I'm not recovering: Could meds be causing suicidal thoughts?

Exhausting day for reasons outside of myself and immediate family.

I sent a message to my temporary prescriber and didn't get a clear answer probably because she doesn't know if the medication or my depression is causing the suicidal feelings.

Life goes on. I have too many things demanding my time and energy this week. I hope I don't get too overwhelmed this week - so much to do. I don't have time or energy to be depressed or anxious.

Yes, some medications can cause suicidal thoughts. Lamictal did not work for me either. Try and remember that today is all any of us have. Try and think about things you are grateful for, even just basic things. I have tried so many different anti-depressants over the years. I will say this, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary issue. Be sure and let your doctor know that you are having these thoughts. I am grateful you posted here. People need to hear what you have to say and we never know who we may be helping without even knowing it. Hang in there, just today!

Thañkyou❤️👍❤️

Try Tryptophan, it's the only anti-depression med that helped me safely.

Because of a troubled home life I have often felt "less." Now many years have gone by. My husband passed away. So now there is deep depression and grief. I am alone - by choice. I am not good with people. Never have been. But there is something that I know in my gut. Drugs are not the answer. I do not take any. At this time I am 90 years old pushing 91. I am independent. I can and do look after myself and I can and do drive. My mind is clear. I can and do make my own decisions. Still depressed and grieving, but I repeat: Drugs are not the answer.

How are you? Sometimes being busy can help in not thinking about life's circumstances. Have you noticed anymore of a difference now that you have been on the lamictal for longer? My thoughts are with you and I hope that you are feeling better. It is so important to find the right medication. I know that physical activity raises endorphins as well as dopamine. These both fight depression naturally. Please keep us posted. As you can see, there are many of us that care how you are doing.

You, my dear, are an inspiration! Thank you for posting.

Unfortunately, the busy-ness that I'm experiencing is part of my grief and depression, so it's not helping.

Yes, for some people, being busy with distractions can be helpful.

This has been a difficult week. Busy during the day, deeply crying at night. Very little sleep. Too much going on! Taking one moment at a time and trying to plan/prepare ahead of time.

@autumn2025 Please be gentle on yourself. A lesson I found very difficult to learn is "don't 'should' on yourself".
-I should do this because people/myself are telling I should
-I should take this medication because the dr says this will work
-I should feel better because ...[fill in the blank]

There is no specific timeline for feeling and healing. This I know. One thing that has been good for me over the years when it all feels so overwhelming, is to address or express my thoughts and feelings by doing something creative. Write a letter to what is bothering me. Draw a picture of how I feel, how I could feel if the burden was lifted. Grab a coloring book and see what can be done. Making something for someone else [I crochet and quilt], and offer them positive vibes as I do that. It all seems to take some of the power away from those negative energies and thoughts.

Would you think about trying to be gentle on yourself, and perhaps creatively addressing those thoughts?
Ginger

After decades of chronic pain and surgeries and the usual experiences aging brings to us, this past winter seemed to go on forever. Keeping up with home maintenance is beginning to overwhelm me. Helping my 96 yo mother through her aging who isn't always cooperative, I feel like quitting everything. For the first time I see leaving this world isn't far off. Facing things that suck and not improving is just the way it works. Every time I bump into an old acquaintance we have the same stories. Pain and medical stuff. I think I've found accepting a lousy life is better when it's warmer, sunnier and I'm somewhere away from my TV and house. I'm fortunate that I have a place that relieves the head stuff. It's a place called Longwwod Gardens. They have mobility scooters there and it's heaven on earth. That's the distraction that makes everything okay for a few hours. I see a lot of other older, limping, worn down folks there that enjoy a chat about good things like kids and how the grandchildren are doing good things. Good luck finding something.