. Imatrex, Paxil, Wellbuterin, Celexa, Zoloft, others I can't remember. They all came with such a debilitating laundry list of side effects that I never made it past a couple of weeks for fear that I would lose my job. SO... I decided not to do the drug thing ever again. I just have had tgo learn to deal with things myself.

[Scales]

I've tried several drugs now. Imatrex, Paxil, Wellbuterin, Celexa, Zoloft, others I can't remember. They all came with such a debilitating laundry list of side effects that I never made it past a couple of weeks for fear that I would lose my job. SO... I decided not to do the drug thing ever again. I just have had tgo learn to deal with things myself.

That's the way it's looking for me as I look through the side effects for depression medication, it's all pretty much a double-edged band-aid.

[GothicRavenGoddess (3)]

i have found out that my depression stems from my PCOS. (not the direct cause, but its not helping either). i WAS on Zoloft, several years ago, but that's before they found out that most ppl have to be weined onto it, and then back off of it (damn idiots, if you ask me)

i am currently not on anything at the moment. Though i am changing my diet to a Low GI diet (proven to help PCOS) and i am looking into alternative meds (herbs and things) that have been proven to also help. i have my fingers crossed. if this doesn't start to improve my depression, through improving my PCOS, then i will look into other things... meds never work right, in my body, so its always a shot in the dark

[Rayne]

I went through years of major depressive disorder (clinical depression) dealing with it on my own through different coping methods.

In early 2008 I finally made the decision to go on anti-depressants, and was prescribed paxil (paroxetine). From side effects I get tired a little easier and a great deal of my libido is temporarily gone since I am on it, which has it's pros and cons. I am going to be on paxil for around nine months which is how long it apparently takes for the chemicals in the brain to reset themselves, then I'm going to be weened off of it and done with it. If I end up really having to go back on medication in the future I'm not going to take paxil again; one of the reasons is that if I was to not have access to my medication for 4-5 days (the half-life), I would end up "ultra-depressed" and probably go a bit crazy, to put it lightly. I'm also going to counseling soon so hopefully that will help me out.

If you've had any treatments for mood disorders, what were they and how have they helped you?

I have been on Zoloft and Paxil (not together - about 6 years apart). The Zoloft (post-partum depression in 2002) worked wonderful. So they tried it before the Paxil (panic attacks) this time ... it gave me horrible headaches I couldn't stand. I'm good on the Paxil now. It has side effects, especially when they move my doses around (which they decreased it about a month ago).

[Rev.Reverence]

I've tried several drugs now. Imatrex, Paxil, Wellbuterin, Celexa, Zoloft, others I can't remember. They all came with such a debilitating laundry list of side effects that I never made it past a couple of weeks for fear that I would lose my job. SO... I decided not to do the drug thing ever again. I just have had tgo learn to deal with things myself.

+1+1+1+1+1

I quit. In addition to the described side effects, I lost creativity, and motivation...but I liked food more...1984 on that one!

I am now on herbal extracts; like, Skunk Cabbage, Longan Berry, Chinese Licorice, Chaste Berry, & Blue Vervain.

With several Flower Essences mixed in...

BUT not everyone has a Genius Herbalist in their house....(Ya Oh_My_Goth is being taught some cool shit at work!)

[Miranda]

I've seen a few people be help by St. John's Wort for their Depression, so it's hit and miss. I have also seen a few get really sick off of it. You have to be sure your body can even handle herbs, mine can't. Not a bit. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it cannot harm you. Arsenic is natural but is hardly safe. I suggest if you do Herbal tinctures to try them when you don't have to go anywhere and drive. Personally, I get sick to the point of almost fainting.

I used to work with Ms. Clara Adams, her father Harry Zerbo opened the first and the biggest (selection wise) health food store selection in Michigan. I've seen her help people daily. I would call her for an evaluation; she used to do personal analysis'. I'm not saying it's going to be cheap; herbs and supplements can be costly. You can generally contact her through the store in Livonia.

[xbittergracex]

I've been on a large array of anti-depressants. I think that Prozac actually helped the most, but like Rev. I lost all creativity and motivation. I was a zombie....BUT i wasn't suicidal, so I suppose it served its purpose.

I also really really liked (and I'm going to butcher this spelling probably) Klonopin. Its an as needed medication for panic attacks and anxiety issues. Mellows you out pretty quickly. With my depression I get manic, where I just get really stressed and angry OR sad and crying all of a sudden...and the Klonopin helps.

I have a question for some of you...do any of you who go to counselling and/or take meds, do any of you NOT have insurance? I haven't been on anything or seen a counselor in quite some time because I do not have insurance, and things are getting pretty rough. So if you don't, how do you get help?

[Miranda]

This place used to help people with no insurance by paying on a sliding scale based on what you make. You'd have to call to see what they offer now.

HegiraPrograms

I know U of M Health System in Canton refers people with no insurance at all; they will get you the phone numbers, just tell them your situation. 734-844-5400

[Oh_My_Goth]

+1+1+1+1+1

I quit. In addition to the described side effects, I lost creativity, and motivation...but I liked food more...1984 on that one!

I am now on herbal extracts; like, Skunk Cabbage, Longan Berry, Chinese Licorice, Chaste Berry, & Blue Vervain.

With several Flower Essences mixed in...

BUT not everyone has a Genius Herbalist in their house....(Ya Oh_My_Goth is being taught some cool shit at work!)

Thanx BB.....

Medz are bad.....long term.....

I will try Me best to help, those who require it.....

[Nienna]

Just a warning, many herbs can affect the effectivness of the Pill.... and an unexpected preganacy can cause MAJOR depression. Play it safe.

[Rayne]

This place used to help people with no insurance by paying on a sliding scale based on what you make. You'd have to call to see what they offer now.

HegiraPrograms

I saw them for awhile when I was between insurances in 1998/99.

[Guest Megalicious]

I went through years of major depressive disorder (clinical depression) dealing with it on my own through different coping methods.

In early 2008 I finally made the decision to go on anti-depressants, and was prescribed paxil (paroxetine). From side effects I get tired a little easier and a great deal of my libido is temporarily gone since I am on it, which has it's pros and cons. I am going to be on paxil for around nine months which is how long it apparently takes for the chemicals in the brain to reset themselves, then I'm going to be weened off of it and done with it. If I end up really having to go back on medication in the future I'm not going to take paxil again; one of the reasons is that if I was to not have access to my medication for 4-5 days (the half-life), I would end up "ultra-depressed" and probably go a bit crazy, to put it lightly. I'm also going to counseling soon so hopefully that will help me out.

If you've had any treatments for mood disorders, what were they and how have they helped you?

The things I found most helpful are, DBT therapy ( a form of emotion regulation skills) and yoga believe it or not, it has helped to balance me.

Edited to say; Both of these have helped me so much more then meds ever did.

I can send info on DBT in your area if you like, if you intrested shoot me a PM.

[Rayne]

The things I found most helpful are, DBT therapy ( a form of emotion regulation skills) and yoga believe it or not, it has helped to balance me.

Edited to say; Both of these have helped me so much more then meds ever did.

I can send info on DBT in your area if you like, if you intrested shoot me a PM.

I'm trying to get involved in Yoga .... I needed a Yoga class with a lot of different times throughout the day and free childcare .... which we found. I also can take a pilates/yoga hybrid and a bunch of other fitness classes. I love where I go.

[Scales]

Thanks for all the replies, they've been helpful.

[Rev.Reverence]

I also really really liked (and I'm going to butcher this spelling probably) Klonopin. Its an as needed medication for panic attacks and anxiety issues. Mellows you out pretty quickly. With my depression I get manic, where I just get really stressed and angry OR sad and crying all of a sudden...and the Klonopin helps.

I believe you spelled that right.

It is a HIGHLY addictive substance. I was on it for several years. The 'clean out' period is a long one.

[Guest Megalicious]

I am now on herbal extracts; like, Skunk Cabbage, Longan Berry, Chinese Licorice, Chaste Berry, & Blue Vervain.

With several Flower Essences mixed in...

Yeah!!! I love me some flower Essences!!! (rescue remedy does wonders for my anger and anxiety!!)

I'm trying to get involved in Yoga .... I needed a Yoga class with a lot of different times throughout the day and free childcare .... which we found. I also can take a pilates/yoga hybrid and a bunch of other fitness classes. I love where I go.

I love my yoga teacher. It's a college course so it's not just about the practice of yoga, its also the theory of yoga which has also been helpful for me to realize I needed to make HUGE changes to balance myself properly

Its a 2 hour class, so one hour of theory, one out of practice. Diane is awesome and so very helpful.

When going through a little rough spot a month of so, she gave me mudras and mantras having to do with depression. I can't tell you how much they helped. She rules!

[Rev.Reverence]

Yeah!!! I love me some flower Essences!!! (rescue remedy does wonders for my anger and anxiety!!)

I love my yoga teacher. It's a college course so it's not just about the practice of yoga, its also the theory of yoga which has also been helpful for me to realize I needed to make HUGE changes to balance myself properly

Its a 2 hour class, so one hour of theory, one out of practice. Diane is awesome and so very helpful.

When going through a little rough spot a month of so, she gave me mudras and mantras having to do with depression. I can't tell you how much they helped. She rules!

So your into Hatha and Raja yoga!

[Guest Megalicious]

So your into Hatha and Raja yoga!

YAY!!!!!

[Miranda]

Also, adding some type of even mild exercise to your daily routine may help, that Endorphin high can be addictive once you let yourself feel it. I understand that with severe depression, it is so hard to get yourself motivated at times. Brain chemicals can be such a bitch when they are all fucked up and not level. Understatement.

[Burrich1]

Also, adding some type of even mild exercise to your daily routine may help, that Endorphin high can be addictive once you let yourself feel it. I understand that with severe depression, it is so hard to get yourself motivated at times. Brain chemicals can be such a bitch when they are all fucked up and not level. Understatement.

Very true. I've been trying to motivate myself to do some intense bike rides, and I haven’t been out once this year. They work wonders when I was doing them though. Another easier trick I learned from a counselor once is making a circle with your thumbs and your index/middle finger, and apply pressure to the tips for a minute or two. This helps me some to balance and take my depression/anxiety down a notch.

[Homicidalheathen]

St Johns wart but it takes 2 months to start working, most give up by then.

[know_buddy_kares]

too many posts to read any more fully than speed reading sadly...

But i suffer from manic depression however....

over the counter and precription drungs like St. Jons's Warts and Prozac or Zoloft never did a thing for me. I've been diagnozed with severe manic depressive... whatever the fuck... i kinda told the bitch to fuck off and flipped her the bird on my way out when I heard her try to explain to me as exactly, "wait I've not raped!! She was just using me!!" rant... but that never finished before I slammed the door in the hacks face. To hell with that shit... that' "professional" help will get you more lost than figuring it out on your own actually. We all suffer from depression..... some more than most(trust me... suicide? yeah.. just trust me on this ok?) Aint no govn't or organization ever going to help you in finding hapinesss other than searching yourself in what makes YOU happy, and what YOU want in life... and anyone that doesn't serve your standards can take a "FUCK YOU" go to the back of the row or gtfo in life.

This is a bit sumed up so talk to me in Pm if you wish for further details

[Miranda]

I just want to add this, though I direct it to no one in particular. The one problem I've seen with professional mental health help is; sometimes your Psychologist or Therapist starts to try infringing their personal belief system on you. It is bound to happen if they aren't extremely professional, it's a fine line. I mean think about it, you are telling them so much about your personal being, they could make a judgment.

Good Psychiatrists, Counselors and Therapists are neutral in their views but it can get really murky. If you ever sense your treatment and sessions are getting unprofessional, move on to a new Psychologist immediately. You are paying them for a service, and they are getting paid very well, so get off my back with your personal unprofessional and or judgmental input.

[Hellion]

I fight it just about everyday,I usually feel better if I get more sleep,lack of sleep make me feel like crap.