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Treatment Resistant Depression and Trauma--what next?

Posted by winnee @winnee, Apr 9 1:23pm

I've been struggling with depression for most of my life, but definitely since graduating high school. After dropping out of college, I did see a therapist and started a long, long, long, long journey on various anti-depressants, anti-psychotics . . . .
It's been almost 40 years now and I understand the trauma and why my brain tries to protect me the way it does. What I don't understand is why no medication seems to work. I've even had 18 rounds of ECT. Hated it but I did it. Any thoughts on how to stay hopeful?
Thanks, Winnie

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mwendt54 | @mwendt54 | Jul 13 3:31pm

My decades long depression finally got better when I stopped all the antidepressants I’d tried over 35 years. I count myself as lucky.

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Pattee Fletcher | @fletchette | Jul 14 4:12pm
In reply to @lostintheworld "Hi Winnie, I have TRD, I have been fighting since 1995 to bring some sort of..." + (show)
Profile picture for lostintheworld @lostintheworld

Hi Winnie,
I have TRD, I have been fighting since 1995 to bring some sort of joy to my life. I have failed miserably. I have tried Medications, theropy, Ayahuasca, bufo and numerous other self help retreats. One option I havent tried is ECT. If you went back 18 times you must have felt some relief. Could you share your experience with ECT with me. I am hanging on by a very thin thread. Not sure if I can handle the disappointment of this not working

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I have TRD for over 50 years. In the 80s I found some good relief from Prozac that lasted me a couple of years and then the deep depression returned. I’ve been on most anti-depression drugs, trying other kinds of cures the one that were the best for me which was startling was ECT. I was truly amazed at the rapid at the rapid change in mood from one session. I had six more as I stayed in the hospital for treatment that was eight years ago. I’ve had a return of depression, but not so dark as it had been in the past. I’m back on SSRI s. Genuinely my mood is OK. I’m in my mid 70s now and have just stopped taking Prozac and started Cymbalta. I’ve never tried Cymbalta before so this should be interesting. Depression sucks!
I’d say try ECT again it was remarkable for me. A game changer..

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9yearspast | @9yearspast | Jul 15 2:12am

I used to have that diagnosis, but I cleared after being taken of some of the medications. Turned out I had PTSD and it has been a journey and tons of therapy. I didn’t believe I would get well, but I found my way more. Life is still super hard but I am more resilient now. To be in a place with a weight over me was very hard. I try to recall the times in my life something seemingly bad changed my life path into something good. It took me years. I feel the think I need the most of is elusive. It is my sleep.

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david707 | @david707 | Jul 16 2:15pm
In reply to @9yearspast "I used to have that diagnosis, but I cleared after being taken of some of the..." + (show)
Profile picture for 9yearspast @9yearspast

I used to have that diagnosis, but I cleared after being taken of some of the medications. Turned out I had PTSD and it has been a journey and tons of therapy. I didn’t believe I would get well, but I found my way more. Life is still super hard but I am more resilient now. To be in a place with a weight over me was very hard. I try to recall the times in my life something seemingly bad changed my life path into something good. It took me years. I feel the think I need the most of is elusive. It is my sleep.

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I learned early on after my psychosis event that 7 to 8 hrs is needed. I initially took Tegretol for sleep, than Trazodone, then Ambien. Now, because of my age (79) I take Lunesta. No side effects. Good luck.

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9yearspast | @9yearspast | Jul 17 1:21am

Thank you. There would be no chance I would be prescribed lunesta where I live they just won’t entire state. Not about me, but about some problems with addiction that permeate the state.

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daveshaw | @daveshaw | Jul 17 8:47am
In reply to @fletchette "I have TRD for over 50 years. In the 80s I found some good relief from..." + (show)
Profile picture for Pattee Fletcher @fletchette

I have TRD for over 50 years. In the 80s I found some good relief from Prozac that lasted me a couple of years and then the deep depression returned. I’ve been on most anti-depression drugs, trying other kinds of cures the one that were the best for me which was startling was ECT. I was truly amazed at the rapid at the rapid change in mood from one session. I had six more as I stayed in the hospital for treatment that was eight years ago. I’ve had a return of depression, but not so dark as it had been in the past. I’m back on SSRI s. Genuinely my mood is OK. I’m in my mid 70s now and have just stopped taking Prozac and started Cymbalta. I’ve never tried Cymbalta before so this should be interesting. Depression sucks!
I’d say try ECT again it was remarkable for me. A game changer..

Jump to this post

Depression does suck and my only suggestion would be to try Zoloft. I tried Prozac when it first came out but I found it actually increased my anxiety. My Doctor switched me to Zoloft and I have been on it along with Wellbutrin, Buspar and Klonopin for over thirty years.
As far as sexual side effects I take 5mg of daily Cialis which has been great for me. I have actually cut my dose of Zoloft from 100 mg to 50mg. That has also helped with the sexual side effects.
Good luck to you.

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