@james46 I began taking medication for depression and a few other mental health issues 21 years ago. It was frustrating finding an antidepressant that worked. I went through the 6 week trial of a bunch of them before I found that Wellbutrin did the job - sort of. Even so, it was more than 5 years until I could say I wasn't seriously suicidal.
I'm just beginning to take Lithium, only up to 300mg. So far I don't feel any effect.
Depression and anxiety and PTSD are hard problems to live with. I told my therapist yesterday that I'm tired of being depressed. It just never seems to take a break. Maybe Lithium will bring some relief. I'm also considering ECT and EMDR.
I have had anxiety and depression issues since I was 17 years old. I am now 78. The best advice I can give you is to find a therapist. You may have to try several but don’t give up. Also, please start exercising even though you probably won’t want to. It may take some time to find the best anti depressant that helps you. Do not give up! I know how you feel and it is hard. There is much joy waiting for you. Best wishes.
Sorry to hear that. I’m trying 20 mg Lexapro. In the past 10 mg worked perfectly, but not this time. Keep waiting to the increase to kick in.. It’s almost 2 weeks on 20 and I don’t see much difference. By the way, a friend takes 100 mg Zoloft (Sertaline), for panic attacks and it works wonderfully for her. I know we are all different, but thought I’d mention it to you.
I had a similar experience. I spent years on Effexor and the depression slowly worsened and then went into overdrive with very long bouts of it. It got pretty scary and finally I was in the hospital where I was diagnosed as bipolar 2 as well. They kept me on it and added mood stabilizers, which flattened me out, but didn't really fix things. It took several more months still and another deep sink, but eventually the antidepressant was determined to be the driving cause of my steep descent. I got off of it, and within days was feeling much better, and within a few weeks had experienced a major turnaround.
There are studies showing links between bipolar 2 and deepening depression from antidepressants. It isn't common, but it is known. I switched to lamotrigine, and that seems to have aided in a full recovery. It's an anticonvulsant approved for bipolar 2 patients. Different things work for different people, and antidepressants can work miracles for many. But they can and do flip some people the opposite direction. That's what happened to me, and it sounds like you had a similar response.
Sounds like the exact same experience. My depression would last nine months to a year and like you I finally ended up in the hospital, honestly in the treatment center because I had tried to put an end to my suffering. When I was diagnosed as bipolar two, it was a relief. But it has been a battle to find the right medication. I’m on.Lamotrin also. I am going into my sixth week of being off Seroquel completely. Taking buspirone for severe anxiety, but it doesn’t seem to be working and the side effects are not fun. They make me shake and sweat a lot lol. It looks like I’m gonna have to go back on klonopin or Xanax for the anxiety. The Seroquel was so sedating for me and what it did to my body was awful. I feel so much better without it. I feel like I’m turning into my old self again, but I have to be very careful not to self medicate the manic episodes. My parents died a couple of years ago and I was so medicated that I was numb and now being off Seroquel I feel like I’ve just now started the grieving process so I don’t plan on ever going back on a antipsychotic again. I can handle the mood swings, but the Lamictal helps even those out. I can’t handle the anxiety. Fortunately, I’ve got two great doctors that listen to me and understand my symptoms. And they work with me to help me find solutions. In the beginning my psychiatrist put me on so many different meds. I was severely overmedicated. I couldn’t even drive. I had Walmart deliver all my groceries. I received my medication in the mail. I never left the house. People would call me and asked me to meet them at the beach or to go out to lunch and I would always come up with an excuse, not to go. Things are different now off Seroquel. So much better it’s really nice to talk to people who have been through the same thing because the word bipolar is thrown around so easily today. Family and friends just brush it off. I had a accounting job for seven years. When I started, I was so manic. I would have to drink a bottle of wine the night before so I would feel bad enough to be able to sit in that chair for eight hours a day. Then I had a serious bout of depression and could not remember how to do my job so job. I took another job and could not comprehend the instructions and understand and retain the information that they gave me so I got fired again. Depression is like walking through quicksand. I’m on disability now. I could only keep a job for three years at the most the job I had for seven years was an exception. I was a little surprised it took them so long to fire me. I always thought I was a failure because I couldn’t do anything really good for a long period of time. I’ve done a lot of research about bipolar too and the medication‘s and the side effects and I understand now why I behave the way I do.
Unfortunatly
Just one local and they just say it takes time I’ve barely able to leave the house for over 2 months ordering shopping for home delivery because fear of having panic attack in store
I have had anxiety and depression issues since I was 17 years old. I am now 78. The best advice I can give you is to find a therapist. You may have to try several but don’t give up. Also, please start exercising even though you probably won’t want to. It may take some time to find the best anti depressant that helps you. Do not give up! I know how you feel and it is hard. There is much joy waiting for you. Best wishes.
@dvbob In 2005 I admitted myself to a place for people who have attempted suicide. I was at a very dark place. With the help of medications and therapy, I finally reached the point where I could say that I was safe. I'm still seeing a therapist, 20 years later. I just recently changed from a Zoom therapist to in person. I find that being in person works much better for me.
At Christmas, 2023, I had a catastrophic reaction to an antibiotic Levofloxacin. It destroyed the tissue in both of my Achilles tendons and ruptured them. It's been a long year. My second tendon transfer surgery was this past December, and I have PT twice a week. I'm having to relearn how to walk. I'm very clumsy still and fall a lot. So, I haven't been able to do much exercise for 15 months, but I get a lot of it in the summer, working in our large yard. I'm trying to get the yard lower maintenance. I work in gardens and flower beds for 6+ hours a day, plus I try to work in time for woodworking projects.
The psychiatric nurse practitioner is trying me on Lithium. My wife told me today that she doesn't see it having any effect on my depression. I think one of the reasons for trying it is to reduce suicidal thoughts. I take Wellbutrin, Mirtazapine, and Duloxetine for depression, and Clonazepam for anxiety and restless leg syndrome. CIDP is a painful disease with no real treatment. I started subcutaneous infusions of Hizentra a few months ago and it has stopped the burning component of the pain in my feet, but I expect to live with pain and numbness the rest of my life. Kind of the same as depression and anxiety and PTSD. Coming to terms with that is a big step toward being at peace.
It's always good to know others who understand by experience.
@dvbob In 2005 I admitted myself to a place for people who have attempted suicide. I was at a very dark place. With the help of medications and therapy, I finally reached the point where I could say that I was safe. I'm still seeing a therapist, 20 years later. I just recently changed from a Zoom therapist to in person. I find that being in person works much better for me.
At Christmas, 2023, I had a catastrophic reaction to an antibiotic Levofloxacin. It destroyed the tissue in both of my Achilles tendons and ruptured them. It's been a long year. My second tendon transfer surgery was this past December, and I have PT twice a week. I'm having to relearn how to walk. I'm very clumsy still and fall a lot. So, I haven't been able to do much exercise for 15 months, but I get a lot of it in the summer, working in our large yard. I'm trying to get the yard lower maintenance. I work in gardens and flower beds for 6+ hours a day, plus I try to work in time for woodworking projects.
The psychiatric nurse practitioner is trying me on Lithium. My wife told me today that she doesn't see it having any effect on my depression. I think one of the reasons for trying it is to reduce suicidal thoughts. I take Wellbutrin, Mirtazapine, and Duloxetine for depression, and Clonazepam for anxiety and restless leg syndrome. CIDP is a painful disease with no real treatment. I started subcutaneous infusions of Hizentra a few months ago and it has stopped the burning component of the pain in my feet, but I expect to live with pain and numbness the rest of my life. Kind of the same as depression and anxiety and PTSD. Coming to terms with that is a big step toward being at peace.
It's always good to know others who understand by experience.
Sorry you have had such a rough time Jim. I also keep very busy and have a hard time sitting still. I think excepting that we have a disease helps. I take Adderal for mental clarity and concentration. I believe we can get better. Good luck!
Sorry you have had such a rough time Jim. I also keep very busy and have a hard time sitting still. I think excepting that we have a disease helps. I take Adderal for mental clarity and concentration. I believe we can get better. Good luck!
Thank you and please god you have luck beating this
Life is so short as it is why do some of us suffer depression and anxiety where we can barely face the day ahead best of luck to everyone going through this
@dvbob In 2005 I admitted myself to a place for people who have attempted suicide. I was at a very dark place. With the help of medications and therapy, I finally reached the point where I could say that I was safe. I'm still seeing a therapist, 20 years later. I just recently changed from a Zoom therapist to in person. I find that being in person works much better for me.
At Christmas, 2023, I had a catastrophic reaction to an antibiotic Levofloxacin. It destroyed the tissue in both of my Achilles tendons and ruptured them. It's been a long year. My second tendon transfer surgery was this past December, and I have PT twice a week. I'm having to relearn how to walk. I'm very clumsy still and fall a lot. So, I haven't been able to do much exercise for 15 months, but I get a lot of it in the summer, working in our large yard. I'm trying to get the yard lower maintenance. I work in gardens and flower beds for 6+ hours a day, plus I try to work in time for woodworking projects.
The psychiatric nurse practitioner is trying me on Lithium. My wife told me today that she doesn't see it having any effect on my depression. I think one of the reasons for trying it is to reduce suicidal thoughts. I take Wellbutrin, Mirtazapine, and Duloxetine for depression, and Clonazepam for anxiety and restless leg syndrome. CIDP is a painful disease with no real treatment. I started subcutaneous infusions of Hizentra a few months ago and it has stopped the burning component of the pain in my feet, but I expect to live with pain and numbness the rest of my life. Kind of the same as depression and anxiety and PTSD. Coming to terms with that is a big step toward being at peace.
It's always good to know others who understand by experience.
Thank you and please god you have luck beating this
Life is so short as it is why do some of us suffer depression and anxiety where we can barely face the day ahead best of luck to everyone going through this
Thanks for getting back to me Jim. I can only beat this by not letting it beat me. I am thin-skinned and then the hopelessness sets in. I then get up and get going knowing that the way I feel will not last. Depression is evil, it never wins but never leaves. I think we must accept what is and lose that selfish impulse we seem to have which is self-destruction. We hurt the people who love us and that is wrong. Good Luck, and I am here anytime you need a conversation.
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I have had anxiety and depression issues since I was 17 years old. I am now 78. The best advice I can give you is to find a therapist. You may have to try several but don’t give up. Also, please start exercising even though you probably won’t want to. It may take some time to find the best anti depressant that helps you. Do not give up! I know how you feel and it is hard. There is much joy waiting for you. Best wishes.
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4 ReactionsSorry to hear that. I’m trying 20 mg Lexapro. In the past 10 mg worked perfectly, but not this time. Keep waiting to the increase to kick in.. It’s almost 2 weeks on 20 and I don’t see much difference. By the way, a friend takes 100 mg Zoloft (Sertaline), for panic attacks and it works wonderfully for her. I know we are all different, but thought I’d mention it to you.
Sounds like the exact same experience. My depression would last nine months to a year and like you I finally ended up in the hospital, honestly in the treatment center because I had tried to put an end to my suffering. When I was diagnosed as bipolar two, it was a relief. But it has been a battle to find the right medication. I’m on.Lamotrin also. I am going into my sixth week of being off Seroquel completely. Taking buspirone for severe anxiety, but it doesn’t seem to be working and the side effects are not fun. They make me shake and sweat a lot lol. It looks like I’m gonna have to go back on klonopin or Xanax for the anxiety. The Seroquel was so sedating for me and what it did to my body was awful. I feel so much better without it. I feel like I’m turning into my old self again, but I have to be very careful not to self medicate the manic episodes. My parents died a couple of years ago and I was so medicated that I was numb and now being off Seroquel I feel like I’ve just now started the grieving process so I don’t plan on ever going back on a antipsychotic again. I can handle the mood swings, but the Lamictal helps even those out. I can’t handle the anxiety. Fortunately, I’ve got two great doctors that listen to me and understand my symptoms. And they work with me to help me find solutions. In the beginning my psychiatrist put me on so many different meds. I was severely overmedicated. I couldn’t even drive. I had Walmart deliver all my groceries. I received my medication in the mail. I never left the house. People would call me and asked me to meet them at the beach or to go out to lunch and I would always come up with an excuse, not to go. Things are different now off Seroquel. So much better it’s really nice to talk to people who have been through the same thing because the word bipolar is thrown around so easily today. Family and friends just brush it off. I had a accounting job for seven years. When I started, I was so manic. I would have to drink a bottle of wine the night before so I would feel bad enough to be able to sit in that chair for eight hours a day. Then I had a serious bout of depression and could not remember how to do my job so job. I took another job and could not comprehend the instructions and understand and retain the information that they gave me so I got fired again. Depression is like walking through quicksand. I’m on disability now. I could only keep a job for three years at the most the job I had for seven years was an exception. I was a little surprised it took them so long to fire me. I always thought I was a failure because I couldn’t do anything really good for a long period of time. I’ve done a lot of research about bipolar too and the medication‘s and the side effects and I understand now why I behave the way I do.
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1 ReactionIt’s time to get another opinion. I wouldn’t wait very long. Clonazepam worked for me. You are on an antipsychotic and I know nothing about them.
@dvbob In 2005 I admitted myself to a place for people who have attempted suicide. I was at a very dark place. With the help of medications and therapy, I finally reached the point where I could say that I was safe. I'm still seeing a therapist, 20 years later. I just recently changed from a Zoom therapist to in person. I find that being in person works much better for me.
At Christmas, 2023, I had a catastrophic reaction to an antibiotic Levofloxacin. It destroyed the tissue in both of my Achilles tendons and ruptured them. It's been a long year. My second tendon transfer surgery was this past December, and I have PT twice a week. I'm having to relearn how to walk. I'm very clumsy still and fall a lot. So, I haven't been able to do much exercise for 15 months, but I get a lot of it in the summer, working in our large yard. I'm trying to get the yard lower maintenance. I work in gardens and flower beds for 6+ hours a day, plus I try to work in time for woodworking projects.
The psychiatric nurse practitioner is trying me on Lithium. My wife told me today that she doesn't see it having any effect on my depression. I think one of the reasons for trying it is to reduce suicidal thoughts. I take Wellbutrin, Mirtazapine, and Duloxetine for depression, and Clonazepam for anxiety and restless leg syndrome. CIDP is a painful disease with no real treatment. I started subcutaneous infusions of Hizentra a few months ago and it has stopped the burning component of the pain in my feet, but I expect to live with pain and numbness the rest of my life. Kind of the same as depression and anxiety and PTSD. Coming to terms with that is a big step toward being at peace.
It's always good to know others who understand by experience.
Jim
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8 ReactionsSorry you have had such a rough time Jim. I also keep very busy and have a hard time sitting still. I think excepting that we have a disease helps. I take Adderal for mental clarity and concentration. I believe we can get better. Good luck!
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1 ReactionThank you and please god you have luck beating this
Life is so short as it is why do some of us suffer depression and anxiety where we can barely face the day ahead best of luck to everyone going through this
Great post! You are so right about therapy; it is the one thing that helps.
Thanks for getting back to me Jim. I can only beat this by not letting it beat me. I am thin-skinned and then the hopelessness sets in. I then get up and get going knowing that the way I feel will not last. Depression is evil, it never wins but never leaves. I think we must accept what is and lose that selfish impulse we seem to have which is self-destruction. We hurt the people who love us and that is wrong. Good Luck, and I am here anytime you need a conversation.